Every year, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with an event that connects Goodwill employees, internal resources and community partners specializing in disability services.

On September 9, The Greater Kokomo Economic Alliance and Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana came together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Goodwill store on the west side of Kokomo (2222 West Sycamore Street (SR 22)). To commemorate the anniversary, a ribbon cutting was held at the front of the building, featuring speakers from both organizations.

Every October, the United States recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This observance stresses the important contributions and accomplishments of workers with disabilities, as well as the importance of providing opportunity and support in the workplace.

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.

Goodwill Commercial Services Manufacturing Division employee, James Clements, had been impacted by the criminal justice system on and off throughout most of his life. A little over two years ago, however, after thirteen years of incarceration, James was first introduced to Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. Goodwill leaders began visiting him and other incarcerated individuals to share an exciting work opportunity available to them after incarceration. 

Debora Holmes’s journey with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana began over 10 years ago, when she joined the organization as a photographer. She had already experienced so much in life, from adopting six of her siblings due to gun violence in the family, to raising two children and taking care of her husband after he fell ill. 

In 2015, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana implemented the Legal Expungement Advice Program (LEAP) in response to the challenges that people faced with Indiana’s expungement law. Through a partnership with Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law, LEAP provides those affiliated with Goodwill and their immediate families free expungement consultation services.

For 23 years, Ben Burris has been a familiar and friendly presence at the Major General Emmett J. Bean Federal Center. Employed by Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s Commercial Services division through the AbilityOne program, his role focuses on maintaining the federal center’s gym. This is a bustling space in the building, where employees come to recharge and unwind. Ben takes great pride in keeping the gym clean, ensuring it remains a welcoming environment for all who use it.

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.

The staff at Goodwill Commercial Services embraced sweater weather with Holiday Sweater Day.