Programs and Services

Our Mission is to change the lives of people with disabilities and disadvantages by turning household resources and other donations into training and employment.

In 1949, the Edmonton Council on Community Services was established as a not for profit organization. In 1950, Edmonton Physically Handicapped Association was registered as a not for profit organization.  This was the starting point for the evolution of Goodwill Industries of Alberta as we exist today.  In 1963, the first Goodwill store opened in Edmonton run by the Edmonton Physically Handicapped Association, and in 1975 the association officially became a member of Goodwill Industries International.  The international membership offers the benefit of expertise and brand recognition that Goodwill has throughout the world.

Quick Facts

• 86,706 hours of service
• 34,743 hours volunteered in the community
• 114 employer paid placements
• 133 volunteer placements
• 208 individuals served

Members of Goodwill Industries International operate social enterprises in countries through the world that include but are not limited to thrift stores, manufacturing, custodial services, property maintenance, courier services and catering services.  At the heart of all these business activities is the primary objective of assisting individuals with employment barriers to find work.  Sometimes this is within our line of business but mostly this is within the communities we serve.   From our inception, we have provided a variety of rehabilitative services for disabled individuals. In the early 1960’s we adopted the donated goods and retail store model, and opened out first stores and donation centres.  Goodwill Industries of Alberta has continued to grow and develop to become a significant provider of services to people with disabilities and disadvantages in Alberta.

Today we provide two programs to those with disablities and barriers to employment in Alberta, Power of Work and Contract Services.