Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas

What Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas does

Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas (d/b/a MoKan Goodwill) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, that operates a hybrid retail-and-workforce-development model across 80+ counties in western Missouri and eastern Kansas. Founded in 1894 (merged into current form in 1978 and rebranded in 2010), the organization runs 18 thrift retail stores, one outlet center, and 20 donation sites, selling donated clothing, household goods, and furniture through physical locations, ShopGoodwill.com, and an eBay storefront. Retail revenue funds free career services delivered through the Mission Support Center, Community Resource Centers at retail locations, and a Mobile Workforce Unit deployed at partner sites.

The organization's core technology stack centers on the Artemis Institute, which delivers emerging-technology workforce training in AI/machine learning, robotics, 3D printing, cybersecurity, IoT, and data analytics through the Bridge to Technology program, awarding IBM-credentialed badges upon completion. Complementary programs include the CMfgA manufacturing certification (delivered with SME), Digital Skills Training, CCST Networking Certification, Forklift/OSHA-10 safety training, Re-Entry Services for formerly incarcerated individuals, Project SEARCH for youth with significant disabilities, and The Excel Center (a tuition-free adult high school). Commercial Services provides janitorial and floor-care under the AbilityOne program.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: retail store sales (transaction-fee model with progressive "Color of the Week" discounting), donated-goods resale (including outlet sales by the pound), government and corporate grants (Missouri DOC, COMBAT, DCF Kansas SNAP E&T, Kauffman Foundation, Charter Communications, Accenture, Google, T-Mobile), and Commercial Services contracts. All career services, certifications, and training programs are provided at no cost to participants. In 2024 the organization served 2,207 program participants, placed 656 individuals in employment, diverted 20M pounds of material from landfills, attracted 507,318 donors, and generated $43M in stated community economic impact through the Power of Work initiative.

Name

Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas

Legal name

Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas

Website

https://www.mokangoodwill.org/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1894

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

MoKan Goodwill is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 18 thrift stores and workforce-development programs across 80+ counties in western Missouri and eastern Kansas, providing free career coaching, industry certifications, and job placement for individuals facing employment barriers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development and Thrift Retail

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Employment Services (5613), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Development & Inclusive Employment (Job Training, Placement) (BPAGALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ), Workforce Reentry Programs (Justice-Involved) (EDAAAOAG), Internships, Externships & Work-Based Learning Placement (EDAMAKAB)

Keywords

• Thrift retail
• Workforce development
• Job training programs
• Nonprofit employment services
• Donated goods resale

Headquarters

HQ city

Kansas City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices20 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Retail Store Sales: Revenue from 18 thrift retail stores, 1 outlet center, and online marketplaces (ShopGoodwill.com, eBay) selling donated clothing, household items, and furniture. All retail proceeds fund job training programs and employment services at no cost to participants.
2. Commercial/Business Solutions Services: Janitorial and floor care services provided to area businesses through local partnerships, employing individuals with barriers to employment. Revenue supports the mission while providing commercial clients with professional cleaning services.
3. Grants and Financial Donations: Programs funded by government grants (e.g., Missouri Department of Corrections, COMBAT) and corporate donations (Google, Accenture, T-Mobile, Evergy, Spectrum, and others) to provide free employment services and workforce development programs.
4. Donated Goods Resale: Donated items are sorted, priced, and sold in retail stores with revenue funding mission programs. Items not sold in stores go to the outlet center (sold by the pound) or are recycled through qualified salvage dealers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that sells donated clothing, household items, and furniture through 18 retail stores, one outlet center, ShopGoodwill.com, and eBay, then reinvests that revenue — together with grants and donations — into free workforce development programs. Programs include Job Assistance (career coaching, resume help, interview prep, wraparound support), Bridge to Technology (AI, robotics, 3D printing, cybersecurity, IoT training with IBM badges), Digital Skills Training, CMfgA manufacturing certification via SME, Re-Entry Services for the formerly incarcerated, Essential Skills Training, the Mobile Workforce Unit, The Excel Center adult high school, and Commercial Services (janitorial and floor care under AbilityOne). All employment services are offered at no cost to participants.

Product overview

Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas operates a multi-channel retail and services platform. The retail operations include 18 Goodwill retail stores, one Outlet Store selling items by the pound, ShopGoodwill.com (the first internet auction site created by a nonprofit), and an eBay Store. The services portfolio centers on employment assistance and workforce development through programs including Job Assistance with career coaching and resume support, Bridge to Technology (training in robotics, AI, 3D printing, cybersecurity, and IoT), Digital Skills Training, the Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMFgA) certification, Re-Entry Services for formerly incarcerated individuals, Essential Skills Training, and the Mobile Workforce Unit (a classroom on wheels). The Artemis Institute serves as the umbrella training entity, while The Excel Center provides adult high school education, and Commercial Services offers janitorial and floor care business solutions. All services are provided at no cost to clients, funded by retail revenue, grants, and donations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Artemis Institute: Training institute equipping individuals with skills for the changing job market through cutting-edge programs in AI, robotics, 3D printing, and other emerging technologies.
• The Excel Center Kansas City
• GoodWORKs Career Center
• Quest Academy
• Project SEARCH

Products and services

• Goodwill Retail Stores Network of 18 thrift retail stores selling donated clothing, household items, and furniture across western Missouri and eastern Kansas. All retail proceeds fund the organization's free job training and employment services mission. Stores are located in Kansas City, Blue Springs, St. Joseph, Lee's Summit, Liberty, Leavenworth, Lawrence, Shawnee, Overland Park, Olathe, Bonner Springs, Leawood, Pittsburg, Topeka, and Manhattan.
• Goodwill Outlet Store Outlet location in Kansas City, MO selling donated items by the pound for deep discounts, providing an additional sales channel for items that don't sell in standard retail stores. Includes daily donation drop-off from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• ShopGoodwill.com Online auction platform owned and operated by the nonprofit, allowing customers to bid on donated items with local pickup available at the Blue Springs, MO location. Shoppers can filter by 'Blue Springs, MO' to support local purchases.
• Goodwill eBay Store Online marketplace store selling clothes, books, electronics, and other items through both Buy It Now and Auction listings, extending the thrift retail channel beyond physical locations.
• Job Assistance Program Free career coaching, resume assistance, interview preparation, workplace essentials workshops, digital skills training, employment connections, and support services including transportation assistance for job seekers facing employment barriers in the Kansas City region.
• Bridge to Technology Free six-week training program covering emerging technologies including robotics, AI/computer vision/machine learning, 3D printing, cybersecurity, and IoT through three 2-week blocks. Students earn IBM badges in technology and create individualized career development plans.
• Digital Skills Training Training classes in basic computer skills, email, internet navigation, and Microsoft Office applications, available in-person and online with Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment. Designed to help job seekers acquire the digital skills needed for the jobs they want.
• Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) Certification Industry-recognized certification program in partnership with SME covering manufacturing fundamentals including shop math, assembly, maintenance, machining, inspection, OSHA 10 safety, blueprint reading, CNC, robotics, and quality. Targets entry-level manufacturing roles.
• Mobile Workforce Unit Mobile classroom equipped with 10 computers, WiFi, internet, and presentation screens providing hiring event support and digital skills training at community partner locations. Books deployment through an online Wufoo form.
• Re-Entry Services One-on-one career support for previously incarcerated individuals in Jackson, Clay, or Cass counties, including career planning, forklift and warehouse training, OSHA 10 certification, job search assistance, and manufacturing credentials.
• Essential Skills Training Online career planning and employment readiness courses covering topics including career exploration, job searching, and workplace success skills. Delivered with Accenture's support.
• Commercial Services Business solutions division providing janitorial and floor care services through partnerships with area businesses, employing individuals with disabilities under the AbilityOne program. Quote-driven sales via phone and online form.
• The Excel Center Kansas City Tuition-free adult high school providing tailored resources to support adult learners seeking to complete their high school education. Operates as a MoKan Goodwill sub-brand.
• Community Resource Centers Free public facilities equipped with computers and staff resources to help job seekers with career guidance and free workshops, located at select MoKan Goodwill retail stores.
• The Artemis Institute Training institute partnering with local tech companies to offer cutting-edge training in AI, robotics, 3D printing, and other emerging technologies with hands-on and virtual learning to prepare individuals for technology careers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 656 individuals earned employment in 2024
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSME partners with Goodwill's Artemis Institute to offer the Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) certification — an industry-recognized credential for entry-level manufacturing roles. SME provides the certification curriculum covering additive manufacturing, shop math, OSHA 10 safety, blueprint reading, inspection, measurement, lean principles, robotics, CNC, and quality.
• IBMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIBM partners with Goodwill's Bridge to Technology program, allowing students to earn IBM badges in technology upon completion of the program. The badges validate skills in emerging technology areas including robotics, AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
• Metropolitan Community College (MCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMCC partners with Goodwill to offer Forklift Certification training for enrolled cohorts at MCC's Blue River-East location in Independence, MO. MCC provides the physical training facility while Goodwill provides employment services and wraparound support to participants.
• DellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDell's computer recycling program partners with Goodwill's Computer Recycling Center (CRC), a transitional employment program where individuals with disabilities process and recycle Dell computers. Employees gain job skills while Dell meets environmental recycling goals.
• North Kansas City School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with Goodwill on Project SEARCH — a high school transition program for youth with significant disabilities. The school district provides classroom instruction while Goodwill provides job skills training and job coaching throughout three 10-week internship rotations.
• Children's Mercy HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject SEARCH partner providing internship rotations for youth with disabilities. Children's Mercy also hired Goodwill program graduate Preston directly into patient food service after he completed his internships.
• Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with Goodwill on Project SEARCH, providing vocational rehabilitation services and funding for youth with significant disabilities transitioning from school to adult employment.
• Truman Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject SEARCH partner providing internship rotations and competitive employment opportunities. Goodwill participant Jayla was hired at Truman Medical Center to clean patient rooms. The program also supports employees like Dani through partner employers.
• Center for Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with Goodwill on Project SEARCH, providing support services for youth with significant disabilities participating in the internship program.
• Harvesters – The Community Food NetworkcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGoodwill and Harvesters partner so donors and shoppers can donate to both organizations at the same time using Harvesters barrels at select MoKan Goodwill locations. Revenue supports both food security and employment services.
• Avenue of LifecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGoodwill provides employment services and wraparound support to individuals referred by Avenue of Life, helping them achieve economic stability.
• City Union MissioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCity Union Mission provides housing, mental health services, and other supportive services to locals facing housing insecurity and homelessness. Goodwill provides employment pathways for referred individuals.
• Sheffield PlacecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSheffield Place residents receive weekly digital skills training and employment support from Goodwill's mission team to promote long-term independence. Angel's story originated from this partnership.
• Literacy KCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMoKan Goodwill and Literacy KC have a reciprocal referral relationship to achieve the best outcome for participants. Both organizations co-host the Next Steps Career Fest annually to support job seekers with digital and employment services.
• Healing HouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGoodwill's team provides weekly resume and digital skills training for Healing House residents to support their transition into employment.
• Maple St RecoveryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGoodwill provides weekly digital skills and job readiness support for Maple St Recovery participants as they rebuild their lives post-treatment.
• Shelter KC Women's CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGoodwill offers Shelter KC Women's Center participants weekly digital skills and employment support to help them reenter the workforce.
• Great Jobs KCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGoodwill aligns with Great Jobs KC to provide job placement and wraparound services that support participants pursuing career-aligned training programs.
• DCF Kansas SNAP E&TcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThrough partnership with DCF Kansas SNAP E&T, Goodwill offers employment-focused services and barrier removal support to SNAP-eligible participants.
• Transition Center of Kansas CitycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMost individuals referred by TCKC enroll in Goodwill's CMfgA, Bridge to Technology, or Forklift training programs, receiving tailored employment services and wraparound support for reentry and career growth.
• Flourish FurnishingsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFlourish Furnishings provides furniture and other essentials to individuals receiving supportive services through MoKan Goodwill.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries International: The national parent/trade organization for the 160+ autonomous Goodwill affiliates across the U.S. and Canada. Comparable because it sets brand standards, federated funding strategies, and program models that MoKan Goodwill directly executes at the regional level.
• Salvation Army (Central Territory / Kansas City): Comparable nonprofit social-services organization that combines thrift retail with adult rehabilitation, workforce, and reentry programs. Operates in the same Kansas City market and competes for both donors and program participants.
• Savers / Value Village: For-profit thrift retailer with a similar donation-and-resale model. Comparable as a direct retail competitor bidding for the same donated-goods supply and thrift shopper wallet in overlapping geographies.

Direct peers

• Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana: Another large regional Goodwill affiliate operating retail stores, workforce development, and career-training programs in Indiana. Closest structural peer to MoKan in terms of integrated thrift-retail funding model and employment services portfolio.
• Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake: Mid-Atlantic Goodwill affiliate providing similar workforce development, vocational training, and community employment services funded through retail. Operates the same hybrid thrift-plus-mission structure as MoKan Goodwill.
• Easterseals: National nonprofit providing disability employment, vocational rehabilitation, and workforce services — overlapping directly with Goodwill's Project SEARCH, AbilityOne, and vocational rehabilitation offerings for individuals with disabilities.
• Goodwill of Greater Atlanta: Large regional Goodwill affiliate operating retail stores plus career and workforce services including technology training. Closest comparable peer in scale of programs (technology, manufacturing certifications) and multi-county footprint.

Regional players

• Full Employment Council (Kansas City): Local Workforce Development Board administering federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services in the KC metro. Comparable as a regional provider of free job-seeker services, career training, and employer-matching in the same geography.
• Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Workforce & Technical Education: Partner and direct regional competitor for manufacturing certification (forklift, OSHA-10) and technical training. Comparable in the credentialing space where MCC hosts Goodwill's forklift cohorts but also competes for the same adult learner population.

Others

• Vocational Rehabilitation (Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation Services / Kansas VR): State government agencies that fund and oversee vocational rehabilitation services. Listed because Goodwill is both a contracted provider for these agencies and a complementary peer for disability-employment services in the region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GoodwillMokan
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCc43s9FASTqkm8x8LMPxmeQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/MOKANGoodwill
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/goodwill-of-western-missouri-&-eastern-kansas
• Instagraminstagram.com/goodwillmokan
• TikToktiktok.com/@goodwillmokan

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas