Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin Inc.

Our mission is Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment. It’s why we do what we do. We repurpose the used goods donated to Goodwill, sell them in our retail stores and training centers and use the revenues to support the programs and services that improve lives and our communities.

At Goodwill NCW we provide pathways for people who are underserved, underrepresented and/or disadvantaged who have a goal of building job skills that lead to sustained employment and improved financial stability.

Since filing Articles of Incorporation in 1971 as a not-for-profit corporation, Goodwill NCW has existed solely to address the social and human service needs of Wisconsin’s most vulnerable individuals and families. Today, Goodwill NCW services across the State of Wisconsin focus on helping individuals with barriers secure the life skills and workforce development and training supports they need to obtain and retain gainful employment to support themselves and their families. Goodwill NCW, unlike the majority of nonprofit organizations around the country, is a self-funded social service organization. The business model functions by collecting donated used materials that households no longer want or need, keeping those 50 million pounds of household materials out of our landfills each year. The goods are then sold at reduced prices in thrift stores to those who need or seek lower-priced goods. All proceeds are invested back into the organization and into operating social services across the state.

The programs and services of Goodwill make a life-changing difference in our communities by eliminating barriers to employment through job training, addressing financial literacy, promoting access to services and supporting community participation.

Goodwill has been practicing sustainability since 1902 through the use of secondhand goods and responsible recycling. We approach sustainability from a people, planet and prosperity perspective.

Goodwill NCW’s mission begins with the communities’ support through donations. These donations in turn are sorted and merchandised for sale in our stores, which provide meaningful training and employment opportunities for people across the 35 Wisconsin counties we serve.

The resources generated through the sale of donated goods are invested in our people, community, mission and future.

Our work, community and financial programs and services support our mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment.

We will advance our mission through these guiding principles:

-Practice mission-based (our why) decision–making at all times.
-Attract and retain talented team members.
-Know the business, understand what we are doing and the related outcomes.
-Focus on the experience of our customers and our team members.
-Innovate and grow to impact the needs of our communities.
-Be good stewards of the communities’ resources.

According to our 2019 CARF survey, "Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin demonstrates substantial conformance to the standards. Goodwill NCW provides high-quality services to the clients served in the northwest region of Wisconsin. The organization has strong leadership and staff and is committed to its mission of serving people with disabilities. The organization is invested in strategic planning and demonstrates capable financial practices to manage its growth. The organization also has invested in technology to support its business operations and service delivery. The stores are warm, welcoming and inviting and provide a good customer shopping experience along with positive working environments for the staff and clients. Its variety of vocational and employment services has earned the satisfaction of the clients and employers. Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin is encouraged to continue to build on its strengths in applying the CARF standards to be the leader of innovative services in the region. There are areas for improvement that should be addressed, including health and safety, workforce development and management, accessibility planning, performance improvement action planning, and enhancing its parameters of service descriptions. Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin is commended for seeking international accreditation in its quest for continuous quality improvement. The organization is encouraged to continue to use the CARF standards as a framework for continuous quality improvement and effective service delivery."

Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin appears likely to maintain and/or improve its current method of operation and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing quality improvement."

Our retail stores and training centers are mission integrated and provide job training to individuals with barriers to employment. In 2021, we provided 78,916 hours of paid meaningful work experience to people with disabilities and other barriers. Goodwill NCW’s career development, job placement and training services play a vital role in helping individuals and the economy return to stability and health.