Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, (GIBB) was founded in 1965 in Tallahassee and now serves communities in job placement and training from Perry to Santa Rosa Beach. Goodwill is a 501-c3 non-profit organization and is led by volunteer board members who are responsible for the oversight and hiring of the CEO. Goodwill Industries – Big Bend’s President /CEO is Fred G. Shelfer, Jr. who has served as a leader in the Big Bend area for more than 40 years.

Goodwill is not just a thrift store. In fact, 90 cents of every dollar spent in our stores funds education, career services, and support for individuals in the Big Bend community. We offer courses and certifications at NO COST to participants through the generosity of our donors and shoppers. These courses include Python coding, IT management, digital marketing, construction and a Certified Nursing Assistant course. We are also proud of our affordable living solutions. Goodwill Industries – Big Bend manages 12 accessible apartment buildings in North Florida and South Georgia. In 2010, we assumed operations of The Learning Pavilion, an inclusive preschool for children of all ability levels.

Goodwill Industries – Big Bend is a major employer in the Big Bend and employs more than 900 individuals as of 2024.

When you donate and shop at Goodwill, you are helping to support our mission of changing lives through the power of work. In 2024, Goodwill assisted more than 6,500 individuals through education, career services, and support thanks to donations and purchases in our stores.

Goodwill Industries - Big Bend is a registered, reputable 501-C3 nonprofit organization and has been serving our community for over 50 years. We are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and meet all 20 standards for charity accountability. We operate 26 retail stores in the Big Bend region of Florida, and we provide education, career services, and support for individuals in more than 22 counties.