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The Goodness Project: A Story of Faith, Compassion, and Transformation

The Goodness Project began with a simple yet powerful moment. Bill Fletcher, while walking behind a small church he and his wife, Rachelle, had planted, witnessed a man rummaging through a dumpster. Moved with compassion for the people in their city, Bill felt God speak to him: “Feed your neighbors.”

This calling became the foundation of The Goodness Project. With little money, no resources, and only a vision to serve the working poor, Bill and Rachelle stepped out in radical faith. Their first outreach was a full Thanksgiving dinner, complete with all the trimmings and a message of hope in Jesus Christ. To their amazement, 2,000 people attended, and their small church experienced explosive growth.

As their vision expanded, so did their reach. What began in their small town quickly grew to the Mid-Cities area of Dallas-Fort Worth. Bill began partnering with local companies to secure resources, and in 1999, The Goodness Project moved into its first stand-alone building in Haltom City. That year, they hosted an outreach that served over 8,000 people with food and toys.

Over the next several years, Bill and Rachelle continued their annual outreaches and launched a weekly distribution program to serve the community. But it was never just about providing physical sustenance—they also shared the life-changing message of Jesus Christ with every family that came.

In 2002, The Goodness Project became an official nonprofit organization. With two young children in tow, Bill and Rachelle left their pastoral positions to focus full-time on helping families in crisis. As they shared their story with other pastors, they developed a strategy to equip churches to reach their communities. Supported by their families, they built a dedicated team and began forging partnerships with large companies to secure and distribute resources to the working poor.

Their vision soon expanded beyond the U.S. In 2005, a Canadian pastor from Queensway Church in Toronto, inspired by Bill’s heart for the working poor, joined forces with The Goodness Project. Together, they hosted an outreach that filled the church four times, offering the gospel alongside free computers, food, and toys.

When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, The Goodness Project, in collaboration with 100 Huntley Street, stepped in to serve overlooked communities in the aftermath. This partnership grew into a nationwide tour called “Free for All” across Canada, which brought exponential growth to The Goodness Project. During the tour, 86% of attendees made decisions for Christ, and families received essential resources.

In 2018, The Goodness Project expanded into Canada, extending its mission to help those in need and share the message of hope across borders. The following year marked a significant milestone with the expansion from one U.S. location to three: Dallas-Fort Worth, Nashville, and Buffalo. Bill and Rachelle also traveled to Israel in 2019, where they were invited by government officials to help meet the growing needs in their communities.

In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Israel faced severe economic challenges, The Goodness Project responded by sending seven containers filled with essential goods. These supplies helped children in the Eshkol region, the elderly in Jerusalem, and other families in crisis throughout the country. In recognition of their efforts, Bill and Rachelle were awarded a Medal of Honor by the Mayor of Jerusalem. Despite ongoing challenges, including threats from Hamas and Hezbollah, The Goodness Project has continued to support Israel, providing vital resources during times of war and hardship.

In 2024, The Goodness Project made another bold move by relocating its Nashville location to a beautiful 64-acre property in Jackson, Mississippi. This new location is dedicated to providing wraparound services for vulnerable children, families with special needs, and essential resources for churches and non-profits. Strategically positioned to serve Jackson, one of the poorest cities in America, The Goodness Project is deepening its impact and expanding its reach.

Today, Bill and Rachelle continue to lead The Goodness Project, helping other nonprofit organizations by sourcing and distributing resources at the lowest cost possible. Their guiding principle remains steadfast: “It’s not just about doing good; it’s about showing the goodness of God in everything we say or do and encouraging others to do the same.”