Brittany Hart joined Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s reentry program, New Beginnings, in 2022. She knew she’d be able to take advantage of the many tools and resources the reentry program offers to help those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. 

When enrolled in the program, participants can receive assistance in securing health care, reinstating drivers’ licenses, addressing legal challenges and more. Through barrier removal and wraparound support, they can also work toward transitioning from entry-level work at Goodwill to a skilled, in-demand career within their community. 

On March 14, 2024, a series of storms swept through eastern Indiana, tearing through several towns and severely impacting homes and businesses. In Winchester, Indiana, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s recently opened retail store was heavily damaged and had to be temporarily closed. 

For more than 25 years, Sonjaki Alvies has been part of the Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana family. Sonjaki is an AbilityOne employee,  where she continues to excel in her career working as a janitor at the Federal Aviation Administration Tower (FAA) at the Indianapolis International Airport.

Goodwill is an implementing agency of AbilityOne, a federal program that provides employment opportunities to those who are blind or have other significant disabilities. AbilityOne not only empowers participants by offering meaningful, stable employment, but also helps foster workplaces where unique talents and abilities are valued. Sonjaki has seen firsthand just how impactful Goodwill and AbilityOne has been for her life, both professionally and personally. 

She is proud of her work at the FAA Tower and playing her part in running a smooth operation. She credits on-the-job training opportunities at Goodwill for preparing her to succeed in this role.

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.”

Debora Holmes’s journey with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana began over 10 years ago, when she joined the organization as a photographer. She had already experienced so much in life, from adopting six of her siblings due to gun violence in the family, to raising two children and taking care of her husband after he fell ill. 

When Alicia Misch started working at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana 16 years ago, she never expected that her job would lead to her meeting the love of her life.

Each year in February, the United States celebrates and recognizes the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history, highlighting their cultural heritage, struggles, and triumphs against adversity, with the primary goal of educating people about the significant impact Black people have had on our country. This year, the theme for Black History Month is African Americans and Labor. 

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.

After living with an addiction for 13 years and repeated involvement with the criminal justice system, Christina Clevenger was ready to turn over a new leaf, but her past made it difficult. In 2018, her close friend and roommate told her that they found a fresh start at Goodwill after facing similar challenges. Christina decided to apply and was hired as a part-time textile producer and cashier.

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.