When Briante Melton, 26, became pregnant several years ago, she didn’t have a great deal of family support. 

In 2015, James Hayes was diagnosed with a vision impairment called low-vision, caused by glaucoma and other deficiencies. At the onset of this diagnosis, James was employed by Indianapolis Public Schools but left due to the disease’s progression.

As his vision continued to diminish, James learned to adapt to his new circumstance as best he could by working with other not-for-profit organizations that assisted those with vision impairments. One of those agencies referred him to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. 

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is celebrating the month of November with special discounts and promotions for rewards members. To help keep shoppers, guests and store associates safe, Goodwill will spread its unique Black Friday-inspired “Weekend Rewards” discounts across every weekend this month.

This year, Derrick Powe celebrates 10 years of employment at Goodwill, beginning as a groundskeeper and now working as a janitor for Goodwill Commercial Services.

When much of the world shut down in March due to the pandemic, a lot of people were left without jobs, or income to be able to pay their bills.  For those who were unable to collect unemployment benefits, there were few options available to stay afloat. One of those people was Goodwill Guides participant Rizan Hajji.  

Trelles Evans, Director of Mission Advancement for Reentry and Disability Services at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, discusses her role and the people served by the programs she oversees.

If you have ever started anything new in your life, you know that the first step comes with mixed emotions — excitement, anxiety, even fear. In 2014, as a group of about 15 young professionals looked to launch Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s first-ever Young Leaders Board, we certainly felt that mix of emotions. We had clear objectives — we wanted to create a board focused on building the future philanthropic leaders of Goodwill and sharing the mission of Goodwill with social circles that did not know much about the organization. Over the last six years, we have stayed true to that vision, but our board has done more than any of us could have imagined back in 2014. 

Corey Starks joined Goodwill Commercial Services nearly 11 years ago as a janitor, and within his first year of employment, he was promoted to backup Team Lead. Due to his success in this role, he secured a floater position that required him to learn many new job responsibilities. 

Halloween inspired wreaths and centerpieces are a fun and easy way to decorate and be ready for whatever tricks or treats the night brings, but buying them at a big box store can get expensive.