About Us

What started with one truck and one storefront 100 years ago has helped thousands of people in our community receive education, training, jobs, and a second chance.

Goodwill was founded in 1902 in Boston, MA, by Rev. Edgar J. Helms. The idea was simple, fight poverty not with charity but with trade skills and provide a chance for the poor and unemployed to do productive work.


Inspired by compassion for the poor, sick, and disabled and determined to improve their quality of life, Helms put a burlap bag over his shoulder and asked for unwanted clothing, shoes, and household goods. He employed people in need to restore those collected items and taught them trades and skills as they worked. The income from the resale of those goods paid wages to these people.


With Helms as the driving force, Goodwill Industries spread throughout the United States. On July 5, 1923, Chattanooga Goodwill opened as the first Goodwill in the state of Tennessee and the 25th in the world.

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

A blue background with white text that says mission we help people transform potential into opportunity.
community where every person regardless of ability situation or background can achieve their greatest potential
The core values of a company are people , integrity , commitment , and continuous improvement.

Our Strategic Plan

A blue sign that says our strategic plan
A blue sign that says our strategic plan on it

When we commit to our guiding principles, donor values should increase, profits should increase, and potential should transform into opportunity within the communities we serve.

Structure

Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area is an innovative and sustainable social enterprise that utilizes its resale strategies to provide training to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment such as multi-generational poverty, history of incarceration, and limited education and work experience. Goodwill accepts clothing and other household goods from the public and sells these donated items in multiple community-based stores. Revenue from the sale of these goods goes directly toward supporting and growing critical local programs and job placement services.


Goodwill is an autonomous 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is a member agency of Goodwill Industries International and the United Way of Greater Chattanooga. Chattanooga Goodwill is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and serves 23 counties in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. 

A seal that says aspire to excellence carf accredited
A logo for platinum transparency 2024 by candid.
A man in a blue shirt is standing in front of a sign that says `` your purchase ''.

Careers at Goodwill

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to live independently, earn wages, and achieve their dreams.


We are committed to helping you achieve your personal and professional goals, whether it’s earning a credential or degree, planning for your next career, polishing your job search and interview skills, getting your finances in order, or overcoming a challenge specific to your experience or background.


We are here for you!

Our Service Area

A map of the united states with a blue background

Newsroom

Lexie's Success

By Lora B • July 2, 2025
Lexie Dill's Success

Goodwill To Host Forklift Operator Training Course

By Lora B • June 30, 2025
Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area is hosting a forklift operator training course in conjunction with Sunbelt Rentals on Monday, July 21, through Thursday, July 24. The class will be held at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, at 6104 Preservation Drive in Chattanooga. The 4-day boot camp training is provided in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation. The course includes American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classes 1, 4 and 5 warehouse forklift operator certification and career readiness training. In addition to these types of training opportunities, the Goodwill Opportunity Campus and the two Opportunity Centers in Dalton and East Brainerd provide free employment services such as career assessments, job search support, employment readiness assistance, digital skills training, financial and nutritional education and resume and interview preparation. "Hosting these training events is just one way we contribute to our community," said Rachel Inman, vice president of Mission Services. "At Goodwill, we are dedicated to offering resources that support individuals in their job search and future career growth." Since 1923, Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area has been helping people access the training and resources needed to secure competitive jobs. Goodwill Opportunity Centers are located in Dalton, East Brainerd, and Chattanooga. The revenue generated from Goodwill’s 15 local stores directly funds education, training, and employment services in the region, serving 23 counties across Georgia and Tennessee. Visit www.goodwillchatt.org to learn more. The deadline to register is July 7. The cost for non-Vocational Rehabilitation participants is $186. For more information or to register, contact Cornisha Espey at 423 634-2935 or cornisha.m.espey@tn.gov . Read More Here .

Goodwill To Host Infomational Health Insurance Event July 8

By Lora B • June 30, 2025
The Goodwill Opportunity Center in Dalton is hosting a hiring event with Partners Personnel on Tuesday, June 24 to find first and second-shift operators, product packers, material handlers, and fabricators. Starting pay rates range from $16 to $20 per hour, says organizers, and aspiring forklift operators will be given access to certification courses and guidance from professionals. Along with hiring, the event will offer free career services such as: Career assessments Job search support Employment readiness assistance Digital skills training Financial and nutritional education Resume and interview preparation "Hiring events are one of the many ways we actively invest in our community," said Jonathan Morris, Goodwill Opportunity Center Manager. "At Goodwill, we are dedicated to offering free resources that support individuals in their job search and future career growth." For more information, visit the Goodwill website , call the Dalton Goodwill Opportunity Center at 706-609-5647 or email Jonathan Morris at jonathanm@goodwillchatt.org . Read More Here .
Show More