In 1902, a Methodist minister, Reverend Edgar J. Helms, pioneered an organization in Boston's South End that gave people hope, dignity, and independence. Fifty three years later a small group of concerned Hagerstown businessmen saw the need for their community to join Rev. Helms' movement, now known as Goodwill Industries, which became the 100th Goodwill franchise in the United States. At that time Hagerstown was the smallest city in America to have such a franchise.

The founders were Richard Grumbacher, Max Greenwald, D. E. Stultz, J. H. Bayliss, Harold Porter, and David W. Byron. Harvey Kettering was hired as the first CEO of the new organization. By August 1955, 17 persons were employed and our first store was opened on September 30, 1955. Mr. Kettering was the served in his role of CEO until 1959. During his tenure, stores were opened in Hagerstown, Hancock, Cumberland, Waynesboro, and Martinsburg.

These individuals who were instrumental in founding Hagerstown Goodwill Industries could not have imagined the organization as it exists today. Since that time, the organization has grown into one of the most respected and successful non-profit agencies in the quad state region. The organization currently provides or is developing services in 17 counties throughout parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia. Fifteen retail stores are also located throughout the assigned territory. The name was changed to Horizon Goodwill Industries to better reflect the organization's widespread outreach.

Reverend Edgar J. Helms' original concept was visionary, for it is just as relevant today as it was over 100 years ago. His social innovation set in motion a worldwide movement that would transform more than 5 million lives over the course of a century - all through the power of work.

If you want to learn more about Goodwill, check out Goodwill International's website http://www.goodwill.org/