Goodwill and iCan House Announce Merger

iCan House, a Forsyth County nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of neurodivergent individuals, recently merged with Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, Inc.

iCan House was established in 2008 by Kim Shufran as a non-profit organization in Forsyth County to enhance the lives of neurodivergent individuals by providing social skills, educational opportunities, resources, and a support network. Neurodiversity refers to natural variations in how the brain processes and interprets information. It describes the idea that there is no one “right” way of experiencing and interacting with the world and that cognitive differences should not be viewed as deficient but embraced.

The organization serves participants ages 9+ in a series of social clubs and outings designed to enhance social skills and build support networks. For the past 13 years, iCan House has been an active partner with Goodwill in Forsyth County.

Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, Inc. was founded in Winston-Salem in 1926. The iCan House social programs are being integrated into Goodwill’s Mission Advancement services and will create a strong foundation for future growth.

“The missions of both Goodwill and iCan House align, and it creates this unique opportunity to come together to offer additional resources and enhanced support for participants who are neurodivergent in our community,” said Barbara Maida-Stolle, President & CEO of Goodwill. “We are able to offer expanded access to programs and services for iCan House participants and provide long-term sustainability for these types of social programs.”

iCan House Founder Kim Shufran shared, “Our merger with Goodwill allows us to serve more individuals and increase community awareness about neurodiversity. We have benefited from a long partnership with Goodwill, and our partnership creates more opportunities for our participants and their families.”

About Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina
Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, Inc., empowers people and communities through employment, innovation, and shared purpose. Mission programs and services are largely funded by items donated and sold in Goodwill’s retail stores. Since 1926, Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina has connected generosity with opportunity to drive systems that renew dignity, prosperity, and the planet.

About iCan House
iCan House programs enhance the lives of neurodivergent individuals by teaching social, communication, and life skills using an engaging curriculum. Through a positive approach, they experience belonging, increase self-awareness, learn new skills, make friends, and have fun.