At Goodwill, our mission is to change lives every day by empowering people to increase their independence and reach their potential through employment, education, housing and health. However, that mission doesn’t just apply to the people we serve in our mission programs; we also want to ensure that empowerment is extended to our over 6,000 Goodwill employees, whom we want to care for holistically.

Employment is a core value at Goodwill; we believe that all people can reach their greatest potential through their job. Through our retail stores, we turn your donations and purchases into employment opportunities for those in our community, particularly those with barriers like criminal history, a disability or limited education.

In June, Goodwill hosted its eighth annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament, bringing together the community and law enforcement for a day of friendly competition and sportsmanship.

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s reentry program, New Beginnings, has helped individuals impacted by the criminal justice system start fresh since 2011. The program offers participants resources and services that help them overcome barriers, address legal challenges, and more.

For 15 years, Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® has paired expectant parents with registered nurses who provide support to families during the earliest, most developmentally critical years in a child’s life. Nurses walk alongside families during their pregnancies and until their children turn two, building strong relationships that support and encourage them to grow as parents and individuals.

Goodwill New Beginnings is Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s reentry program, offering resources, wraparound support and intensive case management services to those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. This program not only helps program participants secure healthcare and housing, but also helps them develop the skills and preparation they need to progress professionally.

After taking on more financial responsibility at home, Travis Bryant wanted support to be able to improve his financial wellbeing. In 2017, while employed at a Goodwill retail store, he started working with a mission coach. Goodwill Mission Coaches work with employees at over 110 sites on life goals and barrier removal, ensuring that they have the resources they need to be successful.

When Lynne came to Goodwill of Central Illinois in the fall of 2025, she knew that she could do more with her life. She wanted to maintain employment somewhere that actually fulfilled her. To achieve that goal, she was recommended to work with Beyond Barriers, an employment program for neurodiverse individuals.

Excited to learn more about having a healthy birth and breastfeeding, Desiray Graves enrolled in Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP), a maternal-child program that pairs registered nurses with first-time families. Until participants’ children turn two, nurses walk alongside their parents and deliver trusted information so they can provide the very best start during the earliest, most developmentally critical years.

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana recently celebrated the opening of its store in Lawrence, Indiana, on Tuesday, February 17. Located at 11615 Fox Road, the store features a large inventory of clothing, housewares, toys, books and more. Store hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store accepts donations during normal business hours.