Brian Russelburg’s journey from a United States Post Office worker to Goodwill’s art appraiser wasn’t the most direct, but when it comes to your dream career, it’s better late than never.

At the age of 5, when most children are still mastering the art of doodling, Brian was drawing cartoon characters. At 10 years old, he became enthralled with a magazine his father gave him that was filled with iconic images from World War II and ended up building his own dark room for developing photos. His talents took him to the Herron School of Art in 1975, but his direction soon changed.

“The United States Postal Service offered me $11 an hour to come work for them, which was equivalent to $30 an hour today,” Brian said. “I was young and thinking about my future. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

Finding healing in faith while incarcerated

Cory Tipton doesn’t make any excuses but admits his lack of adult guidance led him down the wrong path as a teen.

Student with barriers finds success at The Excel Center

Although Courtney Person earned a certificate of completion in high school, a learning disability prevented her from receiving a diploma. Courtney studied dental careers at the J. Everett Light Career Center as a high school student, but without a diploma, she could not pursue her plan to become a dental hygienist. It was a devastating blow.

Dianna Tolentino was referred to Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership® program by her OB in 2013.

Some of Zach Hopper’s fondest memories of his mother include shopping at Goodwill for clothes and toys when he was a child. His family was poor and his mother struggled with addiction, often leaving him to care for a younger sibling.

In 2008, suffering from debilitating depression, Frank Farmwald found himself homeless and unable to keep a job. His condition became so severe it required him to be temporarily institutionalized. He then entered a transitional housing program as he learned to manage his depression.

After experiencing a traumatic brain injury, Aaron Yates has trouble storing long-term memories. In 2016, he started working with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s Disability Services team to find a job.

Ella Morris is 63 years old, a mother of four and a grandmother of five. Throughout her life, she has valued education and dreamed of becoming a college graduate. Being a 2017 McClelland Scholar will bring her that much closer to achieving her goal.