Our History
100 Years of Impact
Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington celebrated our centennial in 2023.The organization has evolved dramatically throughout the past century but one thing has remained – our commitment to serving the community by breaking down significant barriers to education and employment. Throughout 2023, we reflected on the significant events in Evergreen Goodwill’s history, starting at the very beginning when Seattle Goodwill Industries was introduced to the City of Seattle at the corner of Boren and Virginia.
We invite you to take a look back at our history – decade by decade – and the intricate role Evergreen Goodwill has played in Northwest Washington State.
1920’s
Evergreen Goodwill opens first store
May 1923 in Seattle at Boren Avenue and Virginia Street.
Donors filled donation bags at home with used clothing, carpets and other goods to be repaired and resold in stores.
“Not charity, but a chance”
was Evergreen Goodwill’s original slogan. The organization provided jobs – as well as shelter and food – to thousands of people regardless of their race, gender, religion, education or ability.
1930’s
April 7, 1930
Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington announced the site of its new headquarters – located at the intersection of Dearborn and South Lane Streets in Seattle.
As the effects of the stock market crash of 1929 reached Seattle, area workers lost their jobs. In December of 1930, Evergreen Goodwill served over 9,200 meals to people in need, and provided shelter to hundreds of people in the community.
May 23, 1933
marked the organization’s 10-year anniversary. In its first 10 years, Evergreen Goodwill paid workers a total of $970,000+ and assisted 66,596 people.
1940’s
Salvage for Victory
During WWII, Goodwill supported the wartime effort by collecting and sorting through scraps, including metals that were sent to Boeing for manufacturing airplanes.
Arising From the Ashes
On May 10th, 1945, Seattle Goodwill’s workshop and headquarters at 1400 Lane St. was destroyed in a fire. Insurance and a fundraising drive covered the costs of a new modern, fire-proof building that included a retail store, cafeteria, chapel and offices.
Mission focused
Throughout the 1940s, Evergreen Goodwill continued to collect, repair and sell gently used items to fund its Job Training and Education programs.
1950’s
A Shift in Mission Focus
Throughout the 1950’s, Evergreen Goodwill shifted the focus of its mission to serving individuals with disabilities. The mascot, Good Willy, helped spread awareness of the organization’s services.
Free Meals for Employees
Evergreen Goodwill launched a free meal program to help combat food insecurity. For many employees, this was the most substantial meal of the day.
Largest in the World
in 1953, the organization’s flagship store location was substantially expanded into the iconic store that remains today at 1400 South Lane Street in Seattle. This store continues to be the largest Goodwill thrift store in the world.
1960’s
Women’s Auxiliary
Much of Evergreen Goodwill’s fundraising and outreach work was done by the Women’s Auxiliary, founded in 1924. Key responsibilities of the Women’s Auxiliary were the placement of Goodwill bags in homes and organization of fundraisers.
Evergreen Goodwill became the inspiration for a passionate social worker who studied the organization for six months in 1963.
Inspiration for others
Expanding Impact
The Seattle Lane Street headquarters and flagship store underwent significant expansion that provided additional job training and employment opportunities to over 1,100 individuals with disabilities, in 1964.
New Policies Drove Change
Technological advancements and environmental policies drove changes in Evergreen Goodwill’s business practices. New strategies were formed to fund our Job Training and Education programs and services.
1970’s
Focus on Individuals Facing Barriers
With more organizations dedicated to helping people with disabilities emerging in the region, Evergreen Goodwill chose to focus on assisting individuals facing economic and educational challenges.
A Shift to Vocational Training
In 1979, Evergreen Goodwill launched vocational training classes for anyone facing barriers to education and employment. Classes were free and included cashiering, graphic arts, electronics assembly, bank telling. GED advising, resume and interview preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
New “Attended Donation Stations”
Rising fuel costs caused Evergreen Goodwill to abandon our practice of picking up donations, and instead launched attended donation stations that allowed people to conveniently drop off donated goods.
1980’s
Rise in Personal Computers
As firms like Microsoft transformed Seattle into a center of global innovation, Evergreen Goodwill recognized the significant need of computer skills to compete for modern office jobs.
Responding to Competition
The launch of our Adult Basic Education (ABE) and computer training classes empowered individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the ever-changing job market.
eWaste Collection
In 1986, we took the lead in combating electronic waste (eWaste) by introducing our electronics- recycling program. We began accepting donations of VCRs, cameras, and calculators, which started our journey towards responsible eWaste disposal.
1990’s
A Commitment to Education
During the early ’90s, Evergreen Goodwill began offering programs like “Job Readiness Training” that prepared individuals for employment and community involvement.
Growth and Expansion
In the mid-’90s, Evergreen Goodwill not only broadened its program offerings but also expanded our nonprofit retail presence, opening new stores in Tukwila, Bremerton, and other locations, bringing the total to 10 retail locations by 1999.
Grunge and Thrift: A Fashion Revolution
Grunge subculture embraced thrifted, well-worn fashion, turning flannels, ripped jeans, and vintage tees into symbols of rebellion and self-expression, with Evergreen Goodwill playing a central role for grunge fashion enthusiasts.
2000’s
Removing Barriers to Work
In the early 2000s, Evergreen Goodwill recognized how barriers to work could prevent people from accessing our job training and adult education programs. By assisting with transportation, healthcare, and housing, Evergreen Goodwill ensured that all community members would be able to access our resources.
A New Era of Leadership
In 2003, Ken Colling became Evergreen Goodwill’s first CEO. Colling built upon the legacy of leadership and growth that defined the previous President, Jill Jones’ 24 years at the organization.
Launching STRIVE
The STRIVE Program (Striving Towards Rebuilding Individuals Vocational Empowerment Program) was established to help people overcome barriers to employment by providing opportunities to gain work experience, basic computer skills, vocational training, and access to important resources.
Evergreen Expansion
The 2000s saw seven new Evergreen Goodwill locations open, including Renton, Bellevue and University District stores. By the end of the decade, Evergreen Goodwill had opened nearly one dozen Job Training and Education Centers that helped community members find ongoing education, rewarding employment, and financial security.
2010’s
“Thrift Shop”
The Grammy Award-winning song by local artists Macklemore and Ryan Lewis helped usher in a second Thrifting Revolution that inspired a new appreciation of vintage fashion and reused items.
Eco Friendly EGNW
The environmentally conscious, three-story administration building is equipped with spacious classrooms, a WorkSource drop-in center, and student lounge that allows us to serve more individuals and increase our impact.
Unlocking Career Pathways
Partnerships with Boeing, The Port of Seattle, and The Youth Maritime Collaborative allowed Evergreen Goodwill to offer aerospace and maritime programs to youth in the region.
2020’s
Our Digital Equity Buses bring Evergreen Goodwill’s computer classes, workforce development programs, and wraparound support services to rural and under-resourced communities across Northwest Washington.
In February 2024, our newest store opened in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. Evergreen Goodwill will continue to expand its footprint and adapt its programs in order to best serve our 5-county service area.
