History

Goodwill Industries was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1902, by a Methodist minister named Edgar J. Helms. He was driven to create a not-for-profit system that could employ people who were not able to get jobs elsewhere, giving them “not charity but a chance.” It is this foundation that all local Goodwill organizations have been built on ever since.

Goodwill Industries of Houston was founded in 1945. Goodwill Houston was established through the vision and inspiration of W.C.Morris, Sr. and the Rotary Club of Houston. Headed by Executive Director Dorothy Rice Ewell, Goodwill opened its barrier-free doors at 201 San Jacinto Street (where the Court of Family Law building now stands).

Six years later, Goodwill moved to the corner of Smith and Prairie (where the Alley Theatre is now located).

In 1965, Goodwill Houston purchased a large section of land in Houston’s Fifth Ward at 5200 Jensen Drive to serve as its new main campus. The location also included a print shop, dental clinic, fulfillment center, cafeteria, and incorporated the largest Goodwill store in Texas.

In 1986, after more than 20 years of service as CEO, Bill Lufburrow passed away unexpectedly. Following a thorough search, the Board of Directors named Steve Lufburrow as President & CEO.

Under Steve’s leadership, Goodwill Houston continued to grow, expanding its stores, donation centers, programs, and the number of people it served. As the organization entered the 21st century, Goodwill Houston relocated to 10795 Hammerly in 2005 and, following continued growth, moved to its current location at 1140 West Loop North in 2011.

In February 2024, Goodwill Houston began a new chapter when Michael Winckler was named President & CEO. Michael brought more than 20 years of experience in workforce development, finance, operations, and Goodwill leadership to the organization. Before joining Goodwill Houston, he served as President & CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia for nine years and previously served as Vice President of Workforce Development for Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia.

Today, Goodwill Houston operates more than 100 locations across eight Texas counties and employs more than 2,100 associates. Each year, the organization serves more than 21,000 individuals, including 5,800 through intensive services. While the needs of the community continue to evolve, Goodwill Houston’s commitment to serving individuals with barriers to sustainable employment and providing opportunities to thrive remains at the heart of its mission.