What Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio does

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise founded in 1933 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. The organization operates a hybrid mission-funded business model in which revenue from 15 thrift retail stores (a 16th is planned for Sylvania Township in early 2026) and commercial janitorial contract services subsidizes a portfolio of free workforce development programs targeting individuals with employment barriers — including people with disabilities, returning citizens, youth and young adults (ages 14-24), and seniors (ages 55+). Three Job Connection Centers (Toledo, DeVeaux Village, Defiance) deliver free resume writing, skills assessment, career coaching, interview preparation, and job placement, complemented by Good Rides transportation services (launched 2022), a youth internship pipeline, and structured reentry support.

Revenue mechanics span four streams: (1) retail store sales of donated clothing, furniture, and household items, with weekly color tag sales and a Loyalty Rewards program; (2) commercial contract services — primarily janitorial — for government and transit clients including TARTA, City of Toledo, and ODOT; (3) federal and state workforce grants, most notably a $1.35M DOL "Training to Work 3 - Adult Reentry" grant; and (4) foundation donations routed through the newly created Goodwill Industries Foundation of Northwest Ohio, Inc. (April 2025). Pricing for mission services is free; retail pricing is transactional/thrift-tier.

The underlying technology stack is conventional: standard retail point-of-sale systems, workforce management software, and a customized virtual training platform jointly deployed with Owens Community College (2024). The organization holds CARF accreditation for rehabilitation/employment services and is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Lisa Lay, with Amy Wachob serving as President and CEO since November 2016. No proprietary technology platform, AI capabilities, or significant IP assets are disclosed.

Name

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio

Legal name

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc.

Website

https://goodwillnwohio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1933

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio is a Toledo-based 501(c)(3) social enterprise operating 15 thrift retail stores and three Job Connection Centers to fund free workforce development programs for individuals with disabilities, returning citizens, youth, and seniors across Northwest Ohio.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development and Social Enterprise Services

NAICS

Waste Management and Remediation Services (562)

SIC

Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600), Wholesale-Durable Goods, Nec (5099)

akta.pro primary industry

Donation, Resale & Textile Recycling Coordination (HSAFABAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Textile & Apparel Sorting/Recovery Facilities (EUAIADAJ)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Thrift retail operations
• Job training programs
• Reentry employment services
• Commercial janitorial services

Headquarters

HQ city

Toledo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Retail Store Operations: Revenue generated from the sale of donated clothing, furniture, and household items in retail stores supports workforce development mission programs. Currently operates 15 retail stores with a 16th planned for early 2026.
2. Commercial Contract Services: Contracting with local industries to perform janitorial and other contract services provides jobs for individuals with disabilities and other barriers while generating revenue.
3. Government Grants: Federal grants such as the $1.35 million 'Training to Work 3 - Adult Reentry' grant from the Department of Labor provide funding for training, case management, mentoring and employment services.
4. Foundation Donations: Goodwill Industries Foundation of Northwest Ohio accepts donations to fund workforce development programming including Youth and Young Adult Program, Benefit Bridge Program, and Reentry Program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio operates a retail thrift network of 15 stores selling donated clothing, furniture, and household items across Northwest Ohio, the proceeds of which fund the organization's workforce development mission. It also operates three Job Connection Centers delivering free personalized services (resume writing, skills assessment, career coaching, computer access, interview prep, job placement) to individuals facing barriers to employment, including people with disabilities, reentry citizens, seniors, and youth. A commercial services division provides janitorial and contract cleaning services to local businesses and government entities, employing mission-program participants.

Product overview

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio operates as a workforce development nonprofit offering multiple interconnected programs and retail operations. The core offerings include a network of 16 retail stores selling donated goods (clothing, furniture, household items) and three Job Connection Centers providing free employment services including resume writing, skills assessment, career coaching, and job placement. Supporting workforce programs include the Reentry Program for formerly incarcerated individuals, Youth and Young Adult Program (ages 14-24), Senior Community Service Employment Program (ages 55+), and Benefit Bridge Program. Transportation assistance is provided through the Good Rides program. The organization also provides commercial janitorial contract services to businesses. In 2025, the Goodwill Industries Foundation was launched as a separate entity to provide sustainable philanthropy funding for enhanced programming. Specialized offerings include Resumes-on-Demand, ReDesign With AG workshops, and the Goodwill Good Finds Facebook Live show.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ReDesign With AG: Upcycling workshops conducted by Donation Acquisition Manager Angie Gillis, where participants create projects using items from Goodwill stores
• Goodwill Industries Foundation of Northwest Ohio, Inc.
• Good Rides
• Job Connection Centers
• Pass It On Challenge
• Goodwill Good Finds

Products and services

• Retail Store Operations Network of 15 retail thrift stores across Northwest Ohio selling donated clothing, furniture, and household items at thrift prices with weekly color tag sales. Stores open Monday-Saturday 10AM-8PM and Sunday 10AM-6PM. Revenue funds workforce development mission programs. Targeted at general consumers, value shoppers, and the broader donation public.
• Job Connection Centers FREE personalized employment services delivered at three physical locations (Toledo Madison Ave., DeVeaux Village Sylvania Ave., Defiance Clinton St.) including resume-writing assistance, skills assessment, career coaching, computer access, interviewing skills help, and job placement services. Weekly workshops available to the public free of charge with no sign-up required. Targeted at job seekers facing barriers to employment.
• Commercial Services (Contract Services) Janitorial and contract cleaning services provided to local businesses, government entities, and transit authorities (e.g., TARTA/TARPS buses and bus shelters, ODOT Wood County rest area, City of Toledo). Creates jobs for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers while generating contract revenue. Targeted at commercial and government facilities buyers.
• Good Rides Transportation Program Transportation workforce development program that provides ride services to job interviews and work sites to help participants overcome transportation barriers to employment. Targeted at workforce development participants.
• Reentry Services Program Free program assisting formerly incarcerated individuals with job readiness training (including Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success curriculum), employment placement, career pathways in carpentry, bricklaying, pipe fitting, masonry, mechanics, HVAC, welding, ironworking and sheet metal working, plus support services to reduce recidivism and promote economic stability. Served 512 individuals in 2025 with 156 placed into competitive employment.
• Youth and Young Adult Program Workforce program serving individuals ages 14-24 providing internship opportunities with regional employers (First Solar, Amazon, Zimmer Biomet, JDI Group, PBE, Lucas County Title Office, Mionix Medical LLC., WTVG 13abc, Centor Inc.), trade training, and certifications. In 2025, served 84 young adults with 24 obtaining employment and 21 enrolled in Trade Training or Certification programs.
• Benefit Bridge Program Program that empowers individuals to increase their earning potential and transition to higher-paying jobs, reducing reliance on government assistance. In 2025, served 115 clients with 59 accepted to higher education/training programs and 30 obtaining employment at $18.50-$33.00 per hour. Targeted at individuals transitioning off public benefits.
• Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Federally-funded employment program specifically designed for participants age 55 and older, providing training and job placement services. Targeted at older workers seeking to re-enter or remain in the workforce.
• ReDesign With AG Workshops In-person upcycling workshop program where Donation Acquisition Manager Angie Gillis guides participants in creating DIY projects using items from local Goodwill stores while touring the facilities. Targeted at community members interested in upcycling.
• Resumes-on-Demand Service Resume writing assistance service available through Goodwill's Job Connection Centers to help job seekers create professional resumes on demand. Targeted at job seekers using the Job Connection Centers.
• Goodwill Industries Foundation of Northwest Ohio Donations Philanthropic fundraising vehicle that accepts charitable donations to fund workforce development programming including the Youth and Young Adult Program, Benefit Bridge Program, and Reentry Program. Targeted at charitable donors and foundation grantmakers.
• Pass It On Challenge Donation Program High school donation competition program where students collect donations and earn scholarships. In 2022, 163,260 pounds of donations were collected and $7,500 in scholarships distributed. Targeted at high schools and student groups.

Quantifiable outcome

• 156 people placed into competitive employment from Reentry Program (30% placement rate)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Owens Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 June 2024Expanded partnership providing enhanced training options through a new customized virtual platform. GED Program returned to Goodwill downtown office. Collaboration on welding classes for reentry program participants.
• Girl Scouts of Western OhiominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 January 2024Cookie booths set up at Goodwill store locations throughout northwest Ohio for Girl Scout cookie sales.
• Toledo Lucas County Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 January 2024Toledo Lucas County Public Library to offer Early Literacy Courses at Goodwill store locations.
• TARTA (Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2024TARTA customers can purchase bus passes at Toledo Area Goodwill store locations. TARTA also conducts bus operator training at Goodwill's Sylvania Avenue Job Connection Center. Goodwill provides cleaning services for TARTA and TARPS buses and bus shelters.
• The Junction Coalition and LISC ToledominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2022FREE training in skilled trades for residents in zip codes 43604 and 43607 through The Junction Employment Workforce Initiative.
• Good Rides TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 February 2022Workforce development transportation program to help participants overcome transportation barriers to employment, including supporting summer youth internships.
• Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and AdelantecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 November 2021I-75 Workforce Initiative recruiting men and women from the Old South End for construction and trade careers. Goodwill provides janitorial services at ODOT Wood County rest area. Collaboration for ODOT Civil Rights Transportation Symposium.
• Lourdes UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2021Partner for Cardinal Stritch High School students to earn an associate degree at Lourdes University, attending classes each Tuesday and Thursday.
• Lott Industries, The Ability Center, and The Epilepsy CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2019'Working Better Together' initiative to place 15 disabled candidates in employment each year for five years. Goodwill serves as gatekeeper of candidates and outcomes.
• Ohio Means JobscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2017Workforce development alliance to assist returning citizens, veterans, and individuals with disabilities with job seeking, soft skills, and employment placement. Goodwill teaches Reentry Career Readiness Training classes using the 'Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success' curriculum.
• Associated General Contractors of Northwest OhiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2016DOL grant partnership for career pathways including carpentry, brick laying, pipe fitting, masonry, mechanics, HVAC, welding, ironworking and sheet metal working.
• Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2016Primary referral source for vocational services and workforce development programs. Referrals for job placement, skills training, and employment support services.
• Lucas Metropolitan Housing AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity outreach and service provision at LMH properties including Ravine Park Village and Birmingham Terrace, in collaboration with The Zepf Center.
• Volunteers of America (VOA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDOL grant partnership and referral source for individuals transitioning from halfway houses and VOA facilities seeking employment services.
• Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission (NOCAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Getting Ahead Program at Defiance Job Connection Center to help women overcome life barriers.
• First Solar, Amazon, Zimmer Biomet, JDI Group, PBE, Lucas County Title Office, Mionix Medical LLC., WTVG 13abc, Centor Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth and Young Adult Program internship hosts providing real-world work experience for young adults aged 14-24.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Savers / Value Village:
• The Salvation Army USA: National nonprofit operating thrift/family stores that fund adult rehabilitation, workforce, and social service programs. Directly comparable as a multi-channel nonprofit social enterprise combining donated-goods retail with workforce development and contract services.
• Goodwill Industries International: National umbrella organization for the 150+ autonomous regional Goodwill affiliates. Directly comparable as the parent network governing the same thrift-retail-plus-workforce-development social enterprise model that Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio operates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/goodwillnow
• Facebookfacebook.com/jccnwo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/goodwillnow
• Instagraminstagram.com/goodwillnow
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCgoodwill

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Industries of Northwest Ohio