Goodwill celebrates 100 years in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Goodwill is celebrating 100 years of local service. They currently have 15 locations in the Chattanooga area.

“We started 100 years ago in the Chattanooga area and throughout these 100 years, we have been making sure people have what they need to be successful, survive, thrive,” said Emily McHenry, Chief Mission Integration Officer for Goodwill. “We help people train to get jobs, advance in their career, and program participants. As well as our employees.”

Reverend Edgar J. Helms had the idea for the first Goodwill in Boston, Massachusetts in 1902. His plan was to fight poverty with trade skills and provide work for the poor, unemployed, and disabled.

“We make sure that not only other agencies but as well as our employees get the benefit of a higher and diverse population,” McHenry said. “We work with people with disabilities. Having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t work, it just means you can in a different way.”

Last year, Goodwill moved into its new 77,000 square foot Opportunity Campus in Chattanooga.

It includes state-of-the-art computer labs and training programs to support services for Goodwill’s more than 300 local employees.

“We are looking at each individual as a person who has a unique set of challenges, but also a unique set of skills and successful traits so everyone who comes through our programs is evaluated on what they need,” said McHenry. “We connect them with different providers in the area to make sure that they have those resources.”

As Goodwill celebrates 100 years in Chattanooga, they plan to keep changing lives through the power of work and sustainability.

“All of the proceeds from all of our stores go to making sure our mission is funded. We are helping people not just turn things from their homes and their closets and things into opportunities for a new life for that thing, also for people to have new lives and new opportunity.”

Those seeking more information can visit Goodwill website

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.