History of Wabash Valley Goodwill Industries, Inc.
In 1927 in the Wabash Valley, a local minister, the Reverend Theodore Grob, Sr., saw the need for a sheltered workshop and low-priced merchandise. From Rev. Helms' model, he founded Goodwill Industries in the parsonage of Calvary Methodist Church (German Methodist) of which he was the minister. He provided the leadership until 1968 when his son, Ted Grob, Jr., took over the management of the agency. William Tennis was named director in 1982 upon Ted, Jr.'s retirement.
Goodwill is the largest private sector employer of people with disabilities or with special needs in the world, yet its primary purpose is to train and place disabled persons in the economic mainstream. Wabash Valley Goodwill is one of the local autonomous member organizations in the United States, Canada, and 23 other countries.
Goodwill is the largest private sector employer of people with disabilities or with special needs in the world, yet its primary purpose is to train and place disabled persons in the economic mainstream. Wabash Valley Goodwill is one of the local autonomous member organizations in the United States, Canada, and 23 other countries.
A full history of Wabash Valley Goodwill can be downloaded here. (coming soon!)
