For over a year, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s career coaching and workforce intermediary, Goodwill TalentSource, has partnered with BMO Bank to bring opportunities in banking and financial services to untapped talent in Indianapolis through BMORE. This program strives to remove barriers that may prevent people from moving into a career in banking. One example of a barrier is limited education.

Goodwill TalentSource™, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s career coaching and workforce intermediary, has had the great opportunity to partner with The Global Good Fund and Amani Institute to pilot the GoodBiz Entrepreneurial Leadership Development Program. The program is equipping 10 small business owners or entrepreneurs within Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s mission and education network with the tools to grow their businesses, become stronger leaders and work towards their business goals.

At Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, two thirds of our over 6,000 employees have a barrier to employment such as a disability, a lack of high school diploma or criminal background. Another barrier that is common in the workforce but often overlooked is age.

For over two decades, Tim Brown worked for Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s Commercial Services division through the AbilityOne program. However, after learning that his contract was coming to an end, he knew he needed to pivot careers. With his disability affecting learning retention and being accustomed to the position that he held for so long, he had concerns that finding a new job wouldn’t be possible.

Last year was a big year for Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana as we educated, employed and served more individuals than ever before. Since launching our Strategic Plan three years ago, we’ve made significant progress on our objectives and goals, resulting in life-changing impact in our communities.

For over 20 years, Kris Deckard has had two passions: helping people reach their goals and helping businesses find the talent they need. When she joined Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, she was inspired by the organization taking time to develop, encourage and change the lives of its workforce with its own resources.

Each year, Goodwill celebrates some of the most extraordinary Hoosiers we serve through a ceremony that honors recipients across seven award categories. Eligible nominees include employees, students, program participants and community partners. When you donate and shop at Goodwill, you're empowering people in your community, like those whose stories you can watch below, so thank you for your support. Together we're changing lives!

In summer 2019, Goodwill’s Excel Center partnered with Tom Wood and Ford Motor Company to implement an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification program at our Shadeland and University Heights locations. Tom Woods’ sponsorship of The Excel Center provides students with access to the curriculum at no cost; in return, Tom Wood has access to a pipeline of qualified service technicians—each with a path to a well-paying career.

Merle Davidson first heard about Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s Nurse-Family PartnershipⓇ (NFP) from a friend who was enrolled in the program. At the time, Merle was pregnant with twin girls and was instructed that she’d need to be on bed rest at IU Methodist for the duration of her pregnancy. With Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership providing a free, personal nurse that she could turn to for guidance, support and encouragement, Merle decided to enroll in the program; knowing that Nurse-Family Partnership would be a powerful ally for her and enable her to give her girls the best possible start in life. 

Cynthia Coles has faced trauma and adversities throughout her life. In addition to being the sole provider for her young son and working full-time, Cynthia became the legal guardian of one of her nephews and assists with the care of her other nieces and nephews after the unexpected and tragic deaths of two of her sisters. In addition, Cynthia also provides stable housing for family members and friends who are experiencing homelessness. No matter the circumstance though, Cynthia always kept moving forward.