Walking into the Goodwill on Olio Road in Indianapolis, you can feel that something is different. The space is open, everything is well-organized and you can feel the sensation that you’re going to find something amazing.

One of those amazing finds isn’t on the shelves at all. It’s the people who work there. Among them is customer favorite, Goodwill associate, Angela. You might meet her at the door, offering a cart to someone walking with a cane, or see her at the register, chatting with shoppers as she rings up their treasures.

Bailey, a frequent shopper, professional photographer, part-time nanny and stay-at-home mom, is a customer who lights up when talking about Angela. 

“Genuine is the best word to describe her,” Bailey says. While Bailey shops for stylish clothing and unique finds for her photography business and home, she loves sharing her latest treasures with Angela at checkout.

Angela has been part of the Goodwill family for 12 years, after spending much of her career in the grocery industry. She started at Goodwill doing full textile productions before moving to the register about 10 and a half years ago. Her love of people and building relationships with customers is what keeps her motivated every day. 

“Angela shows up every day with such a positive attitude and genuine care for our customers,” says her site leader, Blake.

Angela also appreciates how Goodwill supports her needs. The organization’s flexibility allows her to work comfortably with her physical limitations, something she’s deeply grateful for. 

“They make it possible for me to continue working and earning an income,” she says.

Both Angela and Bailey agree that Goodwill is more than just a store. It’s part of fulfilling Goodwill’s mission to change lives by empowering people to increase their independence and reach their potential through education, health and employment. 

For Bailey, shopping at Goodwill means finding great deals while giving back. 

“When I spend money here to decorate my home or buy things for my photography business, I know it’s helping people,” she says. “Goodwill does so much to provide a place where people can work and grow.”

Angela shares that pride, especially when it comes to Goodwill’s programs that strengthen the community. One of her favorites is Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership®, a program that pairs nurses with first-time  parents for ongoing support. 

“It means a lot to me because my mom was a nurse for 65 years before she retired,” she says.

As for her own retirement? Angela smiles and says she’ll retire from Goodwill, just not anytime soon. “I’m not in a hurry to go anywhere,” she says.

To learn more about career opportunities at Goodwill, visit www.goodwill.org/careers.