a Goodwill employee holds the Goodwill logo on front of their face for a fun photo

About Us

Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, Inc. has been serving the local community for more than 100 years as an independent Goodwill affiliate. While most people recognize Goodwill as a retail thrift chain, that is only a portion of the Goodwill mission.

Changing Lives for Good

Goodwill is a nonprofit, social service agency dedicated to improving the lives of all people by providing skill-building programs and services needed to help remove common barriers to good jobs and independence. The stores provide revenue to help fund these programs and serve as job training sites. Learn more about how donating to and shopping at Goodwill supports the local community and changes lives for good.


a man smiles for the camera in front of the hospital where he works

Our Vision

To be the leading resource for growth and development for people in our communities seeking to overcome barriers in their lives.

three Goodwill customers smile while leaning on a clothing rack in the store

Our Mission

We empower people on their journey to independence through the sale of donated goods, which supports employment programs and family services.

Our Values

  • Put people first.
  • Act with honesty and integrity.
  • Provide an inclusive, equitable, safe and welcoming environment.
  • Meet people where they are.
  • Partner to expand our impact.
  • ‘Provide a hand up, not a handout.’
  • Serve as stewards of donations and the environment.
  • Celebrate and reward success.
  • Innovate and adapt to change.

Our Impact

Empower people and improve communities economically, socially and environmentally.

Our History

Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, Inc., formed by the merger of two Goodwill’s in 2005, provides numerous programs and services to individuals throughout Cleveland, East Central Ohio, and a portion of West Virginia.

Before uniting in 2005, each organization (Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and Goodwill Industries of East Central Ohio, Inc.) carried a proud history and establishment of its own serving the communities for 90 years.

Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland began empowering people within the Cleveland community in 1918. In the beginning, the organization opened its doors at an old factory located on Thackery Street, on Cleveland’s eastside. In 1972, Goodwill moved its Programs and Services facility to 2295 East 55th, directly in the heart of Cleveland’s inner city.

Goodwill Industries of East Central Ohio, Inc., first began serving its mission at a facility located on the corner of 3rd Street and Cherry Avenue SE in Canton, Ohio under the name Union Mission. In 1926 the organization changed its name to reflect its Goodwill association (Goodwill Union Mission and Industries). In 1972, Goodwill headquarters moved to its present location at 408 Ninth St. SW in Canton.

The new Goodwill serves the 10-county territory of Cuyahoga, Geauga, a portion of Lake, Stark, Tuscarawas, Carroll, Harrison and Jefferson Counties in Ohio and Brooke and Hancock Counties in West Virginia. The organization is headquartered in Canton at the 408 Ninth St. facility, maintains Programs and Services facilities in Middleburg Heights, New Philadelphia and Wintersville, Ohio, and operates Retail Stores throughout its territory.

Resources & Information