Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May. It’s meant to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing, as well as raise awareness and advocate for resources and care options. At Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, addressing mental health and having tools available are integral pieces of executing the last several years of our strategic plan, “One Goodwill.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of public schools, Taylor Martin was only 10 credits away from graduating high school; however, she struggled with the online learning format and was unable to finish. Now 23 years old, life hasn’t been easy. 

Searching for resources and support during her first trimester, Jada “Jae” Stewart ran across Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP), a program that pairs registered nurses with first-time parents. Experiencing very severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum), Jae wanted to have another set of eyes to identify what was abnormal and ensure her pregnancy was progressing smoothly.

When Sam Harmeson left high school, they were coping with the death of their mother from a drug overdose and struggling with undiagnosed autism. Shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, and Sam found it difficult to secure a job, especially without a diploma. In 2023, when Sam and their caretaker and aunt, Bettina Hapney, visited a local Goodwill retail store, Sam learned about an opportunity that would change their life. 

Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) pairs first-time parents with registered nurses to ensure they have the resources and support they need during their child’s most developmentally critical years. This support includes connections to invaluable community resources that can assist with food access, employment, housing – and mental health, an important aspect in a parent’s wellness.

At Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, our mission is to empower people to increase their independence and reach their potential through education, health, and employment. We not only strive to do this with Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) parents or students of The Excel Center® – but also much of our mission supports employees within our organization.

Each year, International Mentoring Day is observed on January 17. This observance is an opportunity to recognize mentors and the impacts they’ve had on their mentees. For those who we employ, educate and serve at Goodwill, coaches often act as mentors, providing the essential guidance to employees, students and program participants who want to increase their independence and reach their full potential.

Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) pairs first-time, expectant parents with a registered nurse for ongoing visits to support families so they can provide the very best start for their children during the earliest, most developmentally critical years. 

Every year, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana hosts Goodwill’s Education and Mission Conference (GEM), a one-day professional development event. Mission and education professionals throughout Goodwill’s central and southern Indiana network have the opportunity to learn from one another and share best practices in their work through presentations and panel discussions.

When Johnny Manson joined Goodwill in October 2016 as a part-time donation attendant, he had been struggling to secure employment due to past legal issues and a lifelong history of depression.