Goodwill celebrates 100 years in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Goodwill is celebrating 100 years of local service. They currently have 15 locations in the Chattanooga area. 


“We started 100 years ago in the Chattanooga area and throughout these 100 years, we have been making sure people have what they need to be successful, survive, thrive,” said Emily McHenry, Chief Mission Integration Officer for Goodwill. “We help people train to get jobs, advance in their career, and program participants. As well as our employees.”


Reverend Edgar J. Helms had the idea for the first Goodwill in Boston, Massachusetts in 1902. His plan was to fight poverty with trade skills and provide work for the poor, unemployed, and disabled. 



“We make sure that not only other agencies but as well as our employees get the benefit of a higher and diverse population,” McHenry said. “We work with people with disabilities. Having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t work, it just means you can in a different way.”


Last year, Goodwill moved into its new 77,000 square foot Opportunity Campus in Chattanooga. 


It includes state-of-the-art computer labs and training programs to support services for Goodwill’s more than 300 local employees. 


“We are looking at each individual as a person who has a unique set of challenges, but also a unique set of skills and successful traits so everyone who comes through our programs is evaluated on what they need,” said McHenry. “We connect them with different providers in the area to make sure that they have those resources.” 


As Goodwill celebrates 100 years in Chattanooga, they plan to keep changing lives through the power of work and sustainability.



“All of the proceeds from all of our stores go to making sure our mission is funded. We are helping people not just turn things from their homes and their closets and things into opportunities for a new life for that thing, also for people to have new lives and new opportunity.”


Those seeking more information can visit Goodwill website


Read More Here.

By Michelle Turner • October 6, 2026
Goodwill on This 'N That TV Show
By Lora B • September 30, 2026
2nd Annual BRIDGE Retreat
September 24, 2026
Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area is pleased to announce Jim Bartoo as its new Vice President of Engagement and Philanthropy, joining the organization’s senior leadership team as Goodwill continues to grow its presence and mission impact across the region. A Chattanooga native, Bartoo brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a strong background in brand development, strategic fundraising, community engagement and storytelling. His career includes senior leadership roles with zoological organizations in Nashville and Columbus, Ohio, as well as earlier experience in television news production in Chattanooga. “Jim has spent his career connecting people to organizations and causes that matter,” said Gena Weldon, President and CEO of Goodwill Chattanooga. “His ability to build relationships, tell meaningful stories and bring people together around a shared purpose makes him a tremendous addition to our leadership team. As Goodwill continues to grow, we want to make sure our community understands not only what we do, but the impact made possible every day through their support.” As Vice President of Engagement and Philanthropy, Bartoo will lead an integrated approach to marketing, communications, public relations, philanthropy, advocacy and community engagement. He will focus on strengthening Goodwill’s relationships throughout the community, growing philanthropic support and more clearly connecting the organization’s retail operations with the mission they help make possible. A key part of that work will be telling the “story behind the store,” how donating and shopping at Goodwill help create opportunities for people through employment, training, education and other mission services. “I’m excited to return to my hometown and join an organization that has been part of this community for more than a century,” said Bartoo. “Goodwill has an incredible story to tell, and I look forward to helping more people understand the impact their donations, purchases, partnerships and philanthropic support can have in the lives of people throughout our region.” Bartoo’s appointment comes as Goodwill continues to expand its mission impact and capabilities across its 23-county service area in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. For more than a century, Goodwill Chattanooga has worked to help people transform potential into opportunity, creating pathways to greater independence, employment, education and economic opportunity.
Show More