GOODWILL OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND’S HISTORY

Goodwill of Southern New England, Inc., as we are known today, was established through affiliations, collaborations, and mergers with other community service providers in Greater New Haven. Our organization has evolved into a forward-thinking, community-based entity dedicated to enhancing communities by empowering individuals of all abilities through personalized employment, training, and services.

1863
The Irrepressible Society was established in Rhode Island, where a group of five dedicated individuals convene every week to handcraft garments for the Union Soldiers.

1871
The Irrepressible Society provides clothing to those affected by the devastating Great Chicago Fire.

1872
Irrepressible Society has been officially incorporated by the state and is authorized to carry out various charitable initiatives for the city of Providence.

1902
Goodwill Industries was established by Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister and pioneering social reformer. Helms initiated a program in which he gathered secondhand household items and clothing from affluent neighborhoods in Boston. He then provided training and employment opportunities to individuals in need, who would mend and restore the donated items. The refurbished goods were either sold or distributed to the individuals who had repaired them. This innovative approach proved successful, giving rise to the Goodwill philosophy of offering a helping hand rather than a handout.

1930
Goodwill Industries of Central Connecticut was established with the noble mission of offering employment opportunities and financial support to adults with disabilities. Amid the Great Depression, these individuals faced immense challenges and could easily have been overlooked amidst the widespread social and economic turmoil of the era.

1954
The Cerebral Palsy Association, the New Haven Hearing League, and the State Board of Education for the Blind united to establish the New Haven Area Rehabilitation Center. Concurrently, the New Haven (Easter Seal) Society for Crippled Children and Adults was founded.

1965-1967
The New Haven Area Rehabilitation Center successfully served 500 clients annually, prompting the launch of a capital campaign to construct a larger facility. Following the completion of construction, the agency relocated to its new address at 20 Brookside Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut.

1969
A momentous merger has taken place, marking the first collaboration between two prominent non-profit organizations in the nation. Goodwill Industries of Central Connecticut and the New Haven (Easter Seal) Society for Crippled Children and Adults have united with the New Haven Area Rehabilitation Center to form the Easter Seals Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center, Inc. This merger signifies a significant step forward in our mission to provide comprehensive services and support to individuals in need within our community.

1969
The Easter Seals Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center, Inc. seized its inaugural opportunity to showcase the efficacy of collaborative, community-based services. Neighborhood counselors collaborated with Easter Seals Goodwill Industries staff and the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency in three inner-city areas to enhance access to rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.

1972
The agency launched two innovative programs. Chapel Haven originated as a residential program catering to graduates of Maplebrook, a prestigious private school in New York State. These graduates needed residential support, vocational assessment, training, and job placement services. The John Magee House, a halfway house for male alcoholics, was looking to incorporate a vocational component into its existing residential program. We were able to step in and provide vocational assessments and job placement services for the residents of the John Magee House. Subsequently, the John Magee House joined forces with the Shirley Frank Foundation, a detoxification center for male alcoholics. Today, Chapel Haven stands as a thriving independent private agency, continuing to make a positive impact in the community.

1986-1987
A second capital campaign was initiated to acquire a space spacious enough to accommodate all agency programs. In March 1987, the location at 95 Hamilton Street in New Haven, Connecticut, was officially unveiled. This site was able to house all vocational services, such as a sizable sheltered workshop, outpatient medical rehabilitation services, and processing and warehouse facilities for the retail operation.

1996
Easter Seals Goodwill Industries had successfully transitioned to providing community-based services. Our sheltered workshop was officially closed, and all 185 individuals were placed into various community job sites across the Greater New Haven area.

1997-1999

Outpatient medical rehabilitation services were relocated to Yale-New Haven Hospital and Gaylord Hospital, streamlining the process for patients discharged from local hospitals in need of outpatient rehabilitation. In light of the shift towards community-based vocational services, the decision was made to sell the building at 95 Hamilton Street. Easter Seals Goodwill Industries has since leased the back half of the building to maintain its commitment to vocational clients, offering cutting-edge vocational assessments and skills training.

2004
We are honored to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the New Haven Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children and Adults, as well as the 35th anniversary of the merger between Goodwill Industries of Central Connecticut, New Haven Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children and Adults, and the New Haven Area Rehabilitation Center. This significant milestone represents a legacy of dedication to serving individuals with disabilities in our community.

2009
Easter Seals Goodwill Industries is proud to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the momentous merger between Goodwill Industries of Central Connecticut, the New Haven (Easter Seal) Society for Crippled Children and Adults, and the New Haven Area Rehabilitation Center. This historic event marked a significant milestone in our organization’s history, bringing together three esteemed entities dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and special needs. We honor this legacy as we continue our mission of empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential and lead fulfilling lives.

2012
Easter Seals Goodwill Industries has relocated its main office to 432 Washington Avenue in North Haven to enhance services for program participants and expand support for individuals facing disabilities and other challenges. The new facility provides ample space for a Goodwill Donation Center, allowing for increased community engagement and outreach.

2017
On October 20th, 2017, we took a significant step towards continuing the legacy of the organizations we once were by unifying under the new name of Goodwill Industries of Southern New England, Inc. This change represents a pivotal moment in our journey, as we strive to enhance our impact and reach within the community. Despite the name change, our core values and dedication remain steadfast. We continue to offer the same programs, serve the same clients, and employ the same passionate individuals who are committed to our mission. Our primary goal is to provide employment, educational, social, and recreational opportunities for individuals facing disabilities and other challenges. This strategic move enables us to focus more intently on our clients and communities, ensuring that their needs remain at the forefront of all our endeavors. Additionally, it positions us for future growth and expansion, allowing us to broaden our programs and services to better serve those who rely on our support. As Goodwill Industries of Southern New England, Inc., we are excited to embark on this new chapter and look forward to making a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.

2018
Two of New England’s most renowned and well-established not-for-profit organizations, Goodwill of Southern New England and Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island, have officially announced their merger. The newly formed entity, Goodwill of Southern New England, brings together the expertise and resources of two charitable organizations that have positively impacted countless individuals by providing local employment opportunities, specialized job training, and comprehensive support services.

Present
As time progresses, we strive to raise the bar, innovate new services, and cultivate a more extensive and inclusive network of community support and collaboration. Our dedication remains unwavering as we work tirelessly to enrich employment, educational, social, and recreational opportunities for individuals facing disabilities and other obstacles. Today and every day, we are committed to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

For more information about Goodwill International click here.