President's Messa ge
In 2024, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana moved its fiscal year from a traditional calendar year to a time frame that aligns with the fiscal year of our high schools, which runs from July1 - June 30 of the following year. Although this Annual Report only covers the first six months of 2024, we have plenty of exciting news, heartwarming stories and significant outcomes to share.
Make sure to visit our Goodwill Achievers page to hear some of these inspiring stories firsthand.
In this report, you’ll see how The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults, is changing lives in our communities. There are currently 47 locations in a dozen states operated by their respective Goodwills with a goal of 85 schools by 2030.
By the time our next Annual Report is published in fall 2025, we expect to have even more to share as our first stores open in Puerto Rico, beginning the expansion of mission services to this territory that had no prior Goodwill presence. We will also be opening more retail stores in Indiana as well as new locations of The Excel Center across the country.
With less than two years remaining for Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s current Strategic Plan, we continue to explore new opportunities to expand our mission footprint, ensuring the people we educate, employ and serve can thrive for many years to come. None of this would be possible without the people who donate, shop and otherwise support Goodwill, so thank you .
Gratefully,
Kent A. Kramer President and CEO Goodwill of
Central & Southern Indiana
Who We Serve
7. 2%
The percentage of persons with a disability who are unemployed compared to 3.5% without a disability.1
408,902
The number of working-age Hoosiers who lack a high school diploma.2
one - in - three
The likelihood that a previously incarcerated Hoosier will return to the criminal justice system.3
45th
Indiana ranks among the worst states in the country for infant mortality.4
Mission Goodwill changes lives every day by empowering people to increase their independence and reach their potential through education, health and employment.
How Your Support Empowers People
9,538 high-school diplomas earned since 2009
6,121 individuals directly employed or placed in a job in 2023
8,524 low-income moms served since 2011
Benjamin Hutto
A Path to Growth AT GOODWILL
Although he was previously homeschooled, Benjamin Hutto lacked the credits needed to earn an Indiana Core 40 high school diploma. He struggled to focus, which he later learned was related to undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder.
In 2016, when he enrolled at The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults, he was eager to take advantage of the school’s accelerated coursework. He completed his diploma quickly and immediately enrolled in college, earning his bachelor’s degree at an accelerated pace from Indiana University Kokomo in 2019.
As he was preparing to enter the workforce, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly uprooted the labor market. Lacking job experience, he reached out to his Goodwill Mission Coach a full-time career and life coach who works with Goodwill’s employees and students to help them set goals, outline the steps necessary to achieve them, and provide ongoing support and accountability.
Benjamin’s Goodwill Mission Coach encouraged him to apply for a leadership position at his local Goodwill store. Not only was he hired, but he excelled in his role, receiving several promotions. He was on track to become a Site Leader, but he was interested in a position that was more mission-centric like a Goodwill Mission Coach.
“What I enjoyed most about working in retail were the opportunities where I got to help employees grow and develop, so I wanted that to be my primary focus,” Ben explained.
In 2022, he joined the Goodwill Mission Coach team, empowering him to support people with similar experiences, connecting them with mission programs like The Excel Center, where he got his start with Goodwill.
“I know it sounds cliche, but I really enjoy helping others,” Ben said. “I feel that, given my path at Goodwill, I’m uniquely qualified to help students and employees make those connections. I share my own journey to give them hope about what they can achieve at Goodwill.”
Ashley Brummett-Caraway
EMPLOYMENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
At the age of 15, Ashley was involved in a devastating car accident that would significantly alter the trajectory of her life. Her doctors prescribed medication to help her cope with the constant pain, which quickly led to a dependency that endured for several years, but she was committed to overcoming it. She will celebrate nine years of sobriety this year.
“Goodwill is more than just a job. They helped me in ways I can’t even express.”
David Gonzalez Toto
INDIANAPOLIS METROPOLITAN HIGH SCHOOL OUTSTANDING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
At 10 years old, David was diagnosed with a learning disability. As a result, he endured ridicule and bullying from his peers, which led to low self-confidence and a reluctance to engage socially. As a sophomore, David joined Indianapolis Metropolitan High School and found a school where his struggles were understood, allowing him to grow both personally and socially.
“I’ll be the first in my family to graduate, and it feels amazing. It shows I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”
NaShae Price
HEALTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
When NaShae enrolled in Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP), she was pregnant with her first child and struggling with stable housing, transportation and securing a living wage job to help support her growing family. NaShae’s Goodwill NFP nurse guided her through many obstacles. Now a mom of two, NaShae has her own home, transportation and a job in the health care industry that she is passionate about.
“Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership helped me rewrite my story.”
Joselyn Manzanares
EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
At 15 years old, Joselyn learned she was pregnant and decided not to return to high school. After becoming a mom, she desired a new direction for her family, which led to her moving to Indiana, where she discovered The Excel Center ®. Although apprehensive at first, she stuck with it, not only earning her diploma but also a job certification. She now works as an Associate Banker and is attending college.
“My confidence grew tremendously. I feel more powerful…like if I could do this, I could do anything in life.”
Peter Salathé
BARBARA ROBINSON MEMORIAL AWARD
At just two years old, Peter suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, with a series of learning disabilities. He was hired by Goodwill in 2017 as a part-time associate and was quickly recognized for his hard work, leading to a steady increase in hours and full-time employment. He has overcome many challenges to advance at Goodwill as well as personally, as he now serves as the primary caregiver for his aging mother.
“Despite one crisis after another, I managed to progress in life, and I’m happy and productive, which is something I’m proud of.”
NEWS & UPDATES
Congratulations, John Thompson!
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
Born with autism spectrum disorder, John Thompson did not begin speaking until he was eight years old. He was homeschooled and had no prior experience with public school before enrolling at The Excel Center® in Shelbyville, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults. As a result, he lacked experience socializing in an academic setting and worried that his peers might not accept him.
“I was nervous, but since my first day, I loved it,” Thompson said. “Going to The Excel Center was a stepping stone for my success in entering the working world.”
He worked tirelessly never missing a day of school while winning the hearts of staff and peers alike. In 2021, he received his Indiana Core 40 high school diploma, graduating with honors and a Certified Business Professional credential from The Excel Center, allowing him to achieve meaningful employment at the Goodwill retail store in Shelbyville.
In addition to his academic and professional success, Thompson is a gifted singer and pianist, delighting the crowd with his performance at Goodwill UNBOXED in 2022. He was even named the Shelby Idol in 2010.
As a result of his accomplishments, Thompson was recently honored with Goodwill Industries International’s Achiever of the Year award, which recognizes a person who has shown great progress in overcoming challenges to finding employment and still benefits from the Goodwill work environment. Hear his story firsthand.
Goodwill Leadership Recognized for Excellence
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is proud to announce that two members of its executive team were recently recognized for their leadership successes. Kent A. Kramer, President and CEO, was recently honored with the Goodwill Industries International Kenneth K. King Award for Outstanding Executive Management. In addition, he was recognized in Indianapolis Business Journal’s 250 Influential Leaders list for the third year in a row and also received Indiana Chamber’s 2024 Dan Elsner Workforce Development Leader Award.
In addition, Betsy Delgado, Senior Vice President and Chief Mission and Education Officer, was honored by Indianapolis Business Journal at its 2024 Women of Influence program, which recognizes women who have risen to the highest levels of business, the arts, and community and public service in central Indiana. Congratulations, Kent and Betsy!
New Ad Campaign Links Donations to Outcomes
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana recently launched a new ad campaign that includes broadcast and cable television, radio, digital and social media as well as billboards. These ads will illustrate how the proceeds generated from the sale of donated goods impacts communities across central and southern Indiana.
Goodwill launched its first large-scale advertising campaign in 1996, with Young & Laramore, an advertising agency in Indianapolis. The goal was to increase awareness about the organization as well as donated goods, which would allow Goodwill to expand its mission programming into more communities. The ads featured Markus Zanders as the “Goodwill Guy” a beloved character who would grace screens for more than two decades.
Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana has been serving the community since 1930, and for much of its history, the focus has been on employment and job training, which is apparent in its early ad campaigns.
Alongside the expansion of its retail operation, Goodwill grew its mission offerings substantially beginning in 2004, with the addition of both traditional and adult high schools, a maternal-health program for first-time moms and a program for previously incarcerated individuals who are reentering society.
Today, Goodwill’s 75 retail sites support 19 high schools, where more than 9,500 Hoosiers have earned a diploma; the Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership program, which has served more than 8,000 families in 62 Indiana counties; and much more.
The new ad campaign with Young & Laramore, called How Good Is Made, is designed to illustrate how the donations that customers give and purchase at Goodwill a lamp, a table, or perhaps a pair of jeans can change a life in your community.
Welcome to Indianapolis, 2025 Delegate Assembly!
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is excited to announce that we will be hosting Goodwill Industries International’s 2025 Delegate Assembly next summer. The annual conference will be convened at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis between June 22-25, 2025.
We’re excited for the opportunity to host our colleagues to share all of the wonderful things our Goodwill is doing in Indiana, and we’re looking forward to learning how other Goodwill leaders are finding innovative ways to serve their own communities.
“We are thrilled to hold our largest meeting of CEOs and board members in Indianapolis, the Racing Capital of the World,” said Steve Preston, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Goodwill leaders will gather to share best practices in leading social enterprises that provide skills and advance careers for more than 2.1 million people, while directly employing more than 130,000 people in the U.S.”
Goodwill is working in partnership with Visit Indy to ensure guests get a taste of what Indianapolis has to offer.
“Indy is the perfect event city with our central location in the United States and our renowned Hoosier Hospitality,” said Leonard Hoops, President & CEO, Visit Indy. “As an ascending destination that benefits from the strong Goodwill Industries community already established here, we know the assembly delegates will enjoy our bustling convention campus filled with dining and entertainment options. We could not be more thrilled to be selected as the 2025 host city.”
Leadership
Lists reflect active board members and officers as of June 30, 2024.
GOODWILL OF CENTRAL & SOUTHERN INDIANA, INC.
GOODWILL DE PUERTO RICO, INC.
GW COMMERCIAL SERVICES, INC.
Board of Directors
Anthony Warren, Chair
Michael O’Connor, Vice Chair
Kent A. Kramer, President
Matt Fortney, Secretary/Treasurer
Elaine E. Bedel
Brittany Blau
Claudia Cummings
Mark Denien
J. Scott Enright
Mark Graham
Tim Harris, II
Jeffrey A. Harrison
Michelle Mahaffey
Don Palmer
Mandy Parris
Jasmin Shaheed-Young
Jean Wojtowicz
Ex-Officio Directors
Karen Glaser
Gita Turnbull Baker
Honorary Directors
Peggy Boehm
C. Perry Griffith, Jr.
Bruce M. Jacobson
Thomas A. King
Owen B. Melton, Jr. (Bud)
James T. Morris
Thomas H. Sams
Maribeth Smith
Fred C. Tucker, III
Darell E. (Gene) Zink
GOODWILL EDUCATION INITIATIVES, INC.
Board of Directors
Gita Turnbull Baker, Chair
Laura Pickett, Vice Chair
Kent A. Kramer, President
Kofi Barko, Secretary
Patricia Castaneda
Garland Graves
C. Perry Griffith, Jr.
Jay Oliver
Don Palmer
Joshua Shelton
Honorary Directors
Gwen A. Fountain, Ph.D.
Fred C. Tucker, III
GOODWILL FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL & SOUTHERN INDIANA, INC.
Board of Directors
Karen Glaser, Chair
Lily Smith, Vice Chair
Kent A. Kramer, President
Matt Fortney, Secretary/Treasurer
Sonia Chen Arnold
Chris Bean
Tag Birge
Craig Caldwell
Matt B. Carter
Chris Cockerham
Keith Faller
Gwen A. Fountain, Ph.D.
Dawn Griffin
C. Perry Griffith, III
Sandy Hege
Robert Herzog
John F. Hirschman
Wendy Horn
Matt Howard
Kelley Jacobsen
Wendy Larman
Vivian Liechty
Julie Manning Magid
Patricia Martin
Rob Martinson
Greg Maurer
Andrew Morris
Andrea Neely
Dewand Neely
Shiv O’Neill
Abby Presley
Steven C. Robinson
Megan Savage
Anne Shane
Tony Snider
Jason Spilbeler
Eric Stolberg
W. Michael Wells
Drew White
Will Zink
Ex-Officio Directors
Anthony Warren
BALANCE SHEET | Goodwill Consolidated
INCOME STATEMENT | Goodwill Consolidated
INCOME STATEMENT | Goodwill Consolidated
the 6 Month Fiscal Year Ended June 29, 2024 // Dollars in Thousands