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The American Way

Founded in 1905 by Dr. Edgar J. Helms in Boston, the Goodwill is America's practical answer to the problem of the handicapped. From Morgan Chapel, a mission church in the poverty stricken south end of Boston, this humanitarian movement has spread to every large American city and even to other countries to help the disadvantaged help themselves.

The solution is not charity. It is a program of rehabilitation and training which makes these people self-confident and able not only to support themselves, but also to give Society the benefit of their individual talents. In helping to meet the war shortage of materials and skilled help, the Goodwill workers prove that the organization has aided not only them, but their beloved country as well.

Self-Help for the Handicapped

THE best help which can be given anyone to help him achieve his desired goal is that which enables him to be self-reliant. When he is able to help others as he is helping himself, the maximum of self-development and human service is realized.

This report of Self-Help for the Handicapped in Goodwill Industries during 1942 is the account of a service of cooperative helpfulness wherein those receiving constructive assistance toward the development of their own fullest usefulness do, in turn, help others to enjoy a richer and fuller life.

A National Executive's Report

THIS is not a reporter's account to the nation. It is a national Executive's report to the Boards of Directors, the Executives and Staff Leaders of local Goodwill Industries, acquainting them with the work they and their associates in other cities have been doing. Directed to leaders in the field of religious and social work, it describes the services of agencies which combine the inspiration of religion with the scientific techniques of social service to the end that those served may realize a more abundant life. It is a report to business and professional men and women, to Government administrators and to leaders in every walk of life illustrating how the discards and waste of society are being converted into human well-being. It is a statement to the handicapped, and to those interested in their service, reporting actual results of a most practical program of self-help.

It is hoped that it may inspire and assist those persons who believe that the development of a Goodwill Industries would aid in the rehabilitation of the handicapped of their communities, and that it may inspire qualified men and women, desiring to devote their lives to service for their fellows, to consider positions of leadership in Goodwill Industries as a means of realizing that ambition.

The financial and statistical figures are presented as received by the National Office from local organizations. Differences in local conditions must be considered when interpreting figures an making comparisons.

Goodwill Industries are locally autonomous organizations united in a common program of serving the handicapped and disadvantaged. Each is governed by a Board of outstanding local citizens, but all observe the purposes, ideals, and policies of the Goodwill Industries movement and strive to attain its standards. Items selected for report indicate the service rendered, the degree of development in relation to potential community resources, relative efficiency in operation and soundness of financial condition.

Human and Spiritual Values

NO report can be all things to all men, nor can any report dealing in human and spiritual values indicate the quality of service rendered and the results in personality development of the daily contacts in the field of human relations. The devotion of consecrated missionaries years before she was born resulted in a Madame Chiang Kai-Shek. A word of encouragement at the proper time in the life of a negro boy resulted in a Dr. Carver. An employment opportunity given a somewhat discouraged immigrant helped develop a Dr. Steinmetz. The loaning of a book contributed to the making of a Lincoln. Essential as are the resources to provide the necessities of life, it is the immeasurable values developed in daily contacts that eventually result in the maximum development of personality.

The purpose of Goodwill Industries is to provide employment, training, and assist them to develop their fullest capacities and be recognized for their own individual worth.

Spiritual Development

THEY are religious enterprises, not in a narrow sectarian sense, but in the broad sense which recognizes that man is a spiritual being and cannot live by bread alone. To develop to his fullest spiritual usefulness, he should associate with a religious organization and worship God in the way that will contribute the most to his spiritual development. Goodwill Industries conduct activities which contribute to the full life of their workers and urge all to affiliate with the Church of their choice and to participate actively in its program.

Social Service and Rehabilitation

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES, as social service and rehabilitation agencies, utilize the scientific techniques which contribute to the full rehabilitation of those served to their participation in community life, and to the development of wholesome family relationships. They use the resources of other specialized social and religious agencies and, in turn, are used by these agencies.