We want your feedback! Please take a moment to complete the latest Vision Survey by Friday, March 28, by scanning the QR Code.
Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication!
UPDATES FROM RYAN
Goodwill Columbus Team,
As we move into the month of March, there are several exciting updates and initiatives that highlight our commitment to empowering the people we serve and living our vision statement: embracing all individuals as valued and dignified members in our community.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize and raise awareness about the contributions and achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities. Here at Goodwill Columbus (GWC), since 1939, we’re proud to be a part of this community and to champion the abilities and talents of the individuals we serve every day. Let’s take this month as an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to support and advocate for the individuals we serve.
Extraordinary People Luncheon – Nominate Today!
Every year, we host our annual Extraordinary People Luncheon to honor individuals who go above and beyond, making a lasting impact on their coworkers, customers, or the individuals we serve at GWC. We’re calling on you to nominate fellow employees or individuals we serve who exemplify our ICARE values (Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Excellence). If you know someone who deserves to be recognized,please submit your recommendations using this link by Friday, March 28. Let’s make sure the extraordinary efforts of our GWC team are celebrated!
Career 500 Grant – Expanding Our STNA Job Training Program
We’re thrilled to announce that Goodwill Columbus has been awarded a Career 500 Grant from the Columbus City Council! This grant will allow us to expand our free State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) job training program, providing more opportunities for individuals to gain valuable skills and launch successful careers in the healthcare field. This expansion will enable us to better serve our community and help even more individuals achieve their employment goals.
GWC & CCAD Creative Collaboration
We’re excited to share that Goodwill Columbus is partnering with the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) for a special creative project! Students from CCAD’s Introduction to Fashion Design class will be repurposing pre-loved garments from our stores and turning them into stylish, sustainable fashion pieces. This innovative collaboration combines sustainability, creativity, and skill-building while showcasing the versatility of secondhand fashion. We can’t wait to see the unique designs and celebrate the spirit of giving items a second life!
Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to making GWC such an inspiring place to work. I appreciate each of you!
Ryan
Career 500 Grant Press Conference“Intro to Design” CCAD Class
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.
To find out more or if you have questions, please contact Victor at [email protected].
Good Thoughtsfrom the online LTGW Monthly Training Course! This month’s theme is Safe Work Environment.
One leader commented:
To respond means that you think about the situation, where reacting is done without thinking. I had two employees on a three-way call. They both were yelling at each other. I really wanted to tell them to shut up, but I took the time to think about the situation. I took into consideration that both of them were upset. After a few minutes of listening to them, I calmly told them that we need to have one person speak at a time, and then the other one can speak. This worked out great and the conflict was resolved.
Great examples of Seek to Understand, Active Listening, Coaching for Impact, Respect, Accountability, and Collaboration – Leading the Goodwill Way! Bravo!
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.
Benefit Information Sessions – Get the answers to your questions!
Each month we are celebrating members of the Goodwill Columbus team for their participation in the ICARE Awards. The February “See Something, Say Something” winners nominated multiple coworkers for an ICARE Award!
***Please check your email to claim your gift card!***
FEBRUARY “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING” $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
Diane Arend
Aaron Woosley
Lain Talbott
FEBRUARY ICARE NOMINEES – $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
The following Goodwill Columbus employees were nominated for ICARE Awards in February!
Nick Durham
Abdourahamane Diallo
Mellissa Corry
John Hutter
Fayrl Huffin
Joseph Coonrod
Mindy Spencer
Lauren Erdman
Lakesha Jones
Gravero Azongmoh
Amy Ooten
Check out a few quotes describing some of our February ICARE nominees below!
Integrity: “Mark is committed to always ensuring the store looks its best! He is a wonderful team player!” Lain Talbott on Mark Syron
Accountability: “Officer Huffin displayed excellent patients during a investigation she monitored and watched Cameras for hours with me until we were able to resolve and find the evidence we needed if it was not for Security Officer Huffin we would have never found what was needed.” Troy Brower on Fayrl Huffin
Collaboration: “Nick is a great example of team work. He is always willingly ready to help any colleague and he works well with anyone. Keep up the great work Nick! You are appreciated.” Tiaz’Zhani Rowland on Nick Durham
*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!
Linda Receives an ICARE Award!
WELLNESS
There is a new way to access your benefit information!Click here or scan the QR code below to access:
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
Click below to view a message from The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Director, Kim Hauck, as we celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities in Ohio.
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:
Abigail Stockton – Corporate Engagement Manager, Development
Meet Abigail! Abigail is the Corporate Engagement Manager in our Development Department and has been with Goodwill Columbus for 3 years. In her role, Abigail connects community partners to our mission through fundraising efforts and engagement opportunities.
She enjoys the opportunity to help people better understand the amazing resources that exist at Goodwill Columbus. She also enjoys getting to visit our program sites to connect with the employees and participants any chance she gets!
Amazing job, Abigail!
Goodwill team members recently volunteered at Junior Achievement of Central Ohio’s BizTown!
JA BizTown combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town. This popular learning experience allows elementary school students to operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for mayor.
Students are able to connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world.
Anthony Fedee, Janitorial Support Supervisor, Custodial
Cory Westerfeld, Business Services Liaison, Workforce Development
Jennell Howard, Direct Support Professional II, Residential Services
Angie Alvera, Benefits Specialist, Human Resources
Gabriel Oduro, Supervisor, Lieutenant, Security
Meet Trista!
In April 2021, Trista Spreng began her career with Goodwill as a supervisor at the Outlet Store. She was 16 weeks pregnant.
“I was still battling through the world changing with COVID-19 and starting over in Columbus as a transplant from a small town in Ohio,” she said. “But Goodwill was an easy choice for me when it came to looking for gainful employment in the area. Growing up, all my formal dresses, shoes, and sports equipment came from Goodwill. I knew Goodwill would be a place to support me in becoming my best self.”
After having her son in September 2021, Trista quickly “moved up the ladder” and now serves as the Outlet Production & Warehouse Manager.
“My favorite part of my job is that I have such a wide view of the company. Therefore, I know there is always a resource available to someone in need. If I cannot personally help, I certainly know of another person or persons who are eager to assist me in the mission,” Trista said.
“The communication and teamwork my colleagues exercise every day keeps us grounded in the reality of the world around us and how vital our work is. Goodwill is a place where you can come as you are and be accepted, encouraged, and appreciated. Our dedication to the mission is the small way I chose to show my son how important it is to be an active participant in your community.”
Lili Torres, People Services Recruiter, recently completed an impressive project with items she thrifted!
Lili purchased a dresser from the Dublin retail store and converted it into a kitchen island! The tabletop and barstools were also purchased from our Marketplace.
Amazing work, Lili!
Special Olympics Competition
Lori H. and Jodi F. recently participated and won several medals in the Ohio Special Olympics swimming competition! Lori came in 1st place in the 100 backstrokes, 3rd place in the 50 breaststrokes, and 1st place in the 200 relay.
Way to go, Lori and Jodi!! 🏊🏻♀️🥇
GWC Art Studio & Gallery 🎨
Visit and shop the Goodwill Columbus Art Studio & Gallery at
50 Robinwood Avenue, Whitehall, Ohio, 43213
Mental Health Resources
988 is a 24/7 number you can call or text if you are experiencing:
-A mental health crisis
-Thoughts of suicide
-Problems with substance use
-Emotional stress
To chat online, visit 988Lifeline.org.
DAYFORCE
Let’s make sure Human Resources has your correct information!
Email [email protected] to let us know you’ve updated your information!
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
Each March, the campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.
