As National Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week kicks off, we are taking time to honor, celebrate, and spotlight the extraordinary team members who dedicate their lives to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Central Ohio.
To mark the start of this special week, we are beyond proud to share monumental news: Goodwill Columbus’s very own Kathy Ramey has been awarded the prestigious OPRA Lifetime Achievement Award!
Presented by the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA)—a statewide network representing over 200 organizations serving 40,000 Ohioans—this award is a massive honor given to only one recipient across the entire state of Ohio.
Kathy’s impact spans over three decades, including 25 years leading Adult Day Services right here at Goodwill Columbus.
“Rather than aiming to ‘transform’ others, Kathy Ramey has devoted over three decades to walking alongside individuals with developmental disabilities and treating everyone with authentic dignity. Informed by both her professional experience in developmental preschools and her personal perspective as the mother of a daughter with disabilities, Kathy holds an uncompromising standard of care—personally knowing over 150 individuals by name, celebrating their milestones, and supporting families through difficult times. She continuously works to enhance participant independence through modern tools and technology while mentoring new staff on how to serve with patience, respect, and heart. Her decades of unwavering, passionate dedication embody the very spirit of lifelong service.”
Kathy will officially accept her lifetime achievement award at the annual OPRA event on October 23, 2026.
Direct Support Professionals are the heart and soul of our mission, and leader-advocates like Kathy remind us of the transformative power of compassionate, person-centered care.
Please join us in sending a massive congratulations to Kathy on this incredible, well-deserved recognition!
Stay tuned for more stories throughout the week as we continue to celebrate our amazing Direct Support Professionals!
About Goodwill Columbus
Goodwill Columbus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served the Central Ohio community for nearly 85 years. With more than 1,000 employees, Goodwill Columbus is one of the region’s largest job providers, employing individuals with diverse backgrounds. Goodwill Columbus has 12 retail stores, a last-chance outlet, an ecommerce facility, 8 attended donation centers, 5 I/DD service locations, and free job training services at The South Front Street Job Training Center, The Jerry Hammond Center, The Reeb Center, and 14 Columbus Metropolitan Library locations. The organization is a proud member of Goodwill Industries International, a network of over 150 community-based organizations throughout the United States and Canada that sell donated goods to create job opportunities and training in local communities.