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.

Goodwill believes that our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people we employ, educate and serve. We pledge to be informed and to create an equitable culture and workplace that will support the changes we want to see in our community.

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. 

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana and Mount Paran Church partnered to host a drive-thru turkey giveaway event for Indianapolis’s far eastside on November 22 from 12 - 3 p.m. Over 350 turkeys were distributed to community members in the Circle City Prep parking lot located at 4002 N. Franklin Road. 

Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP), a program that pairs first-time mothers with a registered nurse, celebrated its 10th anniversary in October. Goodwill’s NFP supports the Indiana Department of Health’s campaign to reduce infant death, provide prenatal care and teach parents about smoking cessation, breastfeeding and safe sleep. 

The Children's Learning Center (CLC) by Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana opened in June 1980 as BridgePointe Children’s Academy in response to a growing need for childcare services for children with disabilities. Today, the CLC provides over 10,000 hours of childcare for all children, challenged to gifted, ranging from six weeks old to five years old, which includes more than 150 families each year.

October is National Dropout Awareness Month. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 12% of Hoosier working-age adults lack a high school diploma. The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s free high school for adults, is working to decrease that rate by providing adult students the opportunity to pick up where they left off in school, providing support and resources to meet their academic and career goals. 

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.

A word you hear often around The Excel Center Ⓡ, Goodwill’s high school for adults, is grit. Recently, I met a student who truly embodies this. John Thompson exudes passion into everything he does and preserves regardless of the challenges he may be experiencing, continuously inspiring those around him. I’m honored to introduce you to John and share his story.