Good Vibes
Goodwill Columbus employee newsletter
Helping people build lives of possibility and purpose
Updates from Ryan
Over the past several months, the Executive Leadership Team and I have had the opportunity to talk with employees across the organization about our ICARE values. I have been encouraged by how many of our colleagues can now easily name each of them:
- I for Integrity: Do the Right Thing
- C for Collaboration: Teamwork
- A for Accountability: Own Your Actions
- R for Respect: Value Everyone
- E for Entrepreneurial: Focus on the Customer
One of my favorite questions to ask is, “Which of our values is the most important?”
Honestly, I believe a strong case can be made for every one of them. However, I usually respond with Integrity.
Our community has placed a great deal of trust in Goodwill as a leading human services organization in Central Ohio. The individuals we serve trust us to provide high-quality services. Our shoppers, donors, customers, partners, and funders trust us to use our resources responsibly. And our employees trust us to be a supportive and responsible employer.
Integrity is not simply about how we act when others are watching. It is about the choices we make when no one is watching. Are we doing what we know is right, even when it may be easier not to?
Each of us is a steward of Goodwill’s proud tradition. When you see someone living our values, please do not forget to recognize them with a shoutout, an ICARE card, or a handshake.
I could not be prouder to be part of this organization. Thank you for everything you do.
Ryan Burgess
President & CEO
Good News
Finding “It”: How a Goodwill Student Became the Teacher
For years, Jeff’s resume looked a certain way. To an outside observer—and sometimes even to his wife—it looked like job hopping. But Jeff wasn’t running away from hard work, and he wasn’t lazy. He was just searching for something he couldn’t seem to find: meaning.
Feel Good Stuff
Manager Spotlight
Tonya Hodges
Work & Community Services,
Lead Program Manager, Work Service Coordination
Customer Service Spotlight
Derek
Captain, Security
“I love this job. That’s why I’ve been here for 13 year. Goodwill is good, people.”
Thank you for all that you do, Derek!
Ohio State Fair Sensory Friendly Day! 🎡
Recently, our Adult Day Services (ADS) and Work & Community Services (WCS) teams attended Sensory Friendly Day at the Ohio State Fair—a wonderful event dedicated to creating accessible, low-sensory community experiences for individuals of all abilities!
Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest! 🎷
Every year, our Adult Day Services team looks forward to attending the Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest. Thanks to the ongoing generosity of David Lyle, our participants get to head out into the community to enjoy a day filled with live music, dancing, and fantastic local food.
Community inclusion and creating joyful, real-world experiences are at the heart of what we do. Huge thanks to David for making this beloved tradition possible year after year!
Collaboration
Jamia M.
Nominated by Heather M.
Great team player and helps coworkers when needed 👏 and is always so personable with people coming and going from the building. Great employee and even better person.
Collaboration & Respect
Victor J.
Nominated by Angie A.
Victor is the type of person who you can ask for help and he will help you. He works very hard on Dayforce to be sure the learning plans are working for all of our employees including the new hires that come to orientation.
Integrity, Collaboration, & Respect
Bryan J.
Nominated by Connie B.
Bryan has helped out with coverage at ADS Gahanna for the past few weeks. He is always cheerful and ready to take on the day. Everyone seems to enjoy going out with him! Thanks Bryan, much appreciated!
ICARE Awards roundup
Each month we are celebrating members of the Goodwill Columbus team for their participation in the ICARE Awards. The July “See Something, Say Something” winners nominated multiple coworkers for an ICARE Award!
Note: Gift cards will be placed in department mailboxes at Grange.
Mary Duffey – See Something, Say Something
Sheila Ingram – See Something, Say Something
Heather Martin – See Something, Say Something
Jamia McCoy
Brionna Cunningham
Danielle Sherrills
Shalamar Thompson
Marcel West
Rhonda Rutter
Joy Pace
Amber Williams
Don Knoblauch
Bryan Jellick
Atresa Gowan
Lain Talbott
Wellness
Sidecar Health tip
Surgery or complex care coming up? Talk to Sidecar’s Member Care team first!
WellWorks
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!
Click here to learn more about your health benefits and the resources available to you.
Benefits
Do you have questions about Sidecar Health? Ask our Benefits Specialist, Angie Alvera!
For Angie’s contact information and additional Sidecar tips, click here.
Opportunities
Training opportunities
Looking to grow your career? Check out Goodwill’s free job training opportunities.
Job openings
Check out the latest job openings from around Goodwill. Learn more and apply, or refer a coworker.
Events
August 15
Back to School Supply Giveaway 📚
Getting students ready for a successful school year!
For students K-12, while supplies last!
Saturday, August 15, 2026
10:00am – 1:00pm
1441 Brentell Ave. Columbus, OH 43219
August 17
National Thrift Store Day 🛍️
Don’t forget to use your 50% employee discount during this year’s National Thrift Store Day!
August 22
Block Party & Back to School Drive 📝🎶
East High is prepping for the new school year with a community block party and back to school drive! Free haircuts, activities, school supplies, live music, and more!
Saturday, August 22, 2026
12:00pm
1500 E Broad St. Columbus, OH 43205
Share good news or a shoutout!
Have exciting news or life updates to share? Notice a coworker demonstrating an ICARE value? We want to hear from you! Share good news or nominate a coworker for an ICARE Award so we can feature it in an upcoming Good Vibes.