Goodwill North Georgia

Career Center Graduates: The graduating class of 2025 excelled in a diverse range of training programs, from welding and supply chain management to phlebotomy and more. Photo credit: Contributed

Goodwill began in 1902 when Methodist Minister Rev. Edgar J. Helms collected used household goods and clothing around wealthy areas of Boston and then trained poor and immigrant adults to mend and sell the items. Two decades later, Goodwill Industries of Atlanta started.

“From its humble beginnings in a small house with only a horse and wagon, the organization experienced steady growth and resilience,” says Keith Parker, president and CEO of Goodwill North Georgia.

Today, the international retailer is one of the country’s leading workforce development engines. Its North Georgia division boasts 71 stores, 115 donation centers and 14 career centers. Between 2023 and 2025, it served more than 53,700 people. And job placements increased to 24,595 in fiscal year 2025.

“We help people get a job, then move on to a better job, and then on to a career,” Parker says. “We can help someone with limited skills hit the reset button and either advance with the skillset they have or adopt a whole new one for a different industry. We meet people where they are and go from there.”

At the career centers, job seekers can get a basic résumé review and job-interview pointers, as well as training programs in cybersecurity, hospitality, healthcare and other fields. They can also get a commercial driver’s license and workplace-appropriate attire. Virtual options are available, all free of charge – and free of judgment. Goodwill welcomes clients straight from the criminal justice system.

“Our top three programs are forklift training, retail customer service and supply chain management,” Parker says.

The agency also has a 75% success rate in helping people transition from receiving public benefits to full-time work. “We offer a path to the working class, and on to the middle class,” he says.

Goodwill of North Georgia celebrates its centenary at a gala on April 18 at Flourish Atlanta.