Our Mission

Building Lives That Work

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida is dedicated to providing opportunities for every member in our community to develop their full potential. Since 1959, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida has been fulfilling its mission of “Building Lives That Work.”

We provide tools that help people find meaningful work and achieve their goals. We provide vocational services, including job skills training, job placement, and supportive employment to persons with disabilities, to enable individuals to secure employment, develop their careers, and achieve their goals in life. Goodwill Industries of Central Florida proudly serves Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.

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Our History and Heritage

Bringing the vision of Goodwill’s beginnings to life today.

Though Goodwill Industries of Central Florida started in 1959, Goodwill’s history dates back to the turn of the 20th century.

In 1902, Edgar J. Helms put out free clothes he collected from Boston’s most elite citizens to give to less-fortunate parishioners. Shortly after, a near riot ensued because the giveaway was perceived as degrading in that it didn’t allow individuals the dignity of earning and doing for themselves. So, that same year, Helms decided to employ people to repair his used goods, then sell them to the less fortunate.

This laid the philosophical foundation of the Goodwill movement: That everyone has the potential to work, and work provides dignity and empowerment for all individuals.