The Peoria-based Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois is merging with another arm of the nonprofit organization from a different state.
Goodwill announced the merger with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana Tuesday morning. After the organizations are combined, they will serve 21 counties in central Illinois and 40 counties in central and southern Indiana.
The not-for-profit offers programs for community needs like health care, education, housing and employment.
According to a media release, the merger is the result of conversations between Central Illinois CEO Don Johnson and Indiana CEO Kent Kramer. The nonprofit said combining the two makes it possible for both locations to serve more individuals and families.
“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 Johnson in a statement.
Johnson is scheduled to retire in August. He plans to stay on with Goodwill Industries as a consultant during the process of transitioning to a merged operation.
There are more than 150 independent Goodwill organizations like Central Illinois and central and southern Indiana across North America. The merger of the two organizations had to be approved by the territory’s board of directors.
