When Alicia Misch started working at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana 16 years ago, she never expected that her job would lead to her meeting the love of her life.

Each year in February, the United States celebrates and recognizes the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history, highlighting their cultural heritage, struggles, and triumphs against adversity, with the primary goal of educating people about the significant impact Black people have had on our country. This year, the theme for Black History Month is African Americans and Labor. 

At Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, our mission is to empower people to increase their independence and reach their potential through education, health, and employment. We not only strive to do this with Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) parents or students of The Excel Center® – but also much of our mission supports employees within our organization.

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.

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.

Every October, the United States Department of Labor recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This period celebrates the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy.

When Johnny Manson joined Goodwill in October 2016 as a part-time donation attendant, he had been struggling to secure employment due to past legal issues and a lifelong history of depression. 

Every year, thousands of Lilly employees volunteer at community-centered organizations worldwide for Lilly Global Day of Service. This year, the global pharmaceutical company, headquartered in Indianapolis, had over 500 employees volunteer at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed as individuals without disabilities, significantly limiting their ability to live independently. As one of the largest employers of persons with disabilities in the state of Indiana — one-third of the more than 5,000 Hoosiers we employ report a disability — Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana highlights the extraordinary work of these individuals all year long.

Goodwill is proud to recognize National Employ Older Workers Week, a commemorative week to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older workers. Older workers not only bring years of skill, experience, and work ethic to their jobs; they’re also becoming a greater part of the workforce. As of 2022, the older adult population was increasing at over five times the rate of the younger population in central Indiana alone.