Erik Caldwell moved back to Crawfordsville three years ago to help his dad through some difficult life circumstances. He applied for a job at the local Goodwill store, expecting it to be temporary, but remains a valuable associate today, staying longer than he ever planned.

Benjamin Westley learned about Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in 2013. A serious car accident, caused by a diabetic blackout, left him unable to return to his janitorial duties at the St. Vincent Heart Center.

Greg Wieneke has been employed at Goodwill for nearly a decade. For many years, he dreamed of riding a bicycle across the country, in part, to prove to himself that he could. Greg was born with cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects balance, movement and muscle tone, and epilepsy, a central nervous system disorder.

Goodwill-Community Health East Partnership Educates, Employs

For several years, Goodwill has hosted tours for community and business leaders interested in
learning more about our programs and services. In 2015, Community Health Network brought a group to participate, which yielded a mutually beneficial relationship characterized by employment, education and training for individuals interested in a pharmacy technician career.

Geno Cox, blind since birth, recently celebrated 10 years as an associate at the Anderson Goodwill store. After attending the Indiana School for the Blind, Geno had difficulty finding a job locally.  

Edward Rickenbach, Manager of Goodwill’s Guides program, discusses how his team works with our retail employees, providing career and life coaching services  to help them increase their independence and reach  their potential.

Michelle Williamson doesn’t remember the date or even the year that she lost both of her legs. Her memories are hazy. She was struggling with addiction and homelessness when she acquired frostbite in her toes. They became infected after doctors amputated them, resulting in the amputation of both legs from the knee down. Shortly after, her youngest son was born, and the state was threatening to take custody of him.

Paula Buford was a Qualified Medication Aide for 25 years, working primarily in nursing homes. In 2000, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disorder resulting in varying degrees of paralysis. She went from working in a nursing home to living in one for seven months, receiving intense physical and speech therapy.