PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois announced they will be merging with an Indiana chapter.

The Peoria-based Goodwill, as well as Indianapolis-based Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana, announced on Tuesday morning that they have agreed to merge.

“The opportunity to combine Goodwills is an opportunity that doesn’t present itself very often
but when they do, as we experienced with Southern Indiana, the resulting impact in the
community is exponential. We are excited and thrilled to partner to increase our mission
impact,” said Kent Kramer, president and CEO, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana.

This merger means the two Goodwills will serve 61 counties, with 21 coming from Central Illinois and 40 from Central and Southern Indiana.

This will allow “tens of thousands” of people to be impacted by health, education, housing, and employment programs.

The merger came from the goal of each CEO to increase their mission impact and serve as many people as possible.

“During our conversations, it became clear that to reach our stated mission, a partnership would
increase our collective resources and provide the best opportunity to expand our reach and
meet the needs of those we employ and serve,” said Don E. Johnson, president and CEO,
Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois.

Johnson plans to retire in August and will remain connected to the organization and assist with the transition as a consultant.

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