Goodwill Administrative Offices
3145 Washington Road
Augusta, Georgia
www.goodwillworks.org
706-650-5760
For over a century, Goodwill has stood as a beacon of hope, transforming donations into pathways for meaningful careers and prosperous lives. Our journey, rooted in compassion and a drive for societal progress, began in Boston in 1902. Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a visionary Methodist Minister, laid the foundation of Goodwill with a simple yet powerful belief: every individual deserves the chance to unlock their potential and thrive through dedication, education, and initiative.
From collecting household items to establishing trade schools in partnership with skilled artisans, Reverend Helms created a self-sustaining model that not only provided education and employment, but also dignity and self-respect to those in need. This model, encapsulated by the ethos “Not charity, but a chance,” has evolved into a robust network of 160 Goodwill organizations across North America, each dedicated to empowering individuals and communities.
At Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA, our mission extends through 35 counties, supported by a dedicated local volunteer board of directors. We embody Dr. Helms’s vision, tirelessly working until every person in our community can achieve their fullest potential and enjoy abundant living. Our commitment to the reduce, reuse, and recycle movement—long before it became a global imperative—highlights our pioneering spirit and dedication to environmental stewardship.
Our retail training stores and educational programs are the lifeblood of our mission, where donated items are meticulously sorted and repurposed, providing both affordable goods for the community and funding for our transformative programs. From retail to recycling, every aspect of Goodwill is designed to support our goal of providing skills training, employment, and career advancement opportunities.
The heart of our organization is our people. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment that offers every Goodwill team member the chance to grow personally and professionally. Our Career Development initiatives and Helms Career Education programs stand as testaments to our commitment to empowering individuals through education and job placement, ensuring they have the tools needed for success in today’s dynamic workforce.
Central to our educational endeavors is Helms College, a unique accredited institution of higher education that embodies our mission through applied learning. Named in honor of Dr. Edgar Helms, Helms College offers a distinctive approach to career education, enabling students to discover and develop their gifts in culinary, hospitality, health services, and industrial trade operations, among other fields. This education model not only equips graduates for middle-skill careers with higher salaries but also integrates them as students with our vibrant social enterprises like Edgar’s Hospitality Group.
Edgar’s Hospitality Group provides a practical, real-world learning environment for Helms College students, from a bakery and coffee house to fine-dining restaurants to upscale event centers, including the Pinnacle Club. These applied learning venues empower students to refine their skills in genuine hospitality settings, underscoring our belief in learning by doing and contributing significantly to our mission.
Good Vocations, a unique arm of our organization, exemplifies our dedication to inclusivity by offering specialized training for individuals with disabilities, further highlighting our comprehensive approach to workforce development.
Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s 25 Most Inspiring Companies, Goodwill is not just an organization; it’s a movement. With an economic impact of about $200 million annually, we’re enhancing lives and strengthening the fabric of our community. Our Goodwill Ambassadors program is a testament to our ability to mobilize volunteers, augmenting our reach and impact.
As we look to the future, we are driven by the unwavering belief in the power of work, education, and community. Our story is one of hope, innovation, and unwavering commitment to making a difference—one life, one job, one community at a time. Together, with your support, we will continue to build on Reverend Helms’s legacy, fostering a world where every person has the opportunity to live abundantly and contribute meaningfully to society.
