The next three years have the potential to be among the most important in our more than 90-year history. Although the COVID-19 pandemic created obstacles, Goodwill remained vigilant, working with our employees, board members and other supporters to make decisions that have put us in a place of strength. We are excited to deliver a Strategic Plan that expands and leverages existing opportunities, while also identifying, exploring and developing new ones. 

In 1989, upon graduating from high school, Shawn Basore joined Goodwill’s Commercial Services division. He had no work history or job skills and participated in Goodwill’s Work Experience Program, which provided job training and employment services to persons with disabilities, preparing them for successful employment. 

When Edward Rickenbach first joined Goodwill in 2009 as an assistant site leader, he was struggling with homelessness and severe depression — a diagnosis he had first received in college but learned would be a lifelong battle. In just 18 months, he worked hard and was promoted to site leader, where he was responsible for managing the store and all of its employees.

Indiana University’s Public Policy Institute (PPI) estimates that the new medical device manufacturing facility at 38th and Sheridan in Indianapolis, built in partnership with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana and Cook Medical, will have an estimated economic impact of $25.9 million.

When Vicki Parks of Richmond, Indiana first enrolled into Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) she was very hesitant about starting over due to her age. However, once Vicki gave the program a chance and began to understand the support that she would receive while enrolled, she realized that it was a perfect fit for her. 

Gloria Combs has shown amazing drive and passion for education, always pushing limits to prove her capabilities. After graduating from The Excel Center® in 2013 and finishing her high school diploma, Gloria went on to pursue a career as a life coach to inspire others just as she was inspired by her own life coach. She has been a major advocate for education ever since. 

Did you know that Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s Commercial Services division holds a partnership with AbilityOne, a federal program that is one of the largest sources for employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities? Goodwill Commercial Services is one of the approximately 500 nonprofit organizations that employ individuals with barriers to employment, such as disabilities, and provides quality services to the Federal Government at a fair market price. 

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is celebrating the opening of its newest store in Danville on Thursday, October 14, at 9 a.m. Located at 8 Ridge Avenue, the store features a large inventory of clothing, housewares, toys, books and more. Store hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The donation center is also open during normal business hours.

Audrey Land has been working for Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana for the past four years and shows incredible drive and dedication — both individually and professionally — as she follows her career goals at Goodwill. 

Erica Tormoehlen has shown incredible drive and dedication in pursuing her career goals. On August 4, she celebrated working 13 consecutive years at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana as she continues to look where she and the organization can grow in the future.