In 1902 Edgar
James Helms, a Boston minister, conceived the idea of collecting unwanted
household goods and employing jobless men and women to repair and sell
these donations. He hired people in need, many who were considered unemployable.
Income from the resold goods paid the workers wages. The system was
a success and the Goodwill stores, along with the method of "self-help"
were born.
“A hand
up, not a hand out”, was Reverend Helms’ motto. He pioneered
an organization that gave people hope, dignity and independence by providing
them with the means to earn a pay-cheque and support their families.
Reverend Helms’ philosophy continues to flourish among more than
200 independent community-based Goodwill organizations in Canada, the
U.S. and 22 other countries. Reverend Helms’ concept was visionary,
for it is just as relevant today as it was over 100 years ago.
While for many years Goodwill focused on helping people with disabilities
find employment, that mission has expanded over the recent years. Today
Goodwill’s primary mission is to help individuals with barriers
to employment become self-sufficient through training and employment
services.
Goodwill Niagara began in 1984 as a branch operation of Amity Goodwill
Industries Hamilton, with a small store employing five people. With
support from donors, shoppers, volunteers and the community, the Niagara
operation grew steadily and became an autonomous organization in 1994.
