Goodwill Industries of Michiana Archives

History

Goodwill, has been a part of the South Bend community since 1936, based on the original Goodwill founded in 1902 by Rev. Edgar J. Helms.

Today Goodwill serves nearly 3000 individuals and employs over 700 individuals through Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and Southeast Chicagoland, empowering people and strengthening communities through the power of work.

Mission

The mission of Goodwill is to strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training, and job placement.

To learn how Goodwill goes about accomplishing this mission, be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter, Vision.

Vision

To be the leading provider of workforce development services in the communities we serve.

Impacting the community means providing a top-level workforce to local businesses as well.

Values

Work – We believe in the power of work

Ethics – We always act with integrity

Respect – We treat people with value and dignity

Development – We foster a culture of life-long learning

Leadership

Goodwill is a nonprofit organization headed by a Board of community leaders and run by a seasoned Senior Staff. We are open to new opportunities and welcome your feedback and suggestions. Use our Contact Us page to tell us what we’re doing right or what we can improve on.

Goodwill celebrates as the Gary and Hammond Excel Centers’ Class of 2025 graduates go out to make their mark on the world

By: Philip Bolton Last Updated: July 3, 2025

Goodwill celebrates as the Gary and Hammond Excel Centers’ Class of 2025 graduates go out to make their mark on the world On Tuesday, June 10, Goodwill held a joint graduation ceremony for graduates of the Goodwill Excel Centers located in Gary and Hammond. Over 55 graduates, along with their families and friends, gathered in the auditorium of the Hammond Area Career...

By: Philip Bolton Last Updated: July 3, 2025

Goodwill helps Elkhart and South Bend Excel Center graduates celebrate the bright future ahead On Monday, June 9, Goodwill held a joint graduation ceremony for graduates of the Goodwill Excel Centers located in Elkhart and South Bend. Over 50 graduates and their families gathered in the auditorium of the Battell Community Center in...

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10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana this weekend, June 19 – June 22

By: Damon Modglin Last Updated: June 17, 2025

Summer’s here, and it’s time to get outside while the sun is shining. From celebrations and festivals to waterparks and markets, gather the family and venture forth into a weekend of fun! Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northern...

All About the Girls Part 10 celebrates a decade of empowering women in Northern Indiana

By: Lauren Grasham Last Updated: June 12, 2025

All About the Girls Part 10 celebrates a decade of empowering women in Northern Indiana Over the past decade, All About the Girls (AATG) has grown from its humble beginnings at Valparaiso’s Industrial Revolution restaurant to an annually celebrated tradition, bringing together women of all backgrounds to share stories of courage,...

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Goodwill hosts Gary/Hammond Excel Center Graduations 2025

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Goodwill hosts Elkhart/South Bend Excel Center Graduations 2025

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Goodwill’s 15th annual Little Black Dress raises funds through fashion at sold-out event

By: Curtis Hankins Last Updated: April 30, 2025

Goodwill’s 15th annual Little Black Dress raises funds through fashion at sold-out event Goodwill held its 15th annual Little Black Dress Fundraiser on Thursday, April 24 at Four Winds Event Center South Bend. Featuring a pop-up boutique, dinner, and fashion show, the event raised funds to support Goodwill’s critical education, career...