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

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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

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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. 

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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

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Newsroom

Andrew's Success

By Lora B • April 9, 2025
Andrew Pakkianathan's Success

Goodwill purchases Fresh N’ Low building in Cleveland

By Lora B • April 3, 2025
Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area has purchased the former Fresh N’ Low grocery store building located at 2010 Broomfield Road SE in Cleveland. The Goodwill store opening is planned for later this year. This will be the 17th retail location for Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area. A Goodwill Donation Xpress center is now open on-site daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. while the store is prepared for opening. “We are excited to open a second Goodwill store and donation center in the Cleveland area,” said Solara Sain, Vice President of Operations. “When people shop or donate at Goodwill, they are changing lives by helping to provide free job training and employment opportunities.” Since 1923, Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area has helped people receive the training and support they need to find competitive jobs in our region. Free services offered by Goodwill include career assessments, career and job search support, employment readiness assistance, digital skills training, financial and nutritional education, resume and interview preparation and access to on-site resource and career fairs. Read more Here .

Goodwill To Host A Hiring Event In Dalton

By Lora B • April 3, 2025
The Goodwill Opportunity Center in Dalton will host a hiring event in conjunction with Match Staffing on Thursday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Match Staffing is hiring for entry-level general labor, machine maintenance, and building maintenance positions at an employee-owned company in Dalton and Adairsville. The Goodwill Opportunity Center is inside the Goodwill Store at 1001 Market Street, near Mountain Creek Harley–Davidson in the Market Street Shoppes of Dalton shopping center. In addition to hiring events, the Goodwill Opportunity Center provides free career services such as career assessments, job search support, employment readiness assistance, digital skills training, financial and nutritional education and resume and interview preparation. "Hosting hiring events is just one way we contribute to our community," stated 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 16 local stores directly funds education, training, and employment services in the region, serving 23 counties across Georgia and Tennessee.
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