Mission
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that offers job training and customized
career support to eliminate barriers to work and independence. Proceeds from thrift retail, e-commerce, grants and financial contributions fund our services that help Minnesotans get equitable access to employment opportunities and realize the power of work. Shopping and donating divert over 65 million pounds from local landfills annually and have helped us connect people to jobs since 1919.
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.
EQUITY STATEMENT
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota believes that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are central to our mission to eliminate barriers to work and independence, and our vision of a world where everyone experiences the power of work. We strive to reflect the communities we serve and strengthen partnerships, while making a solid case for the importance of this work. We will bring diversity, equity and inclusion to the forefront internally and externally and speak out against overt and systemic racism, oppressions and inequities.
- As an employer we will build on employee engagement and inclusion efforts.
- As a community member we will reflect our service communities and actively learn together.
- As a service provider we will create equitable opportunities.
- As an advocate we will influence systems change.
OPENING DOORS TO BRIGHTER FUTURES
Community Need: Minnesotans are still recovering from pandemic-related job loss; in the last year unemployment applications reached 1.4 million and 344,000 people were unemployed.
Our Response:
We support people seeking career growth and stability with digital literacy skills, resume refinement and free, job-specifictraining like construction or IT to help people find meaningful work.
Our outcomes are life-changing: all participants experience an average annual increase in earnings of $26,452 and 82% are employed after six months. Dislocated worker participants experience an average annual wage increase of $52,739.
Community Need: Income inequality and wage gaps in our community are among the highest in the nation; Minnesota’s pay disparity for BIPOC people is over 30%.
Our Response:
- We are part of the solution: our individualized services, like career navigation and job support, help narrow this gap for job applicants who are often underrepresented (52% of the people we serve are BIPOC and 64% have one or more disabilities).
Community Need: Minnesotans generate nearly 6 million tons of waste for local landfills every year.
Our Response:
- Shopping and donating helps us divert over 65 million pounds from Minnesota’s landfills annually.
- Our commitment to sustainability includes solar energy at 15% of our stores, electric car charging stations and partnership with 160 Goodwill agencies that divert over 4.5 billion pounds from landfills every year.
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 Deanna Smiley Gulliford or call 651-379-5940 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 GESMN has earned nearly a dozen 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,
DPA
President &
Chief Executive Officer
Board Members
Stephanie Albert, JD (’25)
EVP, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Asst. Corporate Secretary, Stratacor
Anthony Bass, MDiv, MBA (’25)
Senior Executive Director,
American Cancer Society ‐ Minnesota
Margaret Camp, MBA, JD ('23)
Vice President, Business Unit Operations,
Wolters Kluwer
Kortney Cartwright ('24) Vice Chair
District Branch Manager, BCForward
Marcella de la Torre, EdD (’24)
Director, AACSB Administration/Health Care Outreach, Opus College of Business,
University of St. Thomas
Sonjia Erickson ('23)
Design Director, Product Design & Development, Target Corporation
Andrew Feikema ('25)
Senior Vice President/Relationship Manager,
US Bank Corporate Banking
Mike Finger, MA ('22) Treasurer
Founder, ExitOasis.com
Debbie Galka, MBA (ex-officio)
Chair, Goodwill-Easter Seals Foundation
Wealth Management Chief Operations Officer,
US Bank
Peggy L. Kadlec ('24)
Chief Human Resources Officer/Executive,
Cadré Incorporated
Rachel Lockett ('24) Chair
Chief Information Officer,
Pohlad Companies /Marquette Companies
Sita Morantz ('23)
Chief Acquisition Integration and Community Engagement Officer, Marsden Holding L.L.C.
Leslie Olson, MBA ('23)
Director – Strategic Performance Analytics,
Thrivent Financial
Elizabeth Ortloff (’24)
SVP, Senior Compliance & Audit Officer,
EntreBank
Charla Sheffield, MBA (’25)
Community Advocate
Valerie Krzywkowski Snyder, JD ('22) Secretary
Supervising Attorney, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
Morgan Truscott (’24)
Executive Director, JP Morgan Private Bank
Michael Wirth-Davis, DPA (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
Dan Schultz
Director of Outlets/Wholesale
Deanna Smiley Gulliford
Public Affairs Director
Shannon Schaaf
Philanthropy Director
Inclusion

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota's mission to eliminate barriers to work and independence is deeply rooted in inclusion. We help connect people to jobs who are often overlooked or underrepresented in the workforce.
The unemployment rate in Minnesota is 60% higher for people with disabilities; the poverty rate for families of color is up to three times that of white families. We support job applicants with employment readiness, career navigation and job training because these disparities are unacceptable to us.

EQUITY STATEMENT
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota believes that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are central to our mission to eliminate barriers to work and independence, and our vision of a world where everyone experiences the power of work. We strive to reflect the communities we serve and strengthen partnerships, while making a solid case for the importance of this work. We will bring diversity, equity and inclusion to the forefront internally and externally and speak out against overt and systemic racism, oppressions and inequities.
- As an employer we will build on employee engagement and inclusion efforts.
- As a community member we will reflect our service communities and actively learn together.
- As a service provider we will create equitable opportunities.
- As an advocate we will influence systems change.
DEI STRATEGIC PILLARS




DEI COUNCIL
Our employees help build a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion that permeates all areas of our work. A DEI Council with staff members from across the organization shares educational opportunities, conducts listening sessions and hosts spaces for people to be their authentic selves. We also have a staff team that proactively discusses accessibility/identifies areas to improve.
OUR ACTIONS
We believe in action-oriented DEI efforts, which are always evolving and will be updated here:
- Calling on employees to source vendors, partners and support businesses that are women and BIPOC-owned.
- We link arms with other nonprofits to speak out against racial injustice, economic disparities and discrimination. Get details.
- We actively work to recruit and retain people of color, people from diverse backgrounds and we recognize the intersectionality in every individual that interacts with us.
- Women are strong leaders at GESMN! Three of our five chief officers are female, as well as women in leadership roles across the entire organization.
- We seek out and speak to diverse audiences, ensuring our marketing and communications efforts are accessible and inclusive.
We will aways have work to do. We will listen with open, honest minds. We will get uncomfortable in our efforts to increase understanding, and work to create a more fair playing field for all.
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 stores in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Find a donation center near you.
Does Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes! Volunteers play key roles in our success. For more information, visit our volunteers page.
Do you need or accept financial gifts?
Yes! Many of our programs have waiting lists due to limited funding and your gifts help transform lives through the power of work. Please read 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 our brand is internationally known and been around for over a decade, sometimes individuals and organizations are misinformed about who we are.
Next time you see a friend perpetuating these common hoax topics, please share the facts:
- Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, not a for-profit company.
- “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 in our communites and everyone earns more than the MN minimum wage.
- Our 45 local retail stores, 3 outlets, e-commerce and aftermarket operations handled over 75 million donated items last year to provide funding for services and programs that eliminate
barriers to work and independence. - Our commitment to sustainability includes solar energy at 15% of our stores, electric car charging stations and partnership with 160 Goodwill agencies that divert over 4.5 billion pounds
from landfills every year. - CEO Michael Wirth-Davis, DPA has led the organization for over 30 years. He teaches and volunteers his time speaking to various groups (he doesn’t have a yacht or get paid millions of dollars). His compensation, like all nonprofit CEOs is available in our Form 990.
- Our free workforce services help narrow the gap for job applicants who are often underrepresented (52% of the people we serve are BIPOC and 64% have one or more disabilities).
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.