Five years after experiencing the justice system in 2015, Phlica Ford found an employment opportunity at Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana’s Commercial Services. She worked her way up from a temporary employee to a full-time addition to the Commercial Services team.

Her leadership skills were noticed by management, and Phlica was promoted into a line lead position in April 2022. Since then, she has led employees through some of the most extensive tasks at Goodwill Commercial Services.

Phlica’s career success was hard-earned. In the past, she had experiences with the justice system, hindering her ability to gain and travel to employment. She was diligent and persistent, however, taking full advantage of the opportunities she had at Goodwill to improve her employment and wellbeing.

For example, Phlica was eligible to join Goodwill New Beginnings, a program designed to help Hoosiers reenter their communities. It offers resources and support to help individuals secure housing and healthcare, reinstate their drivers’ license and address legal challenges.

She received supplemental support from the program, helping her advance in her role and break down barriers involving the justice system. With help from Goodwill New Beginnings, Indiana University Mckinney Law and Professor Lahny Silva, Phlica started the process of getting her license reinstated.For over a year and a half, Phlica has worked with her Goodwill New Beginnings Coach to help get her tickets paid and other fees waived. In October 2022, Phlica was able to get her license reinstated and successfully completed the program, graduating with the December 2022 cohort. 

Currently, Phlica is working with the Goodwill Mission Coach team on clearing her record through the Legal Expungement Advice Program (LEAP), designed to assist participants in filing for expungement. She’s also been able to hone her soft skills such as problem-solving and communication by working with her mission coach. She continues to grow and learn each day, appreciative and proud of how far she has come.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities Goodwill has given me,” Phlica said. “Goodwill is more than just employment.”