MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Goodwill of Greater Chattanooga making a difference for 100 years in Scenic City

For 100 years, Goodwill Industries of Greater Chattanooga has been helping people get jobs and achieve their greatest potential.

The nonprofit operates in 23 counties between Tennessee and Georgia.

The organization wouldn't be what it is today if it wasn't for Rev. Edgar Helms. Helms created the nonprofit under the philosophy, "A hand up, not a hand out," and it still rings true 100 years later.

"Our vision is a community where people regardless of ability, situation or background can achieve their greatest potential," Gena Weldon, President and CEO of Goodwill of Greater Chattanooga, said.


Chattanooga Goodwill Industries opened as the first in Tennessee and the 25th in the world on East Main Street. The organization supplied work to the "unfortunate, crippled and down and out persons of the city."

Goodwill has always relied on community donations. In 1962, Goodwill began placing donation boxes around the city to make it easier for the community to donate.

The donations have been used in different ways over the years. At one time, women would sort clothes to cut up and sew into quilts that were later sold.

"It's all the donations from individuals over the 100 years that have made it possible for us to continue to provide opportunities to people who face barriers to employment," Weldon said.

Learn more about Goodwill's free services by clicking HERE.


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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.
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