Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana Blog

Meet Johnny Manson

Written by Nathan Miller | Feb 5, 2019 12:00:00 PM

Success stories at Goodwill are more than a stamp of “this story is done.” Instead, they acknowledge that the individual reached their goals, overcame their challenges and launched into their next chapter. Johnny Manson is just such a success story. He demonstrated tremendous growth in education, employment and financial goals.


Johnny began working with a Goodwill Guide, job coaches that are paired with employees and other program participants. He had withdrawn from college and wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to return. Through coaching and Goodwill’s tuition reimbursement program, Johnny re-enrolled at Marian University and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in business.

Johnny has also shown considerable growth with managing his finances. Financial literacy training helped him increase his credit score by more than 130 points! His net worth increased by $2,000 through paying off debt and disputing incorrect charges. His improved credit score and clearer understanding of financial products allowed Johnny to purchase a vehicle.

When asked how Goodwill has helped him, Johnny mentioned he could go on forever about what Goodwill means to him.

“Goodwill has helped me accomplish goals in education, employment, and has had a profound impact in changing my life," says Johnny. "I am loyal to Goodwill because Goodwill has been loyal to me and is social responsibility.”

Johnny at one point believed that his barriers and criminal record would hold him back, but soon discovered that with the proper support he could succeed at work, school and in life. We’re excited to see what the next chapter holds for Johnny.