Mission
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a nonprofit organization providing education, job training and placement services that eliminate barriers to work and independence. Revenue from 50+ retail stores ― along with grants and other financial contributions ― supports programs throughout Minnesota. Our “donate-shop-reuse-educate-employ” model diverts over 65 million pounds from landfills annually and helps us connect people to jobs every day.
Our mission
To eliminate barriers to work and independence.
Our Vision
A world where everyone experiences the power of work.
Our services
We prepare people for work to address labor disparities in Minnesota.
Our history
Founded in 1919, our rich history of service has connected people to jobs for a century.
Community Need
- The unemployment rate is 60% higher for people with disabilities.
- The poverty rate for families of color is three times that of white families.
- Women face pay inequality, earning 15% less than men in similar roles.
- Minnesota projects a labor shortage of over 230,000 people by 2022.
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 and the MN Second Chance Coalition.
Contact Director of Public Affairs Deanna Smiley Gulliford or call 651-379-5940 with questions.
Certifications and Accreditations
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (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 GESMN has earned nine consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, a distinction obtained by only 2% of charities nationwide.
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.
Leadership
executive team
Brent Babcock
Chief Sales &
Marketing Officer
Jinah Chernivec
Chief Human Resources
& Risk Officer
Mary Jones
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Sheila Olson
Chief Services &
Programs Officer
Jeff Uecker
Chief Financial Officer
Michael Wirth-Davis,
Dr. PA
President &
Chief Executive Officer
Board Members
Joseph M. Barsky III, MBA (ex-officio)
Chair, Goodwill-Easter Seals Foundation
Margaret Camp, MBA, JD ('23)
Vice President of Product Development,
Wolters Kluwer
Kortney Cartwright ('21)
District Branch Manager, BCForward
Nicole Cooper, MPH, DrPH ('21)
Senior Director of Mission Distinction & Corporate Social Responsibility, UnitedHealthcare
Sonjia Erickson ('23)
Design Director, Product Design & Development, Target Corporation
Mike Finger, MA ('22)
Founder, ExitOasis.com
Peggy L. Kadlec ('21)
Chief Human Resources Officer/Executive,
Cadré Incorporated
Rachel Lockett ('21) Vice Chair
Chief Information Officer,
Pohlad Companies /Marquette Companies
Wendy Mahling, JD, ('22) Chair
Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Managing Attorney, Xcel Energy
Sita Morantz ('23) Secretary
President and Chief Administrative Officer, Marsden Holding L.L.C.
Leslie Olson, MBA ('23) Treasurer
Director of Field Reporting & Analytics,
Thrivent Financial
Valerie Krzywkowski Snyder, JD ('22)
Supervising Attorney, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
Ed Surko, MBA ('21)
Vice President, Deposit and Payment Solutions, U.S. Bank Minneapolis
Richard Tepe, MBA, CFA ('22)
Finance Director, Investor Relations,
Target Corporation
Michael Vinyon, JD ('22)
Regional Managing Director,
The Wells Fargo Private Bank
Michael Wirth-Davis, DrPA (ex-officio)
President & CEO, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota
key contacts
Melissa Becker
Marketing & Communications Director
Nick Adams
Retail Stores Senior Director
Ann Marie Courchene
Retail Operations & Logistics Senior Director
Christine Bronson
Services & Programs Senior Director
Deanna Smiley Gulliford
Public Affairs Director
Shannon Schaaf
Philanthropy Director
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the relationship between Goodwill and Easterseals?
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is an affiliate of both Goodwill Industries International and Easterseals Disability Services. We offer job training, placement and related services to people with disabilities or other barriers to independence and employment. Goodwill Industries International and Easterseals Disability Services have separate affiliate offices in most states and the two national parent organizations are not affiliated with each other.
What services do you offer?
We assist with everything from interview clothing to industry-specific job training programs and benefits analysis. All services include individualized support from our knowledgeable staff. Our skills training programs offer a hands-on experience and are focused on careers that have the potential for high income roles, career advancement and benefits. Get more information.
Do Goodwill stores support your mission?
Yes! Proceeds from all stores help fund our many programs and services.
Where can I donate my stuff?
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota has more than 50 stores in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Donations are accepted at any location. Find a donation center near you.
How do I hire one of your trained participants?
Please call our business development manager at 651-379-5976. We have a variety of support programs to improve employee retention when you hire our participants.
Does Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes! Volunteers play key roles in our success. For more information, call 651-379-5937 or visit our volunteers page.
Do you need or accept financial gifts?
We certainly do. Many of our programs have waiting lists due to limited funding. Please read about ways to support our mission.
FACTS AND MYTHS
Goodwill is widely known and respected as a nonprofit that funds job training and employment services through the sales of donated items. Because of that, we sometimes stand in the line of fire from individuals and organizations who are misinformed and/or misrepresent us to the public.
Next time you see a friend perpetuating this old hoax, share this page with them (or send them to Snopes).
Donate. Shop. Support Our Mission.
- “Why do you sell things that you get for free?” Donations stock stores to support our mission, but there are many costs to get that lamp from your trunk onto a shelf.
- We employ over 2,000 people and everyone earns more than the MN minimum wage.
- In 2019, our stores handled over 2.5 million donations, using proceeds to fund our services.
Leading by Example
- Your aunt’s Facebook feed is great, but her facts on Goodwill might only be so-so. We have nine 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator and meet all Charities Review Council standards.
- CEO Michael Wirth-Davis, DPA has led the organization for 29 years. He teaches and volunteers his time speaking to various groups (he doesn’t have a yacht or get paid millions of dollars).
Download the pdf here.
Resources
Disability Links
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
People with disabilities can find links to important forms about your rights and filing grievances.
The Arc
Serves and advocates for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Disability Statistics Center
The latest statistics on the number of persons with disabilities, employers who provide accommodations and more.
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Provides detailed reports and information on disabilities and rehabilitation.
The National Organization on Disability
Helps persons with disabilities navigate the world of work with an overview of legal requirements.
National Association of the Deaf
Advocacy, support and resources for persons with hearing impairments.
National Center for Learning Disabilities
Resources for people for the workplace and school
National Alliance on Mental Illness MN (NAMI)
NAMI offers education and support to people affected by mental illness.
Employment Links
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Outlines your protected rights for hiring, working and more.
Job search assistance at local libraries
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota provides employment/support consultants in several libraries to provide job search resources, assistance and referral. No appointment is necessary. Locations and times are on the library events calendars:
Government Links
This U.S. government-funded website offers no-fee consulting to help employers and persons with disabilities navigate the legal requirements for accommodating disabilities.
U.S. Department of Labor: Employment & Training Administration - Adult Services
Adult Services encompass workforce investment programs and initiatives that provide millions of adult workers with workforce preparation and career development services, and help employers find the skilled workers they need. Activities promote and facilitate an integrated public workforce system through which a full array of services is offered. These services are available to workers and employers through the national network of One-Stop Career Centers.
U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy
Outlines the legal requirements and policies governing hiring practices and reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Military and Veteran Support Links
The Easterseals Dixon Center leverages Easterseals nationwide network of community-based program locations.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Sign up for updates on policy and relevant announcements/benefits for veterans.
Veterans Crisis Line
Connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
Connects service members and their families with community support, training, services and resources.
Military OneSource
Confidential program providing comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, National Guard, reserve members and their families.
New Immigrants, Refugees and New Americans
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
If you're a new immigrant to the U.S., this site offers information on when and how to apply to be an American citizen.
Visual Impairments
Resources for people with a sight impairment, such as information about Braille, seeing eye dogs and more.
National Federation of the Blind
This advocacy and support organization offers resources for employers, adults and children.
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the Federal Tax ID: 41-0706171.