Anniversary Celebration at Goodwill Industries of East Texas

TYLER — Goodwill Industries of East Texas (GIET) will celebrate its 40th Anniversary at a reception and awards ceremony this afternoon at 4:00 at the Goodwill Commercial Services Division on John Carney Drive in Tyler. GIET began as a branch of Goodwill Industries headquartered in Dallas. In 1975, it was incorporated as an independent Goodwill agency and was granted 501 (c) 3 non-profit status by the Internal Revenue Service. Donated goods retail stores were opened and rehabilitation services were offered shortly later. In 1997, Goodwill of East Texas merged with a local sheltered workshop, Opportunities In Tyler, to insure continued availability of the services offered by OIT.

In 2009, Goodwill of East Texas merged with Goodwill of the Pines, headquartered in Longview. This merger left GWET as the surviving entity, adding four counties to its territory. Today, GWET offers services in Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rusk, Shelby, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood counties. The services offered include assessments, counseling, job skills training and work-experience opportunities for people with various barriers to employment.

“We are grateful for the support from the East Texas community. The organization has grown significantly in the last 40 years and we have exciting plans for the future,” said GIEYT Executive Director Kimberly B. Lewis.

At today’s reception, there will be a brief Historical Presentation and comments by Mayor Martin Hines regarding the impact Goodwill has had on the City of Tyler.