Student with Asperger Syndrome and ADHD Excels at Goodwill’s Adult High School

Kamila Gulban is originally from Afghanistan. When she arrived in the United States nearly thirteen years ago, she struggled to find her place in this new world. Her inability to speak English, lack of a driver’s license and limited support system made it difficult to find employment. A family friend of Kamila’s was familiar with Goodwill and shared the mission along with the many resources that Goodwill provides its employees. This immediately caught her attention, and she applied for a job.

From Homeless to Business Owner, Meet Keanna Murphy

 Keanna Murphy, 29, is a mother of four children living in Indianapolis. She is also a professional baker who owns her own business. With plans to earn a college degree, Keanna seems to have it all figured out. However, just a decade ago, her life looked quite different than it does today.

Child Care Makes a Difference at Indianapolis Met,  Meet Symone Maxey

Sandra Martinez was a freshman in high school when she learned she was pregnant. She struggled to keep up with her course work and was eventually forced to withdraw. Fortunately, Sandra has a solid support system that is committed to ensuring she earns her diploma and succeeds as a parent.

Mohammed Alhamwi’s journey to The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s high school for adults, begins more than 6,000 miles away in his home country of Syria. Like many Syrians, his family was forced to flee as a result of the country’s civil war. As refugees in Jordan, they weren’t permitted to pursue employment or education which left them unable to build a life there. It seemed as if Mohammed’s family was in a perpetual limbo. They connected with Exodus Refugee Project and steadily worked for a more permanent placement. After several years in this limbo state, they received word that they were being placed in the U.S.

Novah Norris Campbell was a junior in high school when she learned she was pregnant. At 14 weeks, she enrolled in Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership, a program that pairs first-time, low-income moms with a registered nurse who helps them achieve a healthy pregnancy and provide competent care for their babies.

Jasmine Bible was 17 years old when she got her first job as a cashier at Goodwill. She struggled with finding reliable transportation, stable housing and dependable child care for her son with special needs. Eager to advance her career, Jasmine took advantage of every opportunity available to her through Goodwill.

The Children's Learning Center by Goodwill earns Paths to QUALITY Level 4

The Children's Learning Center by Goodwill, Goodwill’s nationally accredited, early childhood education center, achieved the highest rating — Level 4 — for the fourth year in a row through Indiana’s statewide rating system, Paths to QUALITY™. Located in Clarksville, The Children's Learning Center by Goodwill is the only child care provider in southern Indiana that holds the distinction of National Early Childhood Program Accreditation.

Marion Thompson beamed with pride as her daughter, Ti’Sharon Thompson, was honored with Indianapolis Metropolitan High School’s Outstanding Student Achievement Award in 2017.  Ti’Sharon also earned a scholarship from Lilly Endowment Inc., which covers her full tuition for all four years of college. She is currently attending Indiana University.