India Daye was a senior in high school when she first learned she was pregnant. She lacked stable housing and worked part-time at a fast-food restaurant through her pregnancy to help support her family.

First-time mom Arian Baker, 33, learned about Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership through her obstetrician. As a medical student she knew that maternal and infant mortality rates are much higher among African-American women. She worked with her nurse to educate herself about the changes that were happening to her body and managing stress that could adversely affect her developing baby.

It takes an extraordinary kind of teacher to become a part of the Indianapolis Metropolitan High School family. As a best-fit high school for students experiencing circumstances that may present a barrier to education, Indy Met staff must possess empathy, patience and — most of all — heart.

With 14 campuses across Indiana, The Excel Center® — Goodwill’s high school for adults — is filled with many highly-qualified instructors, coaches, special education coordinators, paraprofessionals and additional support staff that are dedicated to leading students toward success. Mark Van Dyk, a humanities instructor at The Excel Center on Michigan St. in Indianapolis, is a shining example of the passion and commitment that the staff of each school possesses.

Every year during the first full week of May, Goodwill® organizations across the United States and Canada celebrate Goodwill Industries Week to highlight the defining principle of our mission — to change lives. As part of a tradition going back 117 years, Goodwill works with people experiencing barriers to employment, helping them secure a job, increase their education and access resources critical to achieving independence.

Jessica Monroe left high school when she was 16 years old. Originally from Muncie, Indiana, she dealt with several barriers at school, including a lack of support from peers.

Erica Webb’s first major barrier to achieving independence was becoming a mother at 17 years old. Although she successfully graduated from high school, a series of setbacks negatively impacted her ability to provide for her growing family.

When people hear Goodwill, they often think about our retail stores, where Hoosiers can donate the items they no longer use, and shop for great deals and unique finds. Most also know we provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities, criminal histories and other barriers. Some even think that’s where Goodwill’s mission ends, but it’s actually where it begins.

When you donate and shop at Goodwill, you’re not just supporting jobs for people with employment barriers — you’re also giving an adult a second chance at a high school diploma, new moms regular visits with a registered nurse and so much more. Thanks to people like you across central and southern Indiana, thousands of lives are being changed every day.

That’s why I’m excited to introduce Achieve, our new semi-annual publication, where you’ll see how your support for Goodwill helps people increase their independence and reach their potential.

Martha Moraga worked hard to raise her four children while earning a high school diploma at The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s high school for adults. She strives to be a role model for all of her children - with the goal of becoming a medical assistant - and her teachers believe she already sets a great example.