Goodwill West Texas

Goodwill West Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise founded in 1983 and based in Abilene, Texas. It employs approximately 450 people across a 35-county area of West Texas. The organisation was founded by Ray King, an Abilene native, to create employment for his son Brian, who had a barrier to employment; Brian went on to become the longest-standing employee until his retirement and continues to volunteer today.

The enterprise runs two connected operations. Fifteen Goodwill retail stores generate revenue to fund mission programmes, with 87 cents of every dollar earned in stores directed to programmes. Four regional Career Centers provide free career services to anyone in the community seeking employment, including job placement assistance, resume help, interview preparation and personalised career coaching.

Hiring practice is central to the mission: more than 60% of employees have a documented disability or disadvantage. The organisation states its focus as empowering people with barriers to employment and supporting community growth, family well-being and individual potential. Sectors span nonprofit and social enterprise work, thrift and secondhand retail, and workforce development and career services.