SIOUX CITY – A staff member of Goodwill Industries in Sioux City is the recipient of a national award from Goodwill International.

The Rev. Grady Bluford has been selected as the winner of the 2009 Edgar J. Helms Award. The award is named in honor of the founder of Goodwill Industries. Helms believed that unselfish service, faith and a strong work ethic should permeate Goodwill’s mission, fostering self-reliance and success in others through training and employment.

A Siouxland native, Bluford joined Goodwill in 1967, overseeing development rehabilitation and personnel. He was ordained as a minster in the Church of Christ in 1985 and holds chapel services three days a week at Goodwill Industries offices, 3100 W. 4th St.

According to information from the Sioux City Goodwill office, nominations for the award were submitted from Goodwills all over the U.S. Bluford is the sole recipient. He will travel to Indianapolis in June to receive the honor.

Back to Latest News

ROCKVILLE, MD – Goodwill Industries International has named Goodwill Industries Wall Street Mission of Sioux City, IA as its Advocacy Leader for 2011.

The award recognized a Goodwill agency that has demonstrated leadership and commitment to advancing Goodwill Industries International’s policy and advocacy efforts to further its mission of helping people secure employment and build stronger communities. The agency is also recognized for building strong relationships with federal and state policymakers.

The Sioux City Goodwill received recognition for educating lawmakers in three states on how federal legislation impacts Goodwill and the people it serves. The agency advocates on behalf of a diverse set of Goodwill program participants including people with disabilities, youth, veterans and victims of domestic violence. The Sioux City Goodwill has cultivated many positive relationships with lawmakers on the local, state and federal levels and is a trusted resource in its community.

“The Sioux City Goodwill is proactive in sharing the Goodwill mission with policymakers and being a strong, viable leader in the communities where it has a presence,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Through the organization’s advocacy work, it is giving the people the boost they need to secure employment and strengthen their families.”

Members of Congress have toured the Sioux City Goodwill’s facilities to see firsthand how Goodwill is building communities where people find the jobs they need to be independent.

At a reception in Washington, D.C., on Monday, April 11, John Hantla, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries Wall Street Mission, accepted the award on behalf of his agency.

“The Sioux City Goodwill will continue to be an advocate for the people we serve, to help them build careers and strengthen our communities, “said Hantla. “Goodwill is dedicated to serving families and helping them build brighter futures through work.”

The reception was part of Goodwill Industries International’s fifth annual Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.

Back to Latest News