Dakota McLaughlin experienced significant challenges growing up. His mother passed away when he was young, and he was also bullied at school, especially when he came out as gay, which often left him feeling alone. After experiencing domestic violence from a family member, Dakota felt safer leaving home, even though he had nowhere else to go. 

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana proudly presents its 2023 Educators of the Year!

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is reflecting on the progress we’ve made as an organization in supporting our employees through their mental health struggles, while removing the stigma surrounding mental illness. However, we also recognize that challenges remain to ensuring quality and affordable mental health care is available to all, and we’re taking steps to provide all of our employees with adequate mental health support.

When Lacee McCorkle connected to Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) in 2019, she was at a turning point in her life. She had recently graduated from a recovery home after 15 years of drug use and a period of incarceration.

Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership, a program that pairs registered nurses with first-time parents and their families, will expand to serve even more Hoosiers in the coming year. Thanks to funding from both the Indiana State Department of Health and the Lilly Endowment in 2022, the evidence-based model can now be implemented in 61 Indiana counties, increasing the NFP Nurse capacity for families facing concentrated barriers. 

Sarah Schwartz graduated from Indiana University Southeast in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in education and a concentration in math. There weren’t many positions available for math teachers near her home in southern Indiana, so she continued to work part-time in the IU Southeast math lab. She also got a second job at a Goodwill retail store to earn extra income.

Each year, Goodwill celebrates some of the most extraordinary Hoosiers we serve through a ceremony that honors recipients across seven award categories. Eligible nominees include employees, students, program participants and community partners. When you donate and shop at Goodwill, you're empowering people in your community, like those whose stories you can watch below, so thank you for your support. Together we're changing lives!

In 2003, at the age of 15, Ashley Brummet was in a horrific car accident that changed her life. She broke her back and was told by doctors she would live in constant pain. As a result, she was prescribed pain medication to help her manage her symptoms. 

When Melissa Lebo started her career at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana in 2015, she had been out of the criminal justice system for four months. As she reentered the workforce, she was unsure of how far she could go in her career and personal life. Little did she know, Goodwill’s wraparound services and programs were ready to help her achieve her goals.