---
title: Excel Center Grad Beats the Odds
description: “I was in the worst condition of my life, living in a semi-abandoned house,” Dontre said, referring to the place he called home on-and-off for nine years.
image: https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hubfs/Dontre%201%20(1).jpg
---

![](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/01_GICI/Logos/GCSI-wordmark.png?width=269&name=GCSI-wordmark.png "GCSI-wordmark.png")

## [Excel Center Grad Beats the Odds](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/excel-center-grad-beats-the-odds)

 \[fa icon="calendar"\] Apr 15, 2022 10:16:38 AM / by [Jenny Kakasuleff](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/author/jenny-kakasuleff)

![Jenny Kakasuleff](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/Authors/JKakasuleff.jpg?width=35&name=JKakasuleff.jpg)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

![Dontre 1 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Dontre%201%20(1).jpg?width=1050&name=Dontre%201%20(1).jpg)

There are more than 447,450 working-age Hoosiers who lack a high school diploma. Prior to The Excel Center, Goodwill’s unique high school for adults, there were few options for people like Dontre Smith who wanted to earn one.

“I was in the worst condition of my life, living in a semi-abandoned house,” Dontre said, referring to the place he called home on-and-off for nine years.

Due to homelessness and lack of transportation, Dontre had a difficult time keeping a job. He also lacked a support system.

“I never had a positive role model. I had no drive or motivation until my beautiful goddaughter was born,” Dontre said. “I was ashamed that I couldn’t afford to give her anything for her first birthday.” 

A few days later, he enrolled at The Excel Center. He worried that he might not be able to finish due to his learning disability, but he trusted the teachers and staff and found a support system he had never had before.

![51511196222_f25f833d74_o](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/51511196222_f25f833d74_o.jpg?width=3450&name=51511196222_f25f833d74_o.jpg)

“I made it to school every day despite my living arrangement, but it was difficult,” Dontre said. “There were strange people at the house at all hours of the night looking for a high, causing me to go to school sleepy, irritated and miserable.”

In order to ensure Dontre had a safe place to live to focus on his studies, the school arranged for him to stay in a hotel.

“I will forever be thankful for that,” Dontre said. “I don’t believe I would have made it to graduation if they hadn’t provided food and shelter to me.”

In June 2020, Dontre earned his diploma as well as a Certified Nurse Aide certification and is currently employed at a home health agency. 

Learn more: excelcenter.org

 Topics: [Success Story](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/success-story), [The Excel Center](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center), [Education](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/education), [COVID-19](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/covid-19), [Mission Awareness](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mission-awareness), [Mission Coaches](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mission-coaches)

![Jenny Kakasuleff](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/Authors/JKakasuleff.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=JKakasuleff.jpg)

#### Written by [Jenny Kakasuleff](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/author/jenny-kakasuleff)

[\[fa icon="linkedin-square"\]Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkakasuleff/)

### Subscribe to Email Updates

- Recent
- Popular
- Categories

### Lists by Topic

- [Education (276)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/education)
- [Employment (221)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/employment)
- [The Excel Center (205)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center)
- [Mission Awareness (195)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mission-awareness)
- [Success Story (192)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/success-story)
- [Retail (140)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/retail)
- [Nurse-Family Partnership (104)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurse-family-partnership)
- [Mission Coaches (84)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mission-coaches)
- [Disability (82)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/disability)
- [Goodwill Education (76)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-education)
- [Indianapolis Metropolitan High School (67)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/indianapolis-metropolitan-high-school)
- [Goodwill Commercial Services (65)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-commercial-services)
- [Parents (65)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/parents)
- [Community Partners (57)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/community-partners)
- [Criminal History (46)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/criminal-history)
- [TalentSource (37)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/talentsource)
- [mental health (35)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mental-health)
- [New Beginnings (27)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/new-beginnings)
- [Foundation (25)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/foundation)
- [Multi-gen impact (22)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/multi-gen-impact)
- [Southern Indiana (22)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/southern-indiana)
- [Senior Community Service Employment Program (21)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/senior-community-service-employment-program)
- [Former Addiction (19)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/former-addiction)
- [Goodwill Outlet (18)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-outlet)
- [McClelland Scholarship (18)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mcclelland-scholarship)
- [ClickGoodwill (16)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/clickgoodwill)
- [Language Barrier (15)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/language-barrier)
- [Leadership Spotlight (15)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/leadership-spotlight)
- [#NDEAM (14)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ndeam)
- [Disability Services (13)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/disability-services)
- [AbilityOne (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/abilityone)
- [Goodwill Donation (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-donation)
- [Goodwill Donor (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-donor)
- [The Excel Center National Office (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-national-office)
- [Children's Learning Center (11)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/childrens-learning-center)
- [President's Message (11)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/presidents-message)
- [Goodwill Young Leaders (10)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-young-leaders)
- [Black History Month (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/black-history-month)
- [COVID-19 (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Goodwill Intern (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-intern)
- [DIY (8)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/diy)
- [Veteran (8)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veteran)
- [DIY from Goodwill Finds (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/diy-from-goodwill-finds)
- [Strategic Plan (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/strategic-plan)
- [Sustainability (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/sustainability)
- [38thandSheridan (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/38thandsheridan)
- [LGBTQ (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/lgbtq)
- [Nurses Week (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurses-week)
- [Valentines Day (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/valentines-day)
- [Volunteers (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/volunteers)
- [Financial Literacy (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/financial-literacy)
- [National Hispanic Heritage Month (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/national-hispanic-heritage-month)
- [Pride Month (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/pride-month)
- [The Excel Center Meadows (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-meadows)
- [#neurodiverse (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/neurodiverse)
- [Educator Appreciation Month (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/educator-appreciation-month)
- [Goodwill Shopper (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-shopper)
- [Halloween (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/halloween)
- [The Excel Center Shelbyville (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-shelbyville)
- [refugee (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/refugee)
- [Fall Decor (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/fall-decor)
- [Goodwill Ignite (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-ignite)
- [Homelessness (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/homelessness)
- [Horizon House (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/horizon-house)
- [Lilly Global Day of Service (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/lilly-global-day-of-service)
- [Non Profit Leadership (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/non-profit-leadership)
- [Recycle (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/recycle)
- [The Excel Center Grant County (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-grant-county)
- [The Excel Center Southeast (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-southeast)
- [University Heights (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/university-heights)
- [Wellness (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/wellness)
- [Women's History Month (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/womens-history-month)
- [nonprofitday (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nonprofitday)
- [#beyondbarriers (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/beyondbarriers)
- [Cleaning (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/cleaning)
- [Downsizing (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/downsizing)
- [Goodwill Boutique (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-boutique)
- [Goodwill UNBOXED (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-unboxed)
- [GoodwillNext (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwillnext)
- [Halloween, DIY (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/halloween-diy)
- [Janitorial Training Program (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/janitorial-training-program)
- [LEAP (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/leap)
- [Mental Health Day (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mental-health-day)
- [Nurses Month (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurses-month)
- [Per Scholas (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/per-scholas)
- [The Excel Center Bloomington (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-bloomington)
- [The Excel Center Michigan Street (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-michigan-street)
- [The Excel Center West (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-west)
- [Tremont (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/tremont)
- [Vintage Vogue by GW (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/vintage-vogue-by-gw)
- [Young Learner's Child Care (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/young-learners-child-care)
- [eCommerce (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ecommerce)
- [manufacturing (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/manufacturing)
- [veterans (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans)
- [#ADA29 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada29)
- [#ADA30 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada30)
- [#ADA34 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada34)
- [#GoodGuides (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodguides)
- [#Youth Mentoring (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/youth-mentoring)
- [#mentoring (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mentoring)
- [Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month)
- [Beyond Barriers (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/beyond-barriers)
- [CIMS Certification (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/cims-certification)
- [Decatur (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/decatur)
- [Earth Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/earth-day)
- [General Wayne A Downing Home for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/general-wayne-a-downing-home-for-veterans)
- [GivingShoesday (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/givingshoesday)
- [GivingTuesday (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/givingtuesday)
- [Goodwill Housing Services (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-housing-services)
- [Goodwill Rewards (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-rewards)
- [Goodwill Week (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-week)
- [Indy Fresh Market (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/indy-fresh-market)
- [National Custodian Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/national-custodian-day)
- [Patriot Weekend (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/patriot-weekend)
- [Riverview Apartments (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/riverview-apartments)
- [Stand Down for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/stand-down-for-veterans)
- [The Excel Center Anderson (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-anderson)
- [The Excel Center Bartholomew County (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-bartholomew-county)
- [The General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-general-wayne-a-downing-home-for-veterans)
- [Veterans Home (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans-home)
- [Veterans Support (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans-support)
- [WBW2020 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/wbw2020)
- [Warehousing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/warehousing)
- [Weekend Rewards (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/weekend-rewards)
- [Workforce Housing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/workforce-housing)
- [World Diabetes Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/world-diabetes-day)
- [donating (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/donating)
- [organizing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/organizing)

see all

### Posts by Topic

- [Education (276)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/education)
- [Employment (221)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/employment)
- [The Excel Center (205)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center)
- [Mission Awareness (195)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mission-awareness)
- [Success Story (192)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/success-story)
- [Retail (140)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/retail)
- [Nurse-Family Partnership (104)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurse-family-partnership)
- [Mission Coaches (84)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mission-coaches)
- [Disability (82)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/disability)
- [Goodwill Education (76)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-education)
- [Indianapolis Metropolitan High School (67)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/indianapolis-metropolitan-high-school)
- [Goodwill Commercial Services (65)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-commercial-services)
- [Parents (65)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/parents)
- [Community Partners (57)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/community-partners)
- [Criminal History (46)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/criminal-history)
- [TalentSource (37)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/talentsource)
- [mental health (35)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mental-health)
- [New Beginnings (27)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/new-beginnings)
- [Foundation (25)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/foundation)
- [Multi-gen impact (22)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/multi-gen-impact)
- [Southern Indiana (22)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/southern-indiana)
- [Senior Community Service Employment Program (21)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/senior-community-service-employment-program)
- [Former Addiction (19)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/former-addiction)
- [Goodwill Outlet (18)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-outlet)
- [McClelland Scholarship (18)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mcclelland-scholarship)
- [ClickGoodwill (16)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/clickgoodwill)
- [Language Barrier (15)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/language-barrier)
- [Leadership Spotlight (15)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/leadership-spotlight)
- [#NDEAM (14)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ndeam)
- [Disability Services (13)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/disability-services)
- [AbilityOne (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/abilityone)
- [Goodwill Donation (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-donation)
- [Goodwill Donor (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-donor)
- [The Excel Center National Office (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-national-office)
- [Children's Learning Center (11)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/childrens-learning-center)
- [President's Message (11)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/presidents-message)
- [Goodwill Young Leaders (10)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-young-leaders)
- [Black History Month (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/black-history-month)
- [COVID-19 (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Goodwill Intern (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-intern)
- [DIY (8)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/diy)
- [Veteran (8)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veteran)
- [DIY from Goodwill Finds (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/diy-from-goodwill-finds)
- [Strategic Plan (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/strategic-plan)
- [Sustainability (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/sustainability)
- [38thandSheridan (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/38thandsheridan)
- [LGBTQ (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/lgbtq)
- [Nurses Week (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurses-week)
- [Valentines Day (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/valentines-day)
- [Volunteers (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/volunteers)
- [Financial Literacy (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/financial-literacy)
- [National Hispanic Heritage Month (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/national-hispanic-heritage-month)
- [Pride Month (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/pride-month)
- [The Excel Center Meadows (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-meadows)
- [#neurodiverse (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/neurodiverse)
- [Educator Appreciation Month (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/educator-appreciation-month)
- [Goodwill Shopper (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-shopper)
- [Halloween (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/halloween)
- [The Excel Center Shelbyville (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-shelbyville)
- [refugee (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/refugee)
- [Fall Decor (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/fall-decor)
- [Goodwill Ignite (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-ignite)
- [Homelessness (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/homelessness)
- [Horizon House (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/horizon-house)
- [Lilly Global Day of Service (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/lilly-global-day-of-service)
- [Non Profit Leadership (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/non-profit-leadership)
- [Recycle (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/recycle)
- [The Excel Center Grant County (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-grant-county)
- [The Excel Center Southeast (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-southeast)
- [University Heights (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/university-heights)
- [Wellness (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/wellness)
- [Women's History Month (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/womens-history-month)
- [nonprofitday (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nonprofitday)
- [#beyondbarriers (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/beyondbarriers)
- [Cleaning (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/cleaning)
- [Downsizing (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/downsizing)
- [Goodwill Boutique (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-boutique)
- [Goodwill UNBOXED (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-unboxed)
- [GoodwillNext (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwillnext)
- [Halloween, DIY (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/halloween-diy)
- [Janitorial Training Program (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/janitorial-training-program)
- [LEAP (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/leap)
- [Mental Health Day (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mental-health-day)
- [Nurses Month (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurses-month)
- [Per Scholas (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/per-scholas)
- [The Excel Center Bloomington (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-bloomington)
- [The Excel Center Michigan Street (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-michigan-street)
- [The Excel Center West (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-west)
- [Tremont (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/tremont)
- [Vintage Vogue by GW (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/vintage-vogue-by-gw)
- [Young Learner's Child Care (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/young-learners-child-care)
- [eCommerce (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ecommerce)
- [manufacturing (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/manufacturing)
- [veterans (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans)
- [#ADA29 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada29)
- [#ADA30 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada30)
- [#ADA34 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada34)
- [#GoodGuides (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodguides)
- [#Youth Mentoring (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/youth-mentoring)
- [#mentoring (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mentoring)
- [Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month)
- [Beyond Barriers (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/beyond-barriers)
- [CIMS Certification (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/cims-certification)
- [Decatur (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/decatur)
- [Earth Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/earth-day)
- [General Wayne A Downing Home for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/general-wayne-a-downing-home-for-veterans)
- [GivingShoesday (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/givingshoesday)
- [GivingTuesday (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/givingtuesday)
- [Goodwill Housing Services (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-housing-services)
- [Goodwill Rewards (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-rewards)
- [Goodwill Week (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-week)
- [Indy Fresh Market (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/indy-fresh-market)
- [National Custodian Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/national-custodian-day)
- [Patriot Weekend (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/patriot-weekend)
- [Riverview Apartments (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/riverview-apartments)
- [Stand Down for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/stand-down-for-veterans)
- [The Excel Center Anderson (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-anderson)
- [The Excel Center Bartholomew County (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-bartholomew-county)
- [The General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-general-wayne-a-downing-home-for-veterans)
- [Veterans Home (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans-home)
- [Veterans Support (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans-support)
- [WBW2020 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/wbw2020)
- [Warehousing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/warehousing)
- [Weekend Rewards (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/weekend-rewards)
- [Workforce Housing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/workforce-housing)
- [World Diabetes Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/world-diabetes-day)
- [donating (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/donating)
- [organizing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/organizing)

see all

### Recent Posts

#### About Us

Everything we do, including our retail operations, helps us further our mission of helping individuals and families become more economically self-sufficient. From education, to employment, to health, all our programs and services – made possible through your support – provide life-changing opportunities to those who connect with Goodwill.

 

[Learn More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](http://www.goodwillindy.org/what-we-do/)

 

#### More Links

- [\[fa icon="caret-right"\] Home](http://www.goodwillindy.org/)
- [\[fa icon="caret-right"\] Blog](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/)
- [\[fa icon="caret-right"\] About Us](http://www.goodwillindy.org/about/)
- [\[fa icon="caret-right"\] Contact Us](http://www.goodwillindy.org/contact/)

#### Contact Us

\[fa icon="envelope"\]  [goodwill@goodwillindy.org](mailto:goodwill@goodwillindy.org)

\[fa icon="home"\]  1635 W. Michigan Street, Indianapolis IN 46222

\[fa icon="facebook-square"\]Facebook \[fa icon="linkedin-square"\]Linkedin \[fa icon="twitter-square"\]Twitter \[fa icon="pinterest-square"\]Pinterest

 Copyright 2026 | Designed with \[fa icon="heart"\] by [HubSpot](https://www.hubspot.com)

\[fa icon="chevron-up"\]Back to top

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Jenny Kakasuleff",
    "url" : "https://blog.goodwillindy.org/author/jenny-kakasuleff"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-12-15T15:47:46.634Z",
  "datePublished" : "2022-04-15T14:16:38.000Z",
  "headline" : "Excel Center Grad Beats the Odds",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hubfs/Dontre%201%20(1).jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.goodwillindy.org/excel-center-grad-beats-the-odds",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hubfs/GCSI-wordmark%20copy.png"
    },
    "name" : "Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana"
  }
}
```