Goodwill of Central Illinois Success Coach Receives Community Award

Ashley Thomas is a stellar employee with Goodwill of Central Illinois. She works as a Success Coach in Goodwill’s SNAP to Success program. Ashley was honored with the Chief’s Outstanding Community Service Award.

The award was in recognition for her work with the “We Love the Southside” event in 2022 and 2023. Working with Peoria Police Officer Marques Smith, Ashley coordinated with the Peoria Area Food Bank to provide food boxes for the event. The project required coordination and a lot of legwork.

“Ashley is an amazing part of the Goodwill team. This kind of dedication to the community is not just a part of her job, it’s who she is,” said Goodwill President and CEO Don Johnson.

In her role with Goodwill, she assists SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients with benefits not offered by the program. These include referrals for housing, utilities, childcare, transportation, and more.

Most importantly, the program encourages finding work and supports individuals with case management. From resume building and hiring events to contact with hundreds of local employers, SNAP to Success is a program that changes lives.

Congratulations Ashley, our community is a better place because of you!