Happy February! January seemed like a long month to me, so I’m glad we’re turning the corner and heading toward spring. In the meantime, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates and reminders with you all.
As you know, Goodwill is largely known for our thrift stores and the donations we receive. Our customers are very diverse and come from all walks of life, each with different reasons for thrifting: affordability, the thrill of the hunt, or a commitment to re-use, to name a few. One particular customer, Xantha Ward, shops at Goodwill to buy materials for her fashion design business. Xantha is known for her innovative approaches and commitment to re-use, which aligns with our mission at Goodwill. With that in mind, we’ve had the opportunity to partner with her to also highlight Goodwill’s focus on responsible re-use, and her work is being showcased at a few of our retail locations. Check out this video to learn more about her and our partnership.
Secondly, please continue to share your experiences about our new health insurance provider, Sidecar Health. I recognize how challenging a change can be, but I am very pleased with the positive feedback we have received from all of you regarding the level of customer service and benefits we receive from Sidecar. If you have any stories or experiences with Sidecar Health that you would like to share, please reach out to Courtney Green at [email protected]. Your testimonials are incredibly valuable and help us showcase the benefits and successes of our health programs.
Lastly, with Valentine’s Day just a few days away, we want to remind you to take advantage of your 50% employee discount to thrift a gift! Not only will you find something special for your loved ones, but you will also be supporting our mission and the community through your purchases.
Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of many and embodying Goodwill’s vision of embracing all individuals as valued and dignified members of our community.
Best,
Ryan
Introducing thePOWER SKILLSSERIES– 2025 Cohort. This series of professional development courses teach leadership competencies critical for 21st century success and reaffirm our ICARE Values.
Managers, you may nominate one high-performing supervisor for the POWER SKILLS SERIES– 2025 Cohort. The series will run from April 1 to October 31, 2025. Watch for a summary of the POWER SKILLS SERIES and a nomination form in your email by February 14, 2025.
To find out more or if you have questions, please contact Victor at [email protected].
BENEFITS: Make the most of Sidecar Health
We are excited to offer this new insurance program that offers first dollar coverage for office visits and prescriptions.
Please login to Dayforce to complete the very short training video series so that you can make the most of Sidecar Health.
Sidecar Health Resource Sessions – Get the answers to your questions!
This community service hub offers individuals access to key services like Job & Family Services benefits, re-entry programs, and more!
Where: Michael J. Dorian Building, 369 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
When: Open Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Xantha Ward x Goodwill Columbus Partnership
We’re thrilled to partner with Xantha Ward, a Columbus fashion designer who transforms thrifted clothes and materials into wearable art!
Her four-piece collection, made with textiles from Goodwill Columbus stores, highlights the beauty of upcycled fashion. Visit our Town & Country, Morse Road, Clintonville, and Brice Road locations to see the amazing designs!
Want to learn more about Xantha’s story? Click here! And don’t miss her feature in Columbus Monthly!
ICARE AWARDS ROUNDUP!
Each month we are celebrating members of the Goodwill Columbus team for their participation in the ICARE Awards. The January “See Something, Say Something” winners nominated multiple coworkers for an ICARE Award!
***Please check your email to claim your gift card!***
JANUARY “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING” $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
Matt Warren
Oumouhani Barro
Marcy Ward
JANUARY ICARE NOMINEES – $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
The following Goodwill Columbus employees were nominated for ICARE Awards in January!
Doug Shreck
Jerry Myers
Nevada Lunsford
Glen Graves
Janis Phillipson
John Whitt
Bradley Pierce
Mark Syron
Lauren Ling
Alicia Jarrell
Tyreke Moore
Check out a few quotes describing some of our January ICARE nominees below!
Excellence: “Anne did a great job displaying art in the gallery it is colorful and art that hasn’t been displayed previously. She is very talented at this!” Kathy Ramey on Anne Packard
Integrity: “Jerry has shown every step of the ICARE values. He’s a great team player and willing to learn the things he doesn’t know and is very helpful and I enjoy working with him. One of the best on my team.” Damion on Jerry Myers
Excellence: “Great catch on the new hire data entry error that was throwing off reporting!” Amy Ogden on Becky Anderson
*Monthly trivia has be replaced with the ICARE Awards Program. Participation is quick and easy! Please see the ICARE Awards section below for more information.*
ICARE Awards: Company-Wide Appreciation & Recognition Program
How it works:
Step 1 – “See Something, Say Something”
Notice a co-worker demonstrating an ICARE value? Recognize them with an ICARE Award card that highlights their accomplishment and give them an ICARE pin!
Step 2 – Scan the ICARE Award QR Code for a chance to win prizes!
By scanning the QR code and logging your nominee’s information, they are eligible to win prizes that will be distributed monthly!
Did you know that Goodwill Columbus Work & Community Services has a partnership with Lopaus Point Waffles??
For years, individuals at WCS have been helping to make and package the gluten-free waffles that have been distributed to grocery stores across the nation!
Stacie Skinner, Founder & CEO of Lopaus Point recently spoke about the company’s partnership with Goodwill Columbus:
In conjunction with Goodwill’s Workforce Development program, she continues, Lopaus Point has steadily increased the number of differently abled people it trains and employs. “If our small company can do this, any company can — and should.”
‘There will be failures and defeats along your journey, but they don’t define you; they refine you.’
Amazing job, WCS team!
WELLNESS
There is a new way to access your benefit information!Click here or scan the QR code below to access:
Have you heard about our Employee Referral Program?
Refer a great candidate to our team and earn up to $250! For more information email Shawn McCloud at [email protected].
Benefits Bites!
See below for important links from the Goodwill Columbus Benefits team:
Meet Michael! As the Shift Supervisor at ADS West, Michael enjoys being a role model for the participants we serve as well as his staff. He takes pride in making sure participants feel comfortable and welcomed each and every day.
Michael has spent the past “six great years with my family” at Goodwill Columbus. He really appreciates making a difference in the lives of his participants and seeing them smile as well as helping Connie with the day to day operations, making sure things run smoothly. “West is a great place to work,” said Michael.
Great job, Michael!
Women’s History Month Spotlights
Please email employees you would like to have spotlighted for Women’s History Month to[email protected]. Spotlights will be featured on our social media and in March Good Vibes!
Stephenie Cardenaz, Service Coordinator, Work & Community Services
Stacy Hook, Supervisor, Staff Sergeant, Security
Derek Brown, Site Commander, Security
Michael Jones, Supervisor, Janitorial II, Custodial
Teressa Roddy, Supervisor Coordinator, Work & Community Services
Ashley Tarantelli, Supervisor, Retail
Coumba Sall, Direct Support Professional III, Residential Services
Damion Pettus, Assistant Area Manager, Security
Heather Hoy, Supervisor, Janitorial II, Custodial
Clarissa Beck, Warehouse Associate, Retail
Anna Hayes, Supervisor, Retail
Anthony Carrillo, Supervisor, Retail
Meet a Goodwiller!
Nina Breckenridge has been a Career Consultant with Goodwill since 2023.
“The thing that I like best about Goodwill is the diversity and inclusion within the company. I also like how Goodwill offers free programs to individuals to help them better their lives,” she said.
“I am the Career Consultant for our Roads2Work program, and the clients for this program can’t work while they’re attending the training. So, to see these clients sign up for this program, give this program their all on a fixed/little-to-no income, and complete this program by obtaining their Commercial Driver’s License is an amazing feeling.”
Nina has 3-year-old male Alaskan/Siberian mixed Husky — who has one brown eye and one blue eye — who talks and argues with you. Her favorite season is winter, because she loves the snow.
