Goodwill helps change lives through the powerGoodwill was formed in 1902 in Boston by Methodist Minister Rev. Edgar J. Helms to help the poor find employment. Rev. Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired those who were poor to mend and repair the used goods. The goods were then resold or were given to the people who repaired them. Goodwill's philosophy to provide "a hand up, not a handout" was thus born, and our successful beginnings allowed people to earn paychecks rather than receive charity. Goodwill San Antonio was founded in 1945 on the South Side of San Antonio. Since then, we have expanded to serve the entire city and beyond, including New Braunfels, Seguin and Laredo. of work.