Deseret Industries
| Company type | Non-profit organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail, vocational training, social welfare |
| Founded | August 1938 |
| Founder | Heber J. Grant |
| Headquarters | Salt Lake City , United States |
Area served | Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington |
| Products | Thrift store goods (furniture, appliances, books, computers, apparel), new furniture |
Number of employees | 46 retail outlets (2022) |
| Website | www |
Deseret Industries (pronounced Template:IPAc-en), often abbreviated as DI locally, functions as a non-profit entity and is part of the welfare services administered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
DI thrift shops operate similarly to organizations like Goodwill Industries. These stores are primarily situated in regions with significant LDS Church membership, currently numbering 46 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.[1] Like other thrift outlets, DI accepts donated items such as furniture, appliances, books, computers, and apparel, which are then sold to the public. Additionally, Deseret Industries retails new furniture, much of which is produced at its manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The organization also offers vocational training programs aimed at individuals facing physical, emotional, or social challenges, with the objective of helping them secure employment in the private sector.
History
Founded in August 1938 by LDS Church president Heber J. Grant during the final years of the Great Depression, DI was created to gather donated goods, employ workers to refurbish these items, and sell them through thrift stores.[2] The welfare division overseeing DI has undergone multiple restructurings and renamings since its inception; it was originally called the Church Security Plan.[3]
By 2022, Deseret Industries operated 46 retail outlets along with manufacturing operations.[4] In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DI stores were temporarily closed in 2020 to ensure public safety.[5]
Outreach
Operating as a welfare organization, DI offers affordable essential goods to the public and distributes clothing and other supplies to support humanitarian missions worldwide. Some donated items are provided to local community members following a referral from the church's regional bishop, particularly in response to emergencies like fires or floods. Any profits generated beyond operational costs are allocated to sustain various LDS Church welfare initiatives globally. DI also delivers vocational training and rehabilitation services for individuals recommended by an LDS bishop. Employment at DI is viewed as a form of rehabilitative training rather than a permanent job, typically lasting no more than 18 months. While LDS Church membership is not mandatory to participate in DI’s programs, trainees must obtain an endorsement from their local bishop to access training and related services.
Purpose
DI aims to provide individuals with the chance to acquire new skills, earn income to support themselves and their families, and receive assistance in securing appropriate employment upon completion of training. Participants in the program are referred to as associates. Many associates face challenges such as disabilities or advanced age, which can hinder their ability to find employment elsewhere. The organization’s mission, encapsulated by the motto People Helping People Help Themselves, focuses on fostering independence and enhancing employability so trainees can transition into the workforce successfully. Beyond trainees, DI employs full-time staff including store managers, assistant managers, job coach trainers, and development counselors.
Associates at DI do not receive standard employee benefits like retirement plans, health insurance, or paid vacation; however, they are granted sick leave after accumulating a specified number of working hours. This policy aligns with DI’s objective of preparing trainees for regular employment and encouraging participation in the broader labor market. DI collaborates closely with Development Counseling Services (DCS), which supports church leaders in helping individuals and families overcome obstacles that impede sustained self-reliance. Licensed development counselors work directly with participants, their church leaders, mentors, and family members to facilitate this process.
Services
- Career and Technical Education: Deseret Industries collaborates with community colleges, technical training centers, and various educational institutions offering programs in fields such as accounting, information technology, healthcare, and other vocational disciplines.
- Business Collaborations: Deseret Industries supports associates in their career development by arranging internship-like opportunities with partner businesses. During this period, associates receive compensation from Deseret Industries while gaining practical experience and demonstrating their skills.
- Community Collaborations and Funding: The organization works alongside local agencies to aid their clients and create volunteer opportunities for both individuals and groups.
- Humanitarian Assistance: Merchandise that remains unsold in stores is redirected to support humanitarian relief efforts.
See also
- Charity shop
- Welfare Square
- Zions Cooperative Mercantile Institution
- Philanthropies
- Latter-day Saint Charities
References
- Organizations established in 1938
- Retail companies of the United States
- Social welfare charities based in the United States
- Organizational subdivisions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Properties of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States
- 1938 establishments in Utah