Established in 2014, the Goodwill Young Leaders Board (GWYLB) formed to engage a new generation of leaders to further the mission of Goodwill. The GWYLs are professionals aged 22-40, outstanding in both their accomplishments and potential, who exemplify diversity across race, age, gender, background, and profession. They impact Goodwill’s mission through direct volunteer service, philanthropic giving and the facilitation of new relationships.
Recently, they hosted Gather for Goodwill, an annual fundraising event that engages individuals who are interested in making a difference in their communities. Not only did the GWYLB reach its fundraising goal – they exceeded it, achieving their best year of fundraising yet. Each year, Goodwill’s mission program managers may submit an application to request funds from the GWYLB for resources to support the people they serve that otherwise would not be available.
In the past, these funds have been used to purchase laptops for Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program, which supports seniors aged 55 and over who are seeking to acquire new job skills. Funds have also been used to support a food pantry for The Excel Center, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults as well as a Doula certification program for Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership, a maternal health program that pairs first-time moms with a nurse home visitor who provides support from pregnancy through their child’s second birthday.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the GWYLB, contact Cameray Vican at cameray.vican@goodwillindy.org.