2025 Goodwill Annual Report

Learn Earn Re-enter Overcome

2025 Annual Report

Where there’s a

, there’s a way!

As I reflect on 2025, I am proud of the progress we made together at Goodwill Northern Illinois.

Through our Mission Programs, we supported 29,760 individuals, helping people build skills, continue their education, and secure meaningful employment—each number representing a life moving forward.

Support from donors and shoppers across our 12 retail locations and e-commerce division fueled this impact, keeping our mission strong and growing. We look forward to opening our 13th store in 2026, expanding our ability to serve even more people.

Because of your support, opportunity is happening every day across our

community.

2

2025 Annual Report

“

“

Ben Bernsten President & CEO

A defining milestone this year was the opening of The Excel Center®, welcoming more than 150 students in its first session. This innovative adult high school is already transforming lives by helping adults earn diplomas and workforce credentials—opening doors to brighter futures.

Thank you for believing in our mission and helping ensure that when someone has the will to succeed, Goodwill will help find the way.

To our donors, shoppers, and partners—

Thank You.

Table of Contents 4. Our Impact 6. Opening Doors. Changing Futures.

8. Excel Center - By the Numbers 2025 9. Record Breaking Milestones 10. Walking in Their Shoes, Changing The Future.

12. New Location

Meet Marissa

13. Our Retail Locations 14. Financial Statement

I graduated from Goodwill’s Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program with a clear goal in mind — building a career in the trades. Throughout the process, I stayed focused, continued checking job opportunities, stayed engaged, and remained patient while waiting for the right opportunity.

15. Leadership

That persistence paid off when I received a call to work as a flagger on a local job, and I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Looking back, I realized the experience taught me the importance of staying patient, positive, and committed to my goals, even when the process felt uncertain.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about what’s ahead as I continue building my future in the trades.

In 2025, we served

29,760 Individuals

2025 Annual Report

3

Our Impact in 2025

Meet Demario I joined the Accelerate Program because I wanted to start a career where I could truly help people. Healthcare has always interested me, and becoming a CNA felt like the perfect place to begin.

29,760 Individuals Served

19 Million

Pounds of Goods Diverted from Landfills

Through the program, I was able to complete my CNA training and gain the skills and confidence I needed to enter the healthcare field. It wasn’t always easy, but I knew I was working toward something meaningful.

3,278 Youth Served

202

Today, I’m proud to say that I successfully completed the CNA program and am now working as a caregiver at Milestone. For me, this career is more than just a job. It’s a chance to show compassion, support people when they need it most, and make a real difference in someone’s day.

This is just the beginning of my journey, and I’m excited to keep growing in the healthcare field.

Veterans Served

323

Incarcerated Individuals Served

144

GEDs® Awarded

1,088

GED® Scholarships Given

4

2025 Annual Report

140

Served in Supported Employment

5,027

Gas Cards Given to Participants

1,341

Clothing Vouchers Provided

Meet Kayla

1,507

Job Placements

9,889

Adults Served at Career Centers

779

3,805

Industry Recognized Credentials Granted

Served in Partnership with NI Food Bank

I’m proud to be part of the Supported Employment Program at the Huntley Goodwill store. I love coming to work each day and being part of such a supportive team.

One of my favorite tasks is colorizing textiles. I enjoy organizing the clothing by color and making the racks look bright, neat, and easy for shoppers to browse. It’s something I take pride in, and I always try to bring creativity and enthusiasm to the work I do.

I love helping create a positive experience for our customers. Being part of the Goodwill team means a lot to me, and I’m grateful to work alongside such great coworkers every day.

2025 Annual Report

5

Meet Rahina As a single mother and immigrant adjusting to life in America, I wanted a better future for myself and my child but wasn’t sure where to begin. After facing the challenges of adapting to a new culture and rebuilding my life, I knew I needed support to move forward.

Opening Doors.

Changing Futures.

In September, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois celebrated the opening of The Excel Center®, an innovative adult high school designed to give individuals a second chance to earn their diploma and build a pathway to a brighter future. Launching with 150 students and offering new enrollment every eight weeks, the Excel Center immediately expanded access to education for adult learners.

Everything changed when I attended an information session at The Excel Center. The opportunity to earn my high school diploma while receiving support services like free childcare gave me hope and confidence in my future.

From my first day, I felt encouraged and supported. The staff and my Life Coach helped me navigate challenges, stay motivated, and continue working toward my goals.

Less than a year later, I am preparing to graduate from The Excel Center and pursue my dream career. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and encouragement that helped me believe in myself again.

6

2025 Annual Report

Photo courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current

Located at the UW Health Riverfront YMCA, the school is the first of its kind in Illinois, serving adults 18 and older who have faced barriers to completing high school. With flexible scheduling, personalized learning plans, and a supportive environment, students are empowered to pursue higher education, advance their careers, and improve their financial stability.

The need is substantial. More than one million Illinois residents—and nearly 30,000 in Rockford alone—lack a high school diploma. Proven outcomes underscore the model’s impact:

graduates of Excel Centers earn 38% more than peers within five years, according to a University of Notre Dame Lab for Economic Opportunities study, which also found that every $1 invested generates more than $20 in societal return.

Since 2010, the Excel Center network has delivered strong national results across the country. Across 51 campuses, more than 16,900 adults have graduated, over 11,000 industry certifications have been earned, and students have completed more than 19,600 dual college credits. Notably, 87% of graduates leave with a certification or college credit.

In Rockford, students benefit from comprehensive academics and career-focused training in highdemand fields, alongside critical wraparound services. Life coaching, free on-site childcare, transportation assistance, and connections to community resources remove barriers and create a strong foundation for success.

The grand opening brought together community leaders, partners, and supporters to celebrate this milestone. Guests toured the renovated facility, met staff, and experienced firsthand the transformative potential of The Excel Center for the Rockford community.

Meet Jermaine Going back to school was something I wasn’t sure I could do. But once I started Goodwill’s GoodGRADS Program, I realized I had the support and tools I needed to succeed.

One thing I really appreciated was being able to learn about multiple subjects in one class. The program was flexible and welcoming, and the staff and teachers made me feel comfortable from the start. They worked with me at my level and helped me build confidence every step of the way.

Before long, I accomplished something I once thought would be much harder.

I earned my high school diploma in just one month.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current

Looking back, I want others to know that it is possible. Whatever you put your mind to, you can do it. Never count yourself out. The staff here truly work with anyone, at any level of education, and they support you all the way through.

2025 Annual Report

7

Excel Center - By the Numbers

150 Students each term

27% Male 73% Female 79% Minority Average # of students using the day care facility:

48 Term 1

per session

Term 2

Average age of students:

Youngest student:

Oldest student:

27.5

18

69

Term 3

Total

256 231 240 726

credits earned

8

credits earned

2025 Annual Report

credits earned

credits earned since opening day 9/25

Record Breaking Milestone

Photos courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois proudly celebrated a record-breaking milestone with its largest graduating class to date. Approximately 240 individuals earned their GEDs® or career pathway certificates, marking a powerful step forward in their personal and professional journeys.

Graduates were honored in a cap-and-gown ceremony in Rockford, surrounded by hundreds of family members, friends, and community supporters—an inspiring testament to the perseverance behind each achievement.

These graduates represent the success of Goodwill’s education and workforce development programs, which support adult learners in restarting their education and building new career opportunities after facing significant life challenges. Through personalized guidance and barrierreduction support—including assistance with transportation and testing fees—participants are empowered to stay the course and succeed.

2025 Annual Report

9

Walking in Their Shoes, Changing The Future: Goodwill Hosts Re-Entry Simulation Meet Kasey My goal was simple. I wanted to find a steady job and get my life back on track.

After going through some challenges, though, I wasn’t sure where to begin.

That’s when I joined Goodwill’s Pathway Home Program. With the support of my case manager, I started building the skills and confidence I needed to move forward. They helped me strengthen my resume, prepare for interviews, and learn what it takes to be a strong team member at work.

With their encouragement, I applied for a job at Wingstop and was hired as a Team Lead. The position gave me the opportunity to take on more responsibility, help manage shifts, and lead a team.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to keep growing in my food service career. This is just the beginning.

At Goodwill, we know that second chances require more than intention—they require understanding. Our Re-Entry Simulation in Rockford brought that understanding to life, immersing community leaders, employers, and partners in the real-world challenges individuals face after incarceration.

Participants navigated critical tasks like securing housing, finding employment, accessing transportation, and meeting supervision requirements—all within tight constraints that quickly reveal how complex re-entry truly is.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current

The experience is eye-opening. What may seem like simple, everyday responsibilities become significant barriers when layered together, underscoring the importance of support, access, and opportunity.

This work is more than awareness— it drives results.

10

2025 Annual Report

Over the past year, Goodwill served 323 incarcerated individuals, equipping them with the skills and support needed to successfully re-enter the workforce and their communities.

Through these efforts, our programs have achieved a recidivism rate of just 3.33%— dramatically lower than the Illinois average of 44%.

Meet Erick

Photo courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current

The Re-Entry Simulation plays a vital role in this success. By building empathy and engaging employers and community stakeholders, we are helping open doors to employment, stability, and long-term independence.

At Goodwill, we are not just advocating for second chances—we are proving they work.

I’ve been working hard to take positive steps to improve my life. I’ve faced some challenges along the way, but I decided it was time to move forward and take control of my future.

One of the biggest steps I took was starting a job at Goodwill. Since then, I’ve been focused on building stability and working toward my goals. Recently, I reached an exciting milestone. I moved into my own apartment and now have a place to truly call home.

I also opened my first bank account and have started saving money. When people ask what I’m saving for, my answer always makes me smile. I’m saving so I can take my mom out for a special dinner to thank her for everything she’s done for me.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current

I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to keep building a better future for myself.

2025 Annual Report

11

New Location!

Fall, 2026 Woodstock, Illinois 2050 S. Eastwood Drive Woodstock, IL 60098

Meet Alexis I’ve found my rhythm and my passion working with books. Through Goodwill’s Supported Employment Program, I’ve taken on more responsibility over time and now handle everything from scanning and pricing to ticketing and stocking the sales floor.

I enjoy every part of the process and love helping make sure customers always have a great selection to choose from. I’m proud to be part of the Crystal Lake team and grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing.

Architectual renderings of the new location

12

2025 Annual Report

Our Retail Locations

Algonquin, Illinois

Beloit, Wisconsin

Crystal Lake, Illinois

DeKalb, Illinois

Freeport, Illinois

Huntley, Illinois

Machesney Park, Illinois

McHenry, Illinois

Ottawa, Illinois

Rockford, Illinois East State Street

Rockford, Illinois McFarland

Roscoe, Illinois Donation Express

Sterling, Illinois 2025 Annual Report

13

Financial Statement Statement of Financial Activities (000’s) 1 Updated 4/22/2026 Revenue & Support Participant Programs & Services

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

$8,173

$5,349

$4,858

$3,629

$2,815

Retail Services

$30,615

$28,493

$27,254

$24,627

$32,943

Contributions & Donations

$13,297

$12,233

$13,131

$12,995

$2,391

Investment Income

$1,798

$1,001

$1,418

($1,418)

$728

Total Revenue & Support

$53,884

$47,076

$46,426

$39,833

$38,877

Expenses

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Programs & Services

$46,227

$41,219

$39,530

$36,539

$30,498

Management & General

$3,128

$2,782

$2,693

$2,601

$2,120

$54

$76

$115

$102

$101

$49,409

$44,077

$42,338

$39,242

$32,719

Fundraising

Total Expenses

Statement of Financial Position (000’s) 1 Assets

14

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Cash and Cash Equivalents

$7,956

$7,526

$5,121

$6,230

$6,058

Accounts Receivable - Net

$1,140

$796

$894

$567

$528

Inventories

$997

$897

$971

$1,039

$849

Prepaid and Other Assets

$1,399

$309

$418

$325

$636

Long-Term Investments

$14,629

$13,306

$12,481

$8,928

$10,211

Right of Use Assets - Net

$6,194

$5,214

$4,946

$7,269

Property, Plant, & Equipment

$12,511

$11,118

$11,332

$8,359

$6,722

Total Assets

$44,824

$39,166

$36,163

$32,717

$25,004

Liabilities

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Accounts Payable

$596

$413

$590

$421

$249

Accrued Expenses

$1,824

$1,549

$1,405

$1,199

$1,168

Bonds & Debt Payable

$3,605

$3,903

$4,190

$2,904

$3,127

Right of Use Liability

$6,250

$5,314

$5,097

$7,462

Defered & Other Liabilities

$398

$311

$203

$141

$455

Total Liabilities

$12,673

$11,490

$11,485

$12,127

$4,999

Net Assets

$32,151

$27,676

$24,678

$20,590

$20,005

Total Liabilities & Net Assets

$44,824

$39,166

$36,163

$32,717

$25,004

2025 Annual Report

Leadership Governing Board of Directors Jim Corbett Chairman Vice President Human Resources and Organizational Development Summit Credit Union Paulina Sihakom Vice Chairman Senior Business Consultant R2 Consulting Solutions, LLC Kerry Hill Treasurer Vice President Finance, Northern Region OSF Health Care Mandolyn Mackenzie Secretary Marketing Consultant

Goodwill Leadership Team Ben Bernsten President & CEO Courtney Geiger Vice President of Mission Services Donna Hayes Vice President of Marketing/PR

Governing Board

Jonathan Gates Instructional Coach Belvidere Community Unit School District #100 Nate Jordan Director Rock Valley College Small Business Development Center Mark Hunter Regional Health Officer Illinois Department of Public Health Michael Iasparro United States Magistrate Judge United States District Court Northern District of Illinois

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.

Mike Mastroianni President MDM Consulting Tina Rittner Director of Human Resources Field Fastener Dr. Arnold Ross (Les) Rock Valley College (Retired) Kelly Saunders Chief Executive Officer North Park Water Al Softley Owner Softley, Inc.

Craig Steege Vice President of Retail Ginnie Weckerly Vice President of Human Resources Beth Young Vice President of Finance

2025 Annual Report

15

850 N. Church Street Rockford, IL 61103 www.goodwillni.org