About Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids - Grandville, MI

Goodwill was founded in 1902 by Rev. Edgar J. Helms, in Boston, Massachusetts. Helms created the Goodwill philosophy of “a hand up, not a hand out.” He collected used household goods and clothing being discarded in wealthier areas of the city, and trained and hired people to mend and repair the used goods for resale. The original concept was so visionary that it is just as relevant today as it was 120 years ago.

Local community leaders and United Way officials formed Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids in 1966 to serve people in Kent County. Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids provides no-cost job training and placement services to individuals with barriers to employment. Every year, we serve our communities by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to achieve self-sufficiency for themselves and their families.

communities through the power of work.