Vision
A world where everyone experiences the power of work.
We have helped connect people to jobs since 1919 and every year we serve over 5,500 people in our community who deserve equitable access to jobs and stable careers. We provide free customized job support, training programs and resources to help people enter and advance in the workplace.
Mission
To eliminate barriers to work and independence.
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is an affiliate of both Goodwill Industries International and Easter Seals, two national organizations that help connect people to work. Proceeds from thrift stores help fund our nearly 20 customized services that help people get equitable access to jobs, create stable careers and advance in the workplace.
Our services help address labor disparities in Minnesota
Together with workforce development nonprofit leaders, employer partners and governmental voices we help people skill-up to earn family sustaining wages, benefits and more. How can our services help you?
A Century of Service
For more than 100 years, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota has been a leader in employment services, meeting employer and community needs as they evolve over time and eliminating barriers to work and independence.
Our Employees
Every employee, delivering programs, working in administration or in a store, contributes to our mission. Here's what they say...
Employee Testimonials
Felix L.
District Manager
"In my new role as Goodwill's district manager, I look forward to building more great partnerships within the organization that contribute to our mission to eliminate barriers to work and independence."
Sunshine M.
Recruiter
"I look forward to coming to work every day knowing that I’m a part of a greater mission to assist people to find work. As a person of color, I feel valued, supported and driven to help others with this mission in mind. I love being a part of GESMN!"
Latisha P.
Workforce Development Manager
"In my new role as manager of FATHER Project, I have a unique opportunity to build community as our services strengthen the important relationship between fathers and their children."
Community & Belonging
We believe that community and belonging are central to our mission at GESMN.
Advocacy
Every year we make progress in advancing workforce-related public policy, engaging with hundreds of elected officials on public policy objectives. Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a member of the MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, the MN Second Chance Coalition and a co-founder of the WorkWellMN consortium of workforce development providers. Contact Deanna Smiley Gulliford with questions.
Certifications & Accreditations
GESMN holds many certifications and accreditations to ensure transparency with donors and the highest level of service to our program participants.
- Nationally, Goodwill is rated an "A" grade by Charity Watch and ranked among the Top 10 Charities by Forbes Top 100 U.S. Charities, and GESMN has earned over a dozen 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, a distinction obtained by only 2% of charities nationwide.
- Guidestar ranks GESMN as a platinum seal of transparency, its highest award.
- GESMN has held accreditation from CARF® International, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services every year since February of 1977.
- This website is WCAG compliant for accessibility and scores AA-AAA in annual accessibility audits to ensure all users can access our services and resources.
- Americans told the World Value Index that Goodwill is the brand they trust more than any other. The World Value Index is based on a nationally representative, comprehensive survey of 3,000 Americans on perception, awareness and behaviors in response to the purpose and mission of organizations and brands.
- Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the Federal Tax ID: 41-0706171.