News Release

• More Releases

Lillie “Pearl” Wilder Recognized for Her Dedication to Employees

Receives Goodwill’s Edgar J. Helms Staff Award

June 25, 2007

Rockville, MD – Endearingly called a den mother, Lillie “Pearl” Wilder cares for her employees with disabilities in a manner that transcends the standard responsibilities of a manager. This long-time custodial supervisor for Goodwill Industries Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa (Omaha) has earned the 2007 Edgar J. Helms Award for Staff from Goodwill Industries International for her 15-year career of helping others achieve workplace success.

As a custodial supervisor for a NISH federal contract at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, NE, Wilder oversees employees who possess various disabilities, some quite severe. Due to the unique nature of the work environment, her job duties often include being a teacher, friend, caregiver and confidante. Wilder’s patient and mentoring nature allows her to connect with her employees in a way that encourages them to succeed in areas they never thought possible.

“Through a genuine, personal investment in each employee, Wilder is able to motivate her staff to reach their fullest potential,” says Todd Milbrandt, Vice President of Federal Contracts, Goodwill Industries Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. “She sees beyond the limitations of ‘disability’ and builds on her employees’ strengths.”

According to Hamele, Wilder’s resourcefulness, combined with a positive outlook, helps her transform any worksite problem into an opportunity for growth for her staff. Wilder’s creed, “Nothing is impossible; there’s always a solution behind some door,” is enacted each day as she works with her staff to push them to achieve.

“Pearl Wilder exemplifies the mission of Goodwill and the values that Edgar J. Helms held dear,” says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “She’s proven that the values set in place over a century ago still hold true for those of us called to a life of service.”


The Edgar J. Helms Award for Staff is named in honor of the founder of Goodwill Industries, an ordained minister and social innovator who was motivated by spiritual values to improve the lives of those in need. This award recognizes a Goodwill employee who has exemplified the mission of Goodwill Industries and Rev. Helms' values of unselfish service to people with disabilities or other disadvantaging conditions.