Dakota McLaughlin experienced significant challenges growing up. His mother passed away when he was young, and he was also bullied at school, especially when he came out as gay, which often left him feeling alone. After experiencing domestic violence from a family member, Dakota felt safer leaving home, even though he had nowhere else to go. 

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana proudly presents its 2023 Educators of the Year!

Sarah Schwartz graduated from Indiana University Southeast in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in education and a concentration in math. There weren’t many positions available for math teachers near her home in southern Indiana, so she continued to work part-time in the IU Southeast math lab. She also got a second job at a Goodwill retail store to earn extra income.

Each year, Goodwill celebrates some of the most extraordinary Hoosiers we serve through a ceremony that honors recipients across seven award categories. Eligible nominees include employees, students, program participants and community partners. When you donate and shop at Goodwill, you're empowering people in your community, like those whose stories you can watch below, so thank you for your support. Together we're changing lives!

In May 2022, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana and Cook Medical officially opened our new manufacturing facility built in partnership with the northeast Indianapolis community. The goal was to bring opportunities in education, health and employment to a community that experiences high poverty, high unemployment and limited opportunities due to corporate desertion in the preceding decades.

Goodwill leaders from across the country recently visited Washington, D.C. to educate federal lawmakers on the effectiveness of The Excel Center, Goodwill’s one-of-a-kind high school for adults who wish to earn a high school diploma.

John Thompson was born with autism and didn’t learn to speak until he was eight years old.

“Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor Black achievements. It means support of the advancement of the Black community,” said Steven Hedrick. 

In 2018, when Richard Ramsey enrolled at The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s high school for adults, he didn’t know that he was taking the first step toward meeting his future fiance. 

Shonda Russell, MPA has worked at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana for nearly seven years. During her tenure, she has made contributions to both our mission and education divisions, including as an employment specialist at TalentSource and life coach at The Excel Center.