Our Programs
Barriers to employment exist for thousands in our communities who lack the skills or have significant mental and physical disabilities. Yet, for many, finding ways to learn and develop these skills has become increasingly difficult. Goodwill provides opportunities for individuals with barriers to enhance their lives.
Fortunately, there’s Goodwill. Our many Mission Services programs create opportunities for individuals to develop important skills, overcome barriers, and advance in the workplace. We give thousands of individuals in the 18 northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin counties we serve access to opportunities that change their lives.
Donations from individuals, companies and organizations are the first vital step in putting our Mission into motion. Sales of everything from lightly used clothing to computers, housewares to handbags, books to boots and toys for tots helps generate the revenue that powers our many Mission Services programs. We have four buckets of impact: To Earn, To Learn, To Re-Enter, To Overcome…
Learn
GoodGRADS provides education services and case management for adults interested in attaining their GED®/HSE. Our Excel Center offers adults at any age the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and workforce credentials.
Earn
Goodwill’s workforce development programs include Clean Energy programs that help you get into skilled trades, as well as our Veterans programs that support those who served. Our partnership with The Workforce Connection serves individuals through career centers, training, and employment.
Re-Enter
Our youth re-entry programs serve 16-24 year olds with justice system involvement and provides intensive case management services, work experience, employment readiness and support services. Our adult re-entry program serves individuals 18+.
Overcome
Goodwill’s Supported Employment (SEP) programs serve participants with disabilities by providing a supportive work environment and job coach. Our Veterans programs provide the resources and tools necessary to secure employment.
Success Stories
In 2025 alone, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois served 29,760 people in our communities in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Take a look at a few examples of lives that were changed.
The Workforce Connection
Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is a proud partner of The Workforce Connection. A business led board which serves as the regional resource for workforce development in Boone, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties in Northern Illinois.
The Excel Center® is a tuition-free adult high school – the first of its kind in Illinois – that awards industry-recognized certifications and high school diplomas, not GEDs, to adult learners.
