Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries (LLGI) has a long history of supporting those with unique needs and disabilities. Our priority is to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion remains prevalent within our organization and our workforce. We encourage you to check this page regularly as we update our work and activities embracing diversity at LLGI.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: A Commitment to Women’s Leadership at Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries

March is a time to honor the monumental contributions and achievements women have made in shaping the United States. This celebration has evolved significantly since its inception in 1909 with the first Women’s Day in New York City. It grew from a week-long observance in 1981 to what we now know as Women’s History Month, formally recognized each March since 1987.

At Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries (LLGI), our commitment is deeply aligned with the ethos of Women’s History Month. We strive to break down barriers to employment and make our resources widely accessible, ensuring that all members of the communities we serve have equal opportunities. A key element of this mission is cultivating a diverse leadership team.

A large percentage of women occupy all levels within our LLGI organization. We appreciate and recognize the talents of women of all ages, all ethnicities, and all skill levels as shown below:

  • Representing 50 percent of our LLGI Board of Directors
  • Comprising 62 percent of our Executive Leadership Team
  • Accounting for 60 percent of our Retail Store Managers
  • Accounting for 61% of our entire LLGI workforce

Our experience at LLGI has unequivocally shown that when women are provided with the opportunities and tools to succeed, it not only propels individual success but also drives our organization forward.

While we take pride in acknowledging the incredible women contributing at various levels within LLGI – from retail operations and mission-driven programs to administration and warehouse management – our vision extends further. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of opportunity and growth for everyone.

Our approach is multifaceted: we assess challenges keenly, promote programs that emphasize education and self-sufficiency, and nurture a culture of excellence. Our goal is clear – lay a solid foundation for the next generation of women leaders, who will continue to positively impact the 33-county region of Central Illinois that we serve, driving change and fostering growth in our communities.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The United States has observed Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month every year since March 1987. The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) supports the full inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The celebration raises awareness about people who have disabilities that cause an impairment in language, learning, physical body, or behavior. NACDD recognizes that people with disabilities come from different backgrounds. As a community, we are encouraged to value diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) of persons with disabilities at all levels and provide a welcoming environment that offers opportunities for all. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the difficulties people with intellectual and developmental disabilities face and the importance of including persons with disabilities in all facets of the organization and community.

At Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries, we ensure that persons with disabilities have the same access to programs, opportunities, and activities as others. LLGI provides access to persons with disabilities through its Adults Services Program which offers employment and learning opportunities. LLGI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to staff with disabilities.

Faces of Good

Our mission supports a diverse population. Read our success stories here.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Statement

LLGI recognizes our employee’s differences in age, disability, veteran status, ethnicity, national origin, language, race, religion, family and marital status, social-economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation and other unique attributes. The individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, unique capabilities and talent our employees bring to the workplace represents an essential part of our culture.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Strategic Intent

LLGI will be realistic, open, flexible and progressive as we embrace diversity, inclusion, and equality. Our organization will remain accountable to these values.