| | Abstract: | Founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1918, as Goodwill Industries of Cleveland by Methodist minister Frank Milton Baker, Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland followed the concepts pioneered by Dr. Edgar J. Helms of Boston, Massachusetts. Its initial purpose was to furnish job training and employment for the aged, poor, and handicapped; and inexpensive clothing and furniture to the community through the processing of donated materials and management of Goodwill resale stores. In the 1930s, it began to focus on the vocational training and employment needs of people with physical, mental, and social disabilities. During the 1960s, rehabilitation counselors, psychologists, and social workers were added to its staff. The collection consists of individual and group portraits of the Board of Directors, Executive Directors, Cleveland journalists, staff, annual meetings and other events. Individuals pictured include Fred Grandy, Ralph Perk, Carl Stokes, Phyllis Diller, Vivian Vance, and Jane Powell. Views of Cleveland-area retail stores, donation processing facilities, Boy Scouts activities, fashion shows, activities of the Women's Auxiliary and Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services, and other vocational services and programs for the physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially handicapped are included. | |
