Each May, Goodwill Education Initiatives celebrates Teacher Appreciation Month by honoring our educators whose dedication to service goes above and beyond, significantly impacting the lives of their students. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of public schools, Taylor Martin was only 10 credits away from graduating high school; however, she struggled with the online learning format and was unable to finish. Now 23 years old, life hasn’t been easy. 

Dim’Mya Norman was going into her freshman year of high school when a family member – and graduate of Indianapolis Metropolitan High School – encouraged her to enroll. 

When Sam Harmeson left high school, they were coping with the death of their mother from a drug overdose and struggling with undiagnosed autism. Shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, and Sam found it difficult to secure a job, especially without a diploma. In 2023, when Sam and their caretaker and aunt, Bettina Hapney, visited a local Goodwill retail store, Sam learned about an opportunity that would change their life. 

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and the theme Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations, we honor women whose leadership and vision have created lasting change in their communities and beyond. Few embody this spirit more than Betsy Delgado, Senior Vice President and Chief Mission and Education Officer at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. Through her dedication to expanding educational access and breaking down systemic barriers, Betsy has transformed thousands of lives, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

The Excel Center®, Goodwill's tuition-free high school for adults, recently honored hundreds of students during its 2025 winter graduating class. Designed to empower individuals to overcome adversity and reach their potential, The Excel Center provides a unique opportunity for adult learners, like Michael Barlow, to earn an Indiana Core 40 high school diploma.

Each year in February, the United States celebrates and recognizes the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history, highlighting their cultural heritage, struggles, and triumphs against adversity, with the primary goal of educating people about the significant impact Black people have had on our country. This year, the theme for Black History Month is African Americans and Labor. 

After living with an addiction for 13 years and repeated involvement with the criminal justice system, Christina Clevenger was ready to turn over a new leaf, but her past made it difficult. In 2018, her close friend and roommate told her that they found a fresh start at Goodwill after facing similar challenges. Christina decided to apply and was hired as a part-time textile producer and cashier.

Last year was a big year for Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana as we educated, employed and served more individuals than ever before. Since launching our Strategic Plan three years ago, we’ve made significant progress on our objectives and goals, resulting in life-changing impact in our communities.

The staff at Goodwill Commercial Services embraced sweater weather with Holiday Sweater Day.