goodwill was founded in boston by reverend edgar j. helms, a methodist minister and early social innovator. helms created the goodwill philosophy of “not charity, but a chance” when he collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired people who were poor to mend and repair the used goods. the goods were then sold or given to the people who repaired them. 120 years later, goodwill remains a household name and leading nonprofit provider of educational and workforce-related services.