Legion of Good Will

Founded in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro on January 1, 1950 (World Peace Day), the Legion of Good Will (Legião da Boa Vontade) has become one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the world, providing nearly nine million services annually to low income communities through its programs. Today, the organization operates schools, shelters, community centers and other facilities in seven countries: Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the United States. The mission of the Legion of Good Will is to promote Education and Culture with Ecumenical Spirituality, so there may be Food, Security, Health and Work for everyone, in the formation of the Planetary Citizen. The LGW strives to offer programs that teach the kinds of skills and values that will help underserved people and communities become more autonomous and empowered.

Here in the United States, the Legion of Good Will provides important educational, social, and health-centered services through its Newark, NJ community center. It also works closely with the United Nations, and has maintained general consultative status with the UN's Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1999. This status (the highest honor a civil society organization can achieve) allows the LGW to share its experiences and recommendations in important policy debates on a wide range of global issues. The LGW's UN-related activities are centered in the organization's midtown office, located at 4 W 434rd Street. Organizational outreach and visibility campaigns, as well as fundraising efforts and other operational projects, are also based in this facility.

The Legion of Good Will is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and an equal opportunity employer.