---
title: It's Never Too Late to Make the Grade at The Excel Center
description: Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Brenda was told she would never drive, have children or graduate high school. She’s proven each one of those wrong.
image: https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/BLeake1.png
---

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

## [It's Never Too Late to Make the Grade at The Excel Center](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/its-never-too-late-to-make-the-grade-at-the-excel-center)

 \[fa icon="calendar"\] May 10, 2017 11:41:25 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)

The typical student at [The Excel Center](http://www.excelcenter.org)® – Goodwill’s high school for adult learners – is between 18-24 years old, but returning to school at the age of 47 isn’t the only characteristic that separates Brenda Leake from most of her classmates.

![Brenda graduated from The Excel Center at the age of 46](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/BLeake6.png?width=600&name=BLeake6.png "Brenda graduated from The Excel Center at the age of 46")

Born with cerebral palsy, Brenda was told she would never be able to drive, have children or graduate from high school. Despite these predictions, she’s been driving for 25 years and has two sons, ages 20 and 17.

“I have used the negative remarks as motivation to reach my goals,” said Brenda. “I want to inspire others by showing them that they can do anything they put their minds to.”

When she enrolled at The Excel Center three years ago, she was determined to overcome this one last obstacle.

“Brenda is not a big fan of algebra, but she worked tirelessly to improve her understanding and mastery of the subject,” said Ryan Deignan, Graduation Coach at The Excel Center. “I am so thankful that our paths crossed. She inspires me more than she knows.”

![Brenda's coach at The Excel Center was proud to hand her her diploma](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/BLeake1.png?width=600&name=BLeake1.png "Brenda's coach at The Excel Center was proud to hand her her diploma")

As a result of her hard work and persistence, Brenda received her high school diploma in January 2017.

She has also been employed at the Avon Goodwill store for three years, first preparing clothing for the sales floor, and now as a productive member of the e-commerce team, selecting items for sale online. In her capacities as both a student and an employee, Brenda always strives for excellence. She now plans to earn an industry-recognized Pharmacy Technician Certification through The Excel Center to expand her career prospects.

“I want to be a model to my young men and show them that sacrifices and hard work pay off,” said Brenda. “Just because you have a disability, does not mean you are incapable of reaching your life goals."

![Setting an example of perserverence for her sons is a strong motivator](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/BLeake2.png?width=600&name=BLeake2.png "Setting an example of perserverence for her sons is a strong motivator")

 

Brenda was recently honored at Goodwill's Annual Awards Breakfast with the 2017 Education Achievement Award. Watch RTV6's story and her award recipient video to learn more.

 

 RTV6, May 10, 2017

 

Goodwill Awards Breakfast, Education Achiever of the Year

 Topics: [Employment](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/employment), [Disability](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/disability), [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), [Retail](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/retail), [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"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2017-05-10T15:41:25.000Z",
  "headline" : "It's Never Too Late to Make the Grade at The Excel Center",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/BLeake1.png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.goodwillindy.org/its-never-too-late-to-make-the-grade-at-the-excel-center",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hubfs/GCSI-wordmark%20copy.png"
    },
    "name" : "Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana"
  }
}
```