In between picking up items for the upcoming summer season, shoppers at Tacoma Mall can also pick up a history lesson of sorts by visiting the Goodwill Industries International Centennial Traveling Exhibit.
The exhibit, which began Saturday and runs through Monday, June 3, is part of a series of events celebrating the 100th anniversary of Goodwill Industries.
Founded in Boston in 1902, Goodwill Industries has evolved into one of the world’s largest nonprofit providers of employment, training and career services for people with disabilities and disadvantages such as welfare dependency, homelessness, or lack of education and work experience.
Since its inception, the organization has helped more than 5 million people through a broad range of programs and services.
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 215 community-based, autonomous member organizations in the United States, Canada and 24 other countries.
Each organization serves people with disabilities and other needs by providing training and employment services, as well as job placement opportunities and post-employment support.
Through its services, the network helps people overcome barriers to employment and become indepen-dent, tax-paying members of their communities.
In 2000, Goodwill Industries International served 448,563 individuals and reported $1.85 billion in revenues.
Goodwill channels 84 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services.
Tacoma Goodwill Industries has been serving Tacoma and surrounding communities for over 80 years.
Tacoma Goodwill incorporated in 1922 as a nonprofit provider of training and job services for those with barriers to employment.
Since then, thousands of lives have been positively impacted by Goodwill’s efforts.
Donations of gently used and new clothing, books, and household goods, as well as financial donations and gifts of property (cars, real estate, stocks) make it possible for Goodwill to continue its mission.
“Work gives us the power to support our families and build strong communities,” said Terry A. Hayes, CEO of Tacoma Goodwill Industries. “Through this exhibit, we want to celebrate the people who have turned on the power of work in Tacoma.”
The Goodwill Centennial Celebration Traveling Exhibit uses a mix of narrative and stunning visuals to depict Goodwill’s rich history and plans for its next century of service.
Winning images from Goodwill International’s “Believe in the Power of Work” photography contest have been incorporated into the display.
Sponsors of the exhibit are: Bank of America, Goodrich Corporation, Midwest Express Airlines, Ritz Camera Centers, SC Johnson, Target Corporation and WeMedia.
Tacoma Goodwill Industries is one of 44 Goodwill agencies that will host the exhibit between now and the end of 2002.