A Minnesota nonprofit founded in 1919 that funds job training, employment and support services through thrift stores, outlets and e-commerce operations.
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) workforce development organisation founded in 1919 and headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. It funds job training, employment and support services through a network of thrift stores, outlets and e-commerce operations, which together process more than 75 million donated items a year. The organisation serves close to 6,000 people annually and operates across Minnesota and the greater Minnesota region.
Its commercial activities span retail operations, e-commerce and the handling and resale of donated goods, alongside a sustainability function concerned with reuse and landfill diversion. Its service programmes include industry-specific career training in automotive, business services, clean tech, construction and financial services; digital literacy courses for job seekers; family stability services; career support for youth and young adults; and disability services supporting employment and independence.
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota describes its mission as a world where everyone experiences the power of work, with a stated focus on removing barriers to employment and independence regardless of background. It works in partnership with other organisations and is a partner of the American Job Center network. The organisation was founded by Rev. Herbert Burgstahler and local civic leaders.
