Goodwill Industries Mission Statement

Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work. ("About Us", n.d.) This the mission statement of Goodwill Industries International, Inc. from their website http://www.goodwill.org/. So what exactly is a mission statement? Worth states that, "The mission statement is a guide to every action by the organization and is the principle standard against which its performance should be measured." (2017, p. 60). According to their home page, Goodwill Industries International is successful in completing their intended mission.
One goal of this organization is to provide assistance to people of all ethnicities and from the younger to older with the opportunity to find meaningful employment. Part of the

mission of Goodwill Industries is to lift the barriers of employment opportunities for people that may have learning deficits, physical impairments, criminal backgrounds, or other impediment of employment; therefore, filling the gap of employment opportunity.

In order to achieve this, people are given opportunities to explore educational options that will allow them to become successful candidates for employment. Goodwill Industries strives to fill the gap in employment opportunities, even though it is vaguely stated in their mission statement located on their homepage. Interestingly enough, another site states the mission of Goodwill Industries "is to help people achieve their fullest potential in life through work. The goal is to ensure that every person finds a meaning, purpose and value in life. This will bring about the change in not only the

person but the family and community at large." ("Purpose of Goodwill Industries International," n.d.) This mission statement clarifies the goal in relation to the importance of successful employment for people in order to help the individual, and in turn, help their community. According to our textbook, "establishing the organization's mission is the responsibility of the board." (Worth, 2017, p.85). The mission statement on the Goodwill Industries website is not very clear in giving insight into the organization's objectives, and is better clarified on other sites including the one stated above. One may recommend that the board of Goodwill Industries create a different mission statement that brings clarity for its publics.
A special outreach of Goodwill Industries is helping people within their communities in finding a job by providing the resources, such as job training or resume writing, in order to do so. Goodwill’s Operation: Good Jobs program, funded through the Walmart Foundation, is dedicated to empowering military veterans to find employment, advance in careers and ensure long-term financial stability for their families. Goodwill also assists with providing services such as physical rehabilitation and job placement and support services for job seeking individuals that have physical disabilities. ("Find a Job | Goodwill Industries International, Inc," n.d.) These activities support Goodwill's mission of helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.
In order to assist people of all ages to find employment, Goodwill has created their seniors program called the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). ("Find a Job | Goodwill Industries International, Inc," n.d.) The same site also promotes helping young adults by providing services that include career planning, guidance, service learning opportunities, and support. Again, these organizational activities support the mission of Goodwill.