When Natalie Preimesberger enrolled in Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) in 2019, she had no job, no transportation, no stable housing, no high school diploma and many challenges to overcome. She grew up in a household where she experienced trauma, including exposure to substance abuse.
Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership Provides Hope to Young Moms
[fa icon="calendar'] Feb 27, 2024 1:30:00 PM / by Jenny Kakasuleff posted in Nurse-Family Partnership, Success Story, The Excel Center, Education, Mission Awareness, Multi-gen impact, Goodwill Education
From Student to Mission Coach: A Path to Growth at Goodwill
[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 17, 2024 12:41:58 PM / by Sam Stockman posted in Employment, Success Story, The Excel Center, Education, Retail, Mission Awareness, Mission Coaches, Goodwill Education
Goodwill Mission Coach Benjamin Hutto began his journey with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana in 2016 when he enrolled at The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s high school for adults. Previously homeschooled, Ben struggled to focus, which he later learned was related to undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. But The Excel Center in Kokomo empowered him to earn the credits he needed to graduate at an accelerated pace.
Ben continued his education by earning an associate degree from Ivy Tech Community College in 2018, and his bachelor's degree from Indiana University Kokomo the following year. Then, in 2020, the pandemic happened.
Due to his laser focus on his education, Ben had no work history, and he experienced barriers to finding a job after graduating. His Goodwill Mission Coach encouraged him to apply for a leadership position at a local Goodwill store, which led to the next step of his Goodwill journey as a Retail Team Lead. Although Ben was later promoted, he strived to do something beyond the scope of retail. When the opportunity to become a mission coach emerged, he jumped at the chance and applied.
“I know it sounds cliche, but I really enjoy helping others,” said Ben. “I feel that, given my path at Goodwill, I’m uniquely qualified to help students and employees make those connections.”
In 2022, Ben was officially welcomed as the newest Goodwill Mission Coach. He now supports people with similar experiences, who have barriers to employment or education and can use a helping hand to reach their goals. As a mission coach, he connects Goodwill’s employees and students to a number of resources, like Goodwill New Beginnings, a reentry program for individuals previously involved in the criminal justice system, and The Excel Center – the first step in his own Goodwill journey.
“I really appreciate the chances Goodwill gave me,” said Ben. “They were willing to take a risk on me knowing that risks don’t always pay off. There are many companies that won’t do that, so when I’m working with our employees and students, I share my own journey to give them hope about what they can achieve at Goodwill.”
From Recovery to Advocacy: "I Am Living Proof"
[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 5, 2024 10:41:20 AM / by Sam Stockman posted in Employment, Success Story, Criminal History, ClickGoodwill, Retail, mental health, Former Addiction, Mission Awareness
Indy Met Graduate Finds Success in Information Technology
[fa icon="calendar'] Dec 29, 2023 2:20:00 PM / by Jenny Kakasuleff posted in Employment, Success Story, Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, Education, COVID-19, Mission Awareness, Goodwill Education
J’Shon Zeigler enrolled at Indianapolis Met High School, Goodwill’s high school for traditional-age students, his sophomore year.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Highlights Inclusion
[fa icon="calendar'] Oct 31, 2023 9:34:58 AM / by Jenny Kakasuleff posted in Employment, Disability, Success Story, #NDEAM, Mission Awareness, DEI
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is one of the largest employers for persons with disabilities in Indiana, with more than 1,600 current employees reporting a disability – 34% of our workforce. For 90 years, we’ve been employing individuals and providing job training to Hoosiers who experience barriers to employment.
Celebrating National Employ Older Workers Week with Donna Roberson
[fa icon="calendar'] Sep 29, 2023 3:00:00 PM / by Noelle Gray posted in Employment, Disability, Success Story, Senior Community Service Employment Program, Mission Awareness
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is proud to continue our recognition of National Employ Older Workers Week, a period to acknowledge and increase awareness of the contributions older workers have in our workforce. This commemorative week also highlights the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a work-based training program for older adults available across the nation.
Never Too Late to Make the Grade
[fa icon="calendar'] Sep 5, 2023 2:40:06 PM / by Rachel Moehle posted in Success Story, The Excel Center, Education, Parents, Mission Awareness, Multi-gen impact, Goodwill Education
Tammi Burrus had her high school experience cut short when she became pregnant at the age of 16.
Growing with Goodwill
[fa icon="calendar'] Aug 22, 2023 1:00:00 PM / by Jenny Kakasuleff posted in Disability, Success Story, Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, Education, Mission Awareness, Goodwill Education
When Damiyah Lawrence enrolled at Indianapolis Metropolitan High School during her freshman year, she struggled with a learning disability.
Goodwill and Per Scholas Celebrate First Cohort of Indianapolis Grads
[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 7, 2023 1:30:00 PM / by Jenny Kakasuleff posted in Success Story, The Excel Center, Education, Mission Awareness, Goodwill Education
In 2012, Carlton Foster enrolled at The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s high school for adults, to earn his diploma and expand his career possibilities. He would go on to be the first graduate of The Excel Center’s Anderson, Indiana, location while also earning multiple industry-recognized job certifications.
Achieve Your Dreams at The Excel Center
[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 3, 2023 2:15:00 PM / by Jennifer Wade posted in Success Story, The Excel Center, Education, Language Barrier, Mission Awareness, Goodwill Education, The Excel Center National Office
Lizbeth Cruz Gonzalez, 36, has constantly been striving for the best opportunities in her life, even at a young age. Originally from Mexico, Lizbeth wanted to pursue her education, but it came with challenges.