Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are top priorities outlined in Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s 2022-2024 strategic plan. In an effort to create a virtuous cycle of communication that inspires belongingness and ensures all voices are heard, respected and valued, Goodwill will be highlighting stories to further increase readers’ learning and understanding of current issues in the DEI space.

Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership, a program that pairs registered nurses with first-time parents and their families, will expand to serve even more Hoosiers in the coming year. Thanks to funding from both the Indiana State Department of Health and the Lilly Endowment in 2022, the evidence-based model can now be implemented in 61 Indiana counties, increasing the NFP Nurse capacity for families facing concentrated barriers. 

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana continues to highlight women leaders who contribute to the mission of changing lives daily through education, health and employment. 

March is Women’s History Month and Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is excited to celebrate a woman leader who is dedicated to changing lives through education. ZyAnna Brown is a Social and Emotional Learning Lead (SEL) at Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, Goodwill’s best-fit school for students experiencing barriers to learning.

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is proud to highlight leaders who help us achieve our mission of changing lives every day through employment, education and health. Alicia Hall is one of those amazing leaders, serving as a coach for the Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana Ignite program.

As Black History Month proceeds, Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana continues to celebrate Black leaders, mission participants and students who contribute to fulfilling our mission each day. Michelle Washington has shown great dedication to this mission during her career, serving as a Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® Nurse Home Visitor, a Nurse Supervisor, and now, one of the Directors of Operations for the program.

Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, a best-fit school for grades 9-12, not only supports students with barriers, but also places an emphasis on ensuring students enroll in college or enter into a career that offers a living wage post-graduation. To achieve this, the school often finds intuitive ways to support students’ career development. The certified nursing assistant (CNA) course offered through Indy Met is a perfect example.

February is Black History Month, and Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana is proud and excited to celebrate its Black and African American leaders, mission participants and students. David Hollomon is an incredible example of a Goodwill leader and has been for nearly two years.

In 2019, when Charity Watkins became pregnant with her daughter, she enrolled in Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership®, a maternal health program that pairs moms with registered nurses. As she participated in this program, Charity expressed her desire to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Her nurse referred her to Goodwill Ignite.

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) pairs first-time parents with registered nurses who provide ongoing home visits and support to families. However, providing the very best start for children during the earliest, most developmentally critical years often requires support for both NFP Nurse and mother. Many essential resources available to our families and nurses are rooted in the work of the NFP Community Health Workers.