Mission
The mission of Goodwill Industries of Southeast Iowa is to advance the social and economic well-being of people who experience barriers to independence.

History
Dr. Edgar J. Helms, a minister from Iowa, founded the national Goodwill movement in 1902, in Boston. His goal, quite simply, was to help people in need develop new abilities, increase self-respect, and attain economic independence. Goodwill Industries of Southeast Iowa was founded in 1965 in order to provide the same benefits to citizens of this region.

Last year we provided services to 1078 individuals with disabilities. We also placed individuals in 356 jobs with local employers.

Philosophy
Goodwill's philosophy is based on the belief in the right of every individual to define and pursue fulfillment in his or her life. Work is a cornerstone for meeting economic needs, developing interpersonal relationships and forming a healthy self-concept. Four principles guide our mission of working toward successful outcomes for the people we serve.

Integration
The conditions and opportunities of everyday life typically available to the majority of the population should be available to people with disabilities. Goodwill believes that everyone benefits when people with disabilities work and live together with people who do not have disabilities. We will work with each person to attain the most integrated environment consistent with her or his preferences, strengths and needs.

Empowerment
Respect for freedom of choice and individual preference guides Goodwill's approach to all persons. We will assist individuals served to make effective, informed choices in decisions regarding programming. We will provide support as they experience the rewards and consequences of their decisions.

Individuality
Each person is unique with individual interests, abilities, preferences, needs and personalities. Goodwill values this diversity and will tailor services, including work assignments and service plans, to respond to each individual.

Comprehensive Approach
Each person has preferences, strengths and needs in a variety of life areas, including physical and mental health, social, financial, recreational, and interpersonal, as well as vocational areas. Although Goodwill focuses primarily on vocational aspects of the person's life, we recognize the impact of other areas on vocational success. We will provide assistance in the non-vocational life areas to the extent we are able and make referrals for additional services as needed.