Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

More Than Meets the Eye: What You Might Not Know About Goodwill’s Mission

If you’re a savvy shopper, you know that Goodwill is the place to find incredible deals on clothes, accessories, household goods, and so much more. You’re also probably familiar with Goodwill’s donation program, which collects and repurposes new and gently-used clothing and items. But do you know about the social mission that’s behind Goodwill’s massive retail and donation operation?

There’s so much more than meets the eye when it comes to Ohio Valley Goodwill. Today, we’re shedding some light on what you might not know about Ohio Valley Goodwill and our mission:

Outside shot of Ohio Valley Goodwill store

Ohio Valley Goodwill store

Ohio Valley Goodwill is an independent, locally-based nonprofit organization

Did you know that no two Goodwills are exactly alike? It’s true! Each and every Goodwill organization has a different way of operating and different services to offer the local community. As part of Goodwill’s network of over 160 member agencies, Ohio Valley Goodwill is independently operated and funded. This allows us to provide a variety of programs and services that are tailored to meet the needs of those we serve locally in Greater Cincinnati and surrounding areas.

” Putting people to work” is fundamental to our mission

Since 1916, Ohio Valley Goodwill has been dedicated to creating pathways to success for job seekers so they can obtain meaningful employment in the Greater Cincinnati area. We have a long history of offering job training and supportive services to community members with disabilities and local homeless veterans, helping them achieve personal and vocational success. We believe that having a job is about more than earning a living, it’s about independence, self-sufficiency, and becoming fully integrated into the community. Every day, we’re focused on ” putting people to work” so they can reach these goals!

Ohio Valley Goodwill is committed to environmental responsibility

At Ohio Valley Goodwill, our mission is fulfilled in environmentally-conscious ways. We advocate for the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle movement, and we exercise earth-friendly practices throughout our entire organization! Through our donation program, we help community members recycle clothing and other goods responsibly. These items are processed and resold in our retail stores, where they’re given a new life and a new purpose. Over the years, Ohio Valley Goodwill has diverted millions of pounds of reusable goods from local landfills, including textiles, hard goods, paper, cardboard, steel, and electronic equipment.

Donate and Shop. Change a Life -- Graphic.

Donate to Goodwill and change a life!

Fulfilling Ohio Valley Goodwill’s mission starts with YOU

For 100+ years, Ohio Valley Goodwill has provided thousands of individuals with job training and employment support so they can obtain meaningful employment. But our mission is only made possible with help from community members like YOU! Whether you donate or shop, you’re fueling our mission, creating jobs, and changing lives in your community. Thank you for your ongoing support!

We invite you to bring donations to one of our convenient donation locations or shop in one of our 18 retail stores in and around Cincinnati. Find your nearest Goodwill donation site or retail store location here.