After living with an addiction for 13 years and repeated involvement with the criminal justice system, Christina Clevenger was ready to turn over a new leaf, but her past made it difficult. In 2018, her close friend and roommate told her that they found a fresh start at Goodwill after facing similar challenges. Christina decided to apply and was hired as a part-time textile producer and cashier.

When Angela Felix learned she was pregnant and moving to Indiana, she knew she wanted a more stable life and better income for herself and her child. She knew the first step toward achieving stability was to complete her education. As she researched, The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s free high school for adults, caught her attention.

“The staff talked about helping me get a certification and a career in a field I want,” said Angela.

Angela enrolled in The Excel Center in July 2023, hoping to enter the health care field after graduation.  

“The support is different,” said Angela. “The staff really has a drive to help people get their diploma and set them up for success.”

Each year, International Mentoring Day is observed on January 17. This observance is an opportunity to recognize mentors and the impacts they’ve had on their mentees. For those who we employ, educate and serve at Goodwill, coaches often act as mentors, providing the essential guidance to employees, students and program participants who want to increase their independence and reach their full potential.

Last year was a big year for Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana as we educated, employed and served more individuals than ever before. Since launching our Strategic Plan three years ago, we’ve made significant progress on our objectives and goals, resulting in life-changing impact in our communities.

The staff at Goodwill Commercial Services embraced sweater weather with Holiday Sweater Day.

In 2022, a team at Goodwill Colorado and Goodwill Education Initiatives examined the feasibility and need for opening The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults, in their state. Not only did they find a need, but they also discovered an extensive network of support for opening an adult high school.

When Melissa Cotton left high school her senior year, it was after enduring years of bullying by her peers for a learning disability. 

Launched in 2012 and occurring on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that harnesses the spirit of giving season to encourage people to do good. 

When Angela Gregory enrolled at The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults, she was a single parent to her three-year-old son and struggling to secure stable, long-term housing. She also has autism. Her primary motivation for completing high school was her son.

Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) pairs first-time, expectant parents with a registered nurse for ongoing visits to support families so they can provide the very best start for their children during the earliest, most developmentally critical years.