Because of your support, opportunity is happening every day across our community. “ “
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.
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.
29,760 In 2025, we served
Individuals
Meet Marissa
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
29,760
19 Million
Pounds of Goods Diverted from Landfills
144
GEDs® Awarded
1,088
GED® Scholarships Given
3,278
Youth Served
202
Veterans Served Individuals Served
323
Incarcerated Individuals Served
140
Served in Supported Employment
Gas Cards Given to Participants
1,341
Clothing Vouchers Provided
1,507
Job Placements
3,805
5,027 Served in Partnership with NI Food Bank
9,889
Adults Served at Career Centers
779
Industry Recognized Credentials Granted
Meet Kayla
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Photo courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current
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.
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.
Photo courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current
Average # of students using the day care facility: per session
27.5
18
Record Breaking Milestone
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.
Photos courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current
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.
Walking in Their Shoes, Changing The Future: Goodwill Hosts Re-Entry Simulation
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.
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.
Photo courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current
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%.
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.
Meet Erick
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.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to keep building a better future for myself.
Photo courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current
Photo courtesy of Kevin Haas from Rock River Current
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.
New Location! Fall, 2026
Woodstock, Illinois
2050 S. Eastwood Drive
Woodstock, IL 60098
Architectual renderings of the new location
Our Retail Locations
Rockford, Illinois East State Street
Rockford, Illinois
McFarland
Roscoe, Illinois Donation Express
Algonquin, Illinois
DeKalb, Illinois
Machesney Park, Illinois
Sterling, Illinois
Beloit, Wisconsin
Freeport, Illinois
McHenry, Illinois
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Huntley, Illinois
Ottawa, Illinois
Financial Statement
Statement of Financial Activities (000’s) 1 Updated 4/22/2026
Statement of Financial Position (000’s)
1
Leadership
Governing Board of Directors
Jim Corbett
Chairman
Vice President Human Resources and Organizational Development Summit Credit Union
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
Craig Steege Vice President of Retail
Ginnie Weckerly Vice President of Human Resources
Beth Young Vice President of Finance
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
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.
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.
