The Good Will Home Association was organized in 1889 by George Walter Hinckley, a native of Guilford, Connecticut who trained both for the ministry and as a teacher.

As a young man he was impressed by the changes effected in under-privileged and troubled youth when given a suitably nurturing environment, and to this end he established a home on a 125-acre (51 ha) farm in the northeastern part of Fairfield, Maine, a rural community in southern Somerset.

Hinckley traveled widely to raise funds for the Good Will School, and had by his death in 1950 grown the campus to 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) and 45 buildings, and served more than 3,000 underprivileged and needy youth.

[6] The organization operates five programs from its campus (now just 600 acres (240 ha)): The Maine Academy of Natural Sciences, a secondary charter school for students who do not thrive in traditional academic settings, the Glenn Stratton Learning Center, a day treatment center for children with a focus on social, emotional and behavioral challenges, the L. C. Bates Museum of natural history, Roundel Residential Treatment program engages youth that are experiencing significant social, emotional and behavioral challenges and need supportive housing and treatment, and College Step Up and Transitional Living program provides year round housing and support for youth attending College or in need of a supportive environment to secure employment as well as stable housing and network development.

The organization provides on-campus housing for Maine Academy of Natural Sciences students who live too far away, and for those who require an alternative home environment.