Goodwill Industries of South Central Ohio has been serving the community since it was founded in 1959.

"Everybody, of course, is familiar with the stores," said Executive Director Keith Alcorn, "but the real mission of Goodwill is helping folks with disadvantages and disabilities improve their quality of life, and they do that through the power of work."

He said Goodwill ended 2012 with 293 employees in the 8-county area, while serving a total 5,003 individuals (a 37% increase from 2011).

Through Goodwill's vocational services program, people with physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities are helped to get or keep competitive employment. In fact, Rachelle Gray, with Goodwill, said they have an excessive amount of money they need to spend through this program, so anyone who could benefit from the service should call 740.702.4000.

"Anyone can apply, as long as you have a disability," said Gray. "It's very easy; it takes 5 minutes just to call the office or stop by Goodwill and ask for me or any of the coordinators, and we can get you applied for services right away."

The organization also has a transportation division in which individuals are helped with rides to places such as doctor's appointments and food banks. Last year, 536,516 miles were traveled through the program in mostly donated vehicles, according to Alcorn.