Goodwill Omaha Opens New Good Threads Boutique to Provide Free Clothing for People in Need
Omaha, NE — Goodwill Omaha is proud to announce the launch of Good Threads, a boutique with a singular mission: to support individuals and families facing economic hardship by providing essential clothing and household items, free of charge.
Good Threads is more than a boutique—it’s a hands-on learning environment for Work Experience students, who gain valuable skills by helping operate the store. Through Goodwill Omaha’s Work Experience program, high school students with disabilities are given the opportunity to learn retail operations, clerical, custodial, and production skills in a supportive, real-world setting. Students are paid for their time, work under the guidance of on-site supervisors and trainers, and have their job assignments tailored to their individual abilities and needs.
Omaha has one of the highest percentages of working poor in the United States. Nearly 70% of people living in poverty are employed—representing approximately 16,839 families.
“At Goodwill Omaha, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Good Threads is more than a boutique—it’s a testament to our commitment to workforce development and community empowerment. Together, with our partners and supporters, we’re creating a community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential,” said Tobi Mathouser, President & CEO.
Good Threads is not your typical boutique; it is located at 4115 S 72nd Street but is not open to the public. It is open by appointment only. The shelves are thoughtfully stocked with a wide range of outfits—suitable for work, school, and special occasions—as well as vital household goods that make daily living easier and more pleasant.
Access to Good Threads is simple and dignified. Individuals are referred to Goodwill through Goodwill’s Community Partners. These partners are social service organizations who work closely with individuals experiencing economic challenges.
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About Goodwill Omaha:
Goodwill Omaha operates sixteen retail locations and three specialty stores, selling donated goods to fund mission-driven programs that provide job training and placement services to individuals facing disabilities or other barriers to employment. Goodwill’s programs, such as AbilityOne, Adult Education Center, Goodwill Pathways, Work Experience, and YouthBuild, help individuals gain the skills and experience needed to secure meaningful work.
As a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Goodwill Omaha is governed by a local board of trustees and is a member of Goodwill Industries International. The organization is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
About the Work Experience Program:
For over 60 years, Goodwill Omaha’s Work Experience program has offered students with disabilities exposure to work situations in positive, supportive environments. Participants perform duties expected of permanent employees, receive progress reports, and benefit from jobs adapted to their abilities. The program is open to students ages 16–21 with documented vocational disadvantages, and referrals come from local school districts and community partners. Students earn minimum wage while gaining valuable vocational training, and the program accommodates school schedules to ensure academic success.