Indianapolis Metropolitan High School (Indy Met) is a free public school offering a high school education to students in grades 9-12 that is operated by Goodwill Education Initiatives. It is a best-fit school for students experiencing circumstances that may present a barrier to education and places an emphasis on ensuring students enroll in college or enter into a career that offers a living wage post-graduation. The school recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. 

Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP), a maternal-child program that pairs registered nurses with first-time parents, celebrates its 13th anniversary in 2024. For over a decade, Goodwill NFP nurses have partnered with families to deliver trusted information to achieve a healthy pregnancy, birth and early childhood.

Every October, the United States Department of Labor recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This period celebrates the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy.

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.

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the value and talents of workers with disabilities. It’s a time to reaffirm Goodwill’s commitment to creating access to quality employment for individuals with disabilities and promoting a more equitable workplace. This commitment is central to Goodwill's mission.

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. 

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana recognizes and celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), a period to commemorate the contributions, histories and cultures of Latino and Hispanic Americans.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed as individuals without disabilities, significantly limiting their ability to live independently. As one of the largest employers of persons with disabilities in the state of Indiana — one-third of the more than 5,000 Hoosiers we employ report a disability — Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana highlights the extraordinary work of these individuals all year long.

Goodwill is proud to recognize National Employ Older Workers Week, a commemorative week to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older workers. Older workers not only bring years of skill, experience, and work ethic to their jobs; they’re also becoming a greater part of the workforce. As of 2022, the older adult population was increasing at over five times the rate of the younger population in central Indiana alone. 

In November 2023, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana opened its newest retail location In Westfield, Indiana. Newly promoted site lead Jamie Nail was present to cut the ribbon at the grand opening, marking a new chapter in her life.

In the early 1990s, Jamie, who was pregnant at the time, was involved in a severe car accident that damaged her spine and nervous system. She underwent two corrective spinal surgeries to help repair the damage. During her recovery, Jamiel was prescribed pain medication, which eventually led to a dependency. After her second surgery, her doctor advised her to recover without a prescription, which she found particularly challenging.

“I got physically sick, but also mentally felt like I had fallen into a black hole,” Jamie said.

Seeking alternatives to pain medication, she turned to opioids and, eventually, heroin. During this time, Jamiel lost her job and home, leading to life on the streets. This became a turning point for her.

“I was homeless for about a year and a half when I finally decided I was tired of being cold, hungry, and just existing to find my next fix,” Jamie said.

Eventually, Jamie would become involved with the criminal justice system. While completing community service, Jamie learned about a job opportunity at a local Goodwill retail store. When it was time to find work, she applied and joined Goodwill in 2019 as a cashier.

“It seemed like a good opportunity, as not many places want to give a felon a second chance,” Jamie said.

Jamie quickly found success at Goodwill. Within a few months, she was promoted to team lead. In this role, she thrived by helping others find purpose in their jobs and engaging with regular shoppers. A year later, she was promoted to team lead 2.