Behind every number is a person – a parent finding stability, a student earning a diploma, a neighbor securing stable housing. At Goodwill, measurable impact isn’t just something we report. It’s something happening every single day. In 2025, Goodwill’s mission came to life in powerful, measurable ways.

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana takes great pride in celebrating our employees' many years of dedication to the mission. Those who have achieved milestones of over 15 years of service are recognized each year at the annual Service Award Luncheon.

Walking into the Goodwill on Olio Road in Indianapolis, you can feel that something is different. The space is open, everything is well-organized and you can feel the sensation that you’re going to find something amazing.

When you walk into the Lawrence Goodwill store on Sunnyside Road in Indianapolis, it’s easy to notice the racks of clothing, shoes, and shelves of treasures waiting for a second home. But behind every stocked aisle is a story, and sometimes, even a cart full of them. That’s where Lucy comes in.

Adonis’s journey began in November 2014 when he enrolled in the Janitorial Training Program (JTP), which provides on-the-job janitorial training for individuals facing employment barriers. His dedication and hard work led him to graduate from the program and secure full-time employment as a janitor working for Goodwill at the VA Hospital through the AbilityOne program. This federal initiative partners with not-for-profit organizations like Goodwill to provide jobs to persons with disabilities. 

For over a year, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s career coaching and workforce intermediary, Goodwill TalentSource, has partnered with BMO Bank to bring opportunities in banking and financial services to untapped talent in Indianapolis through BMORE. This program strives to remove barriers that may prevent people from moving into a career in banking. One example of a barrier is limited education.

Annually, the first Friday in October is observed as Manufacturing Day, an opportunity to recognize the vital role manufacturing plays in our economy, communities, and daily lives. At Goodwill Commercial Services, a division of Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, we are proud to be part of the contract manufacturing industry, producing high-quality goods, delivering reliable services, and creating meaningful careers for individuals who face barriers to employment.

At Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, two thirds of our over 6,000 employees have a barrier to employment such as a disability, a lack of high school diploma or criminal background. Another barrier that is common in the workforce but often overlooked is age.

At the end of July, Goodwill New Beginnings hosted its seventh annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament. This event is designed to connect law enforcement, the Department of Corrections and the local community through an afternoon of friendly competition, sportsmanship and fun.

Most people recognize Goodwill as a thrift store, but did you know that Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is also a local not-for-profit? August 17th is National Nonprofit Day and it’s a perfect time to highlight Goodwill’s mission and the impact of that mission in the communities we serve.