CEO Column | Celebrating 80 Years of Impact: Goodwill San Antonio

Since our founding in 1945, Goodwill San Antonio has transformed lives by creating opportunities and removing barriers to meaningful employment. In 2025, we celebrate 80 years of empowering individuals to achieve personal and professional growth through skills development and access to GOOD jobs. 

Our nonprofit organization was established on the South Side of San Antonio with a passion for helping others and a personal financial investment from five local business leaders. These included notable names such as William “Bill” Sinkin, G. Sealie McCreless, and Otto Philip “O.P.” Schnabel. As part of the larger Goodwill Industries International network, San Antonio’s Goodwill aimed to address local workforce challenges—particularly supporting people with disabilities and wounded veterans returning from World War II. 

In 1946, we opened our first store with 22 employees—18 of whom were Purple Heart recipients. Their financial investment laid the foundation for a lasting impact, inspiring individuals to achieve independence and reclaim their futures through the dignity of work. 

Today, Goodwill San Antonio is one of the largest workforce development organizations in the area, employing over 1,800 team members. Since 2010, we have helped more than 15,000 individuals secure employment and enabled over 3,000 people to earn educational credentials through our training programs. Our commitment to helping people obtain meaningful employment has proven to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for eight decades—thanks to the support of our community. 

Throughout 2025, we will honor this milestone with mission-centered initiatives that reflect our community impact. We will launch the “80 for 80” story series on social media, highlighting the inspiring journeys of individuals whose lives have been transformed through Goodwill’s programs. 

In March, our Goodwill Academy will announce a new career readiness program aligned with high-demand, high-wage jobs in the manufacturing sector. Additionally, we will expand our existing programs in logistics, nurse’s aide, medical assistance, commercial

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