Goodwill: Where your things start new lives
At Goodwill of the Heartland, we believe every donation has the power to transform lives. Each item you donate contributes to a larger purpose — helping individuals in our communities gain the skills and support they need to thrive. The proceeds from donated goods fund our wide-ranging job training programs, career resources, and life enrichment services that empower people from all walks of life. Whether they are overcoming barriers to employment, pursuing their education, or navigating significant life transitions, we are here to provide a pathway to a brighter future.
Our commitment goes beyond charity. We aim to end the cycle of dependence by offering sustainable solutions that create long-term impact. Through job readiness training, personal development, and hands-on experience, we equip local people with the tools they need to build self-sufficiency and lasting success. This is not about temporary handouts; it’s about fostering independence and creating opportunities for growth and empowerment.
The inspiring stories featured in our "mission moments" showcase the profound difference your donations make. Each video highlights the journey of people who have transformed their lives through our programs or area businesses who have benefitted from collaborative initiatives. These moments are powerful reminders of the positive change happening every day — one life at a time. Your support helps make these success stories possible.
Thank you for helping us create lasting change. Together, we are building stronger communities and empowering people to achieve their dreams.
Edgar Achievement Awards
Each year our organization celebrates the exceptional achievements of a select group of program participants and team members through the Edgar Awards - named after Goodwill Industries International founder and former Iowan Edgar J. Helms.
We select regional and overall achievers of the year in six categories, and create videos to tell the stories of our overall winners. Those videos featuring team members, retail locations and participants are available on the Edgar Awards page.
Program Participant Mission Moments
Ramon Rentas & Wanda Medina Rodriquez
These Goodwill program graduates made their dream of opening a Puerto Rican restaurant in Muscatine a reality. Their business, Jibaro de Puerto Rico, is Iowa's first restaurant to offer authentic Puerto Rican food.
Bobby Diehl
Bobby found Goodwill's free Occupational Skills Training programs and quickly gained needed professional certificates for information technology.
Leslie & Gavin Meerdink
Food certification courses helped Leslie and Gavin launch a new food truck business, The Bagel Shop.
Thomas Houser
Tom needed employment that would allow him to work from home and also allow for potential career growth. After gaining a certificate in social media marketing, he found an opportunity that provides both.
Ivan Cross
Ivan has many interests, but what he enjoys most is feeling like a member of the team at Handicare Childcare in Iowa City.
Team Member Mission Moments
Mindy Hall, Thrive Success Coach
Mindy began her career with Goodwill of the Heartland about five years ago. While she initially worked in our contracts division, she now serves as a success coach in our Thrive program, which helps Goodwill of the Heartland employees set and achieve professional and personal goals.
Jessica Bump, Retail Training & Communications Specialist
Jessica has been part of the Goodwill team for the past decade, working her way up to her current role. She loves the variety of her work and doing her part for our organization's mission.
Kayla Dusenberry, Thrive Success Coach
A member of the Goodwill team for the past six years, Kayla began working with the organization while still in school. She has worked through several roles while at Goodwill and currently works with other team members to set and achieve professional and personal goals.
Community Partner Mission Moments
North Cedar Recycling
Goodwill Career Navigator Vicki Wailand introduces us to the work being done at rural Cedar County business North Cedar Recycling, which employs five Goodwill program participants. Owner/Operator Tim Harpole says the partnership with Goodwill has helped his business fill a workforce void.
Need More Mission Moments?
When you're ready to view and hear more inspirational stories, check out our channel on YouTube.