ELKHART, Ind. -- Recent fluctuations in the national economy have created many new thrift-store shoppers and many new unemployed people. Local Goodwill managers in Elkhart are hoping to help with both.

Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. will celebrate the opening of its new Elkhart Campus on March 19 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 3 p.m.

"Serving as their new location for mission services, Goodwill's Elkhart Campus will house multiple community programs under one roof, including the Nurse Family Partnership, Excel Center, The Academy, Ability First and Second Chance. It will also include space for community use and large training rooms," the company said.

As a part of the project, Goodwill partnered with the City of Elkhart and Heart City Health to remodel the space at 154 West Hively Avenue, Lot 2, Suite 28 in Elkhart, as part of the city's economic development diversification plan.

"We're thrilled to help enhance the quality of life, social services and economic opportunities in the neighborhood, and we're grateful to be a partner in building a stronger community," said Debie Coble, president and chief executive officer of Goodwill Industries,

Goodwill officials say its free community programs are made possible by donors and shoppers at Goodwill's retail stores throughout North Central and Northwest Indiana, and in Niles, Mich.

The official ribbon cutting will take place at 3:30 p.m. with tours and a walk-through following at 4 p.m.

Scheduled speakers include Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson, Goodwill President and CEO Debie Coble, and representatives from the Goodwill Michiana Board of Directors, Goodwill Industries International, the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce and 1st Source Bank.