2024 was a standout year for all of us at Goodwill Northern Illinois. Across our territories, our Mission Programs helped 25,665 people take meaningful steps forward—whether that meant continuing their education, building new job skills, or finding employment. We’re incredibly proud and honored to be part of their journey.
A big part of that success came from our retail and e-commerce operations. With the opening of our flagship store in Rockford—and steady support across our 11 other stores—we saw retail sales continue to grow. These stores do more than just offer great finds; they generate the funding that powers our mission.
Your support continues to move our mission forward and make a real difference in people’s lives. We truly believe that when someone has the will to succeed, Goodwill will find the way!
Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep building on this momentum. In 2025, we’ll be opening The Excel Center, a game-changing initiative designed to help adults earn their high school diploma and gain workforce credentials. In Rockford alone, tens of thousands of adults are without a diploma—this new school will open doors and opportunities for many.
Making an Impact
A Big Day!
In December 2024, Goodwill held its largest graduation ceremony to date! Over 120 deserving individuals walked the stage and received their GED’s and industry certifications amongst family, friends, and Goodwill staff.
Over 120 Individuals Walked the Stage
These students overcame various obstacles, conquered fears, worked incredibly hard, and reached their goals!
Overcame Barriers
Students in the Goodwill education programs receive classroom instruction, tutoring, case management services, transportation assistance, and referrals to overcome any barriers to success.
Our Impact in 2024
12,490 Adults Served at Career Centers
1,480 Job Placements
3,054 Youth Served
1,499 Clothing Vouchers Provided
19 Million Pounds of Goods Diverted from Landfills
1,308 Scholarships Given
12,490 Adults Served at Career Centers
211 GEDs Awarded
25,665 Individuals Served
160 Served in Supported Employment
573 Hiring Events
381 Credentials Granted
3,839 Served at NI Food Pantry
110 Veterans Served
Success Stories
Learn
GoodGRADS. Provides education services and case management for adults interested in attaining their GED/HSE.
Carolyn
While settling into her new community, Carolyn spotted a flyer for Goodwill’s GoodGRADS program. Inspired, she enrolled—and as she progressed, her confidence grew. With hard work and determination, she passed her final exams and proudly earned her State of Illinois High School Diploma.
Kimberly
Despite many job applications, Kimberly struggled to find work—until The Workforce Connection helped her land her dream job at the local library. “I came at a low point in my life,” she shared. “They gave me hope and the opportunity I’d been searching for.”
Earn
The Workforce Connection. Goodwill is a proud partner of The Workforce Connection, where we serve individuals in training, education, and employment.
Re-enter
Re-Entry Programs. Serves 18-24 year olds with justice system involvement, and provides them with intensive case management services, work experience, employment readiness, and support services.
Kevin
Kevin joined Goodwill’s Pathway Home Program to gain skills and find stable work. With support from his case manager, he chose a career as a forklift operator. His hard work paid off—he now works at a food and beverage company, earns a steady income, and looks forward to a bright future with confidence.
Stephen
Through Goodwill’s Veterans Program, Stephen gained valuable tools for success, including job application guidance, resume and cover letter tips, and mock interview practice. These resources helped him secure employment and start an exciting new chapter in his career.
Overcome
Supported Employment (SEP) & Veterans Programs. SEP serves participants with disabilities and provides a supportive work environment and job coach. Veterans programs provide resources and tools necessary to secure employment.
The Next Chapter
A Brighter Future for Rockford
Right now, our community faces a tough reality: Over 30,000 adults don’t have a high school diploma. Statewide, that number tops 1 million. And the impact is clear. When young people don’t earn their diplomas, their chances for stable jobs and brighter futures drop sharply—and the ripple effects touch families, neighborhoods, and generations.
But there’s hope.
Goodwill Northern Illinois is proud to bring The Excel Center to Rockford in 2025. The Excel Center is a free high school for adults (18 and over) who never finished school— but haven’t given up. With the right support, we believe everyone can succeed.
Bringing The Excel Center to Rockford is something we’ve been talking about since 2014. The starts and stops, ups and downs, have made this project an adventure like no other. But we persisted -- because it’s a project we believe in, a project that meets a need in Rockford, and does it in a way that’s unlike anything that’s available to the population we serve.
At The Excel Center, students will earn an official Illinois high school diploma—not a GED—and have the opportunity to gain industry-recognized job credentials. Even better, we’re making sure life’s challenges don’t get in the way of learning, by offering:
• Free onsite childcare
• Transportation assistance
• Flexible class schedules
• Dedicated career and life coaches
• Help connecting to local resources and support services
We’re creating a place that welcomes and uplifts— because no one should be defined by missed opportunities in the past.
Why This Matters
Education changes everything. This school is more than a second chance—it’s a chance to rewrite the future for entire families.
Location
Their children are twice as likely to drop out
Over a lifetime, they’ll earn 70% less than someone who graduates
2 in 3 adults without a diploma are considered low income
The Excel Center will be located in The SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford, IL and will include:
• 7 classrooms
• A computer lab
• Free childcare on-site
• Room for up to 200 students
Employment
15+ new staff members
Financial Statement
Statement of Financial Activities (000’s) 1 Updated 4/21/2025
Statement of Financial Position (000’s) 1
Our Reach
Algonquin, IL
1430 E. Algonquin Road
Algonquin, IL 60102 (847) 458-1762
Crystal Lake, IL 1016 Central Park Drive
Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (North of Walmart) (224) 333-0064
Freeport, IL
2030 West Galena Avenue
Freeport, IL 61032 (815) 232-7642
Machesney Park, IL
8010 N. 2nd Street
Machesney Park, IL 61115 (815) 639-4963
Rockford, IL
4618 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 484-9294
Beloit, WI 2543 Prairie Avenue
Beloit, WI 53511 (608) 299-0072
DeKalb, IL 1037 S. Annie Glidden Road DeKalb, IL 60115 (815) 756-4200
Huntley, IL 11900 Kreutzer Road
Huntley, IL 60142 (847) 669-9338
McHenry, IL 2006 N. Richmond Road
McHenry, IL 60050 (815) 385-3160
Roscoe, IL –Donation Express
4682 E. Rockton Road Suite 108 Roscoe, IL 61073 (815) 987-6242
Ottawa, IL 501 West Stevenson Road Ottawa, IL 61350 (815) 434-4680
Sterling, IL 2216 East 4th Street
Sterling, IL 61081 (815) 625-1740
Rockford, IL 3068 McFarland Road
Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 282-5373
Rockford, IL
Goodwill Admin Building 850 N. Church Street
Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 965-3795
Leadership
Governing Board
Officers
Jim Corbett
Chairman
Vice President
Human Resources
Summit Credit Union
Paulina Sihakom
Vice Chairman
Business Development
Capital One
Kerry Hill
Treasurer Vice President Finance
Northern Region
OSF Health Care
Mandolyn Mackenzie
Secretary
Marketing Consultant
Goodwill Leadership Team
Ben Bernsten President & CEO
Jennifer Chapel Vice President of Finance
Courtney Geiger
Vice President of Mission Services
Donna Hayes Vice President of Marketing
Craig Steege Vice President of Retail
Ginnie Weckerly Vice President of HR
Governing Board
Chris Black
Finance Director
Village of Buffalo Grove
Jonathan Gates Instructional Coach
Belvidere Community Unit
School District #100
Mark Hunter
Regional Health Officer
Illinois Department of Public Health
Michael Iasparro Partner
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
Mike Mastroianni
President
MDM Consulting
Tiana McCall, MBA
Northern Stateline
Regional Manager
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Tina Rittner
Director of Human Resources
Field Fastener
Dr. Arnold Ross (Les)
Rock Valley College (Retired)
Al Softley
Owner
Softley, Inc.
Our Mission Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is a community-based not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with barriers to enhance their lives.
