Updates from Ryan
Goodwill Columbus Team,
I just love our new mission statement: helping people build lives of possibility and purpose. That is more than a phrase. It is the work you bring to life every day in our stores and donation centers, in our job training programs, in our services for individuals with disabilities, in our business services, and in every interaction with your fellow employees, and the people and communities we serve. Thanks to those of you who sent me your feedback regarding the mission statement and our organizational values this past month. I always appreciate hearing from you.
We recently hosted our second management meeting of the year, and we were honored to welcome Steve Preston, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. Steve helped place our local work in the context of the broader Goodwill movement and reminded us that, while we face real challenges in today’s society, Goodwill is uniquely positioned to meet this moment. We discussed our impact, our opportunities, and the importance of delivering a strong customer experience across every part of our organization.
On the very same day, we also hosted a community event and ribbon cutting at our Brice Road Job Training Center to celebrate the launch of our new Solar Installation Training Program. Just as importantly, we celebrated the first graduating class from this program. I’m happy to report that 80% of those graduates received immediate job offers in the solar and manufacturing industries. Their success is a powerful example of what possibility and purpose look like in action. Thank you to everyone who helped make these events successful!
I am grateful for your dedication, your service, and the pride you bring to Goodwill Columbus every day. I appreciate all that you do, and I’ll see you soon.
Ryan
Ryan Burgess
President and CEO
Take Your 2026 Vision Survey Here! – Deadline Thursday, June 18!
Did you see?
Last month, we introduced our new mission statement and updated organizational values. Take a look!
Our Mission: Helping people build lives of possibility and purpose.
Our Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Entrepreneurial
If you need resources to help you communicate this new language to your teams, please reach out to the marketing team!
June Highlights
Clean Tech Accelerator Launch & Community Panel
Thank you for making our first community panel a success!
We were honored to welcome community leaders, partnering employers, and fellow nonprofits to our Brice Road Job Training Center to celebrate the ribbon cutting of our Solar Skills Lab.
FREE Health Screenings!🩺
Employees on our Sidecar Health plan that complete the free biometric screening may receive a medical premium discount for 2027!
Benefits Resources!
Please see below for important wellness and benefits information for 2026:
Learn about our 403(b) Retirement Plan!
Upcoming Events
friday, june 19
Juneteenth ♥️
Goodwill Columbus administrative offices will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
Click the link below to learn more about the cultural signifcance of Juneteenth!
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
Columbus Pride March🌈
What: Stonewall Columbus Pride March
Registration wristbands are required to participate in the march, but the event is free to attend!
Where: Downtown Columbus
When: Saturday, June 20
March begins at 10:30am.
SUNDAY, June 21
Father’s Day 💙
Wishing you a safe and joyful Father’s Day!
Spotlights
Meet Kurt 😊
Meet Kurt! Kurt Lofton is a Service Coordinator on our Adult Day Services team and has been a part of our Goodwill Columbus team for 27 years this August!
Before joining Goodwill Columbus, Kurt was working second shift for a grant funded ADS agency. Suspecting the grant wouldn’t be renewed, Kurt was eager to find a new agency that was stable and aligned with his vision of how an ADS program should operate.
“I’ve always had a passion for individuals who are self-advocates and/or advocates for others,” said Kurt. “Goodwill ADS has been at the forefront of Person-Centered Planning and Advocacy for many years.”
Click here to read Kurt’s full story!
Amazing work, Kurt!
Abigail & Charlotte 🎨🐶
At Goodwill Columbus, community impact happens at every level of our organization. When Abigail Stockton, our Manager of Development and Corporate Engagement, wanted to celebrate her one-year wedding anniversary, she chose to invest directly back into our mission. She commissioned Charlotte to create a beautiful, custom portrait of her family’s dog, Chippy, on his first hike!
Our Art Studio & Gallery empowers local creators with disabilities to grow their skills, enhance their independence, and showcase their work. Even better? Our artists receive a 70% commission on every single piece they sell.
For more information click here!
Birthdays
Promotions
Anniversaries
Nominate a Co-Worker for an ICARE Award
Notice a co-worker demonstrating an ICARE value? Nominate them for an ICARE Award. Both of you could win prizes to recognize your hard work and commitment!
ICARE Awards Roundup
Each month we are celebrating members of the Goodwill Columbus team for their participation in the ICARE Awards. The May “See Something, Say Something” winners nominated multiple coworkers for an ICARE Award!
***Please check your email to claim your gift card!***
MAY “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING” $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
- Lynn McGhee
- Victor Johnson
- Becky Anderson
MAY ICARE NOMINEES – $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
The following Goodwill Columbus employees were nominated for ICARE Awards in May!
- Susan Leclair
- Ray Thompson
- Quin Brendle
- Amy Scott
- Tasha Carter
- Conswella Lee
- Anthony Hawkins
- Angie Alvera
- Deb Towns
- Jerome Davis
- Tennessee Harrison
- Veronica Riley
Integrity: “Veronica is a model of our ICARE values, bringing a proactive ‘can-do’ attitude to the team every day. Whether collaborating internally or supporting her clients, she demonstrates a level of respect and diligence that sets a high standard for us all. Her contributions have been vital to the growth of the AMP program, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her expertise and drive on the team.” Carolyn Newcomb on Veronica Riley
Accountability: “Connie’s impact has had an immediate and significant improvement on the ADS Gahanna daily documentation and time entries. Her focus on teamwork, doing the right thing and making sure job tasks are accurately completed each day is much appreciated.” Becky Anderson on Connie Butler
Integrity: “Jerome was a huge help in explaining and assisting in setting up a vendor. I’ve never done it before, so this was incredibly helpful and he remained kind, even though I wasn’t sure how to approach the set up. He went above and beyond to assist me manually and then expedited a payment! Thank you so much for your help! You are incredible!” Katie Muller-Girard on Jerome Davis