Updates from Ryan
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the skills, ambitions, and talents of individuals with disabilities. In line with our vision, I believe that talent is everywhere, and dignity is non-negotiable. Every person, from our colleagues to those we serve, is a valued member of our mission-driven organization. Together, we build stronger teams, deliver better service, and strengthen Central Ohio. Thank you to everyone who empowers those we serve.
Last week, I witnessed this spirit firsthand at a cookout hosted by our Residential Services team. The evening was filled with a busy grill, early ’90s hip-hop music, and big smiles from the residents in our care. Great job, RS team!
In a few weeks, we will host our annual Extraordinary People Luncheon to honor three individuals who exemplify the very best of Goodwill Columbus. Many of our corporate and individual donors will join us in celebrating our mission. While I can’t reveal the honorees just yet, because it’s a surprise, I’ll be sure to highlight them in November. Stay tuned.
Finally, as Halloween approaches, don’t forget your 50% employee discount on donated costumes and décor (and 30% off new goods) at any Goodwill Columbus store. It’s a great way to find unique items, save money, and enjoy the season.
Ryan Burgess
President and CEO
October Highlights
Artist of the Month
Goodwill’s September Artist of the Month was Devan!
Devan is a thoughtful and experimental artist whose work is driven by internal expression. She embraces painting as a primary medium for self-expression and personal growth.
Devan uses her art to communicate her inner world. She is drawn to abstract expression, finding freedom in painting her emotions directly onto the canvas. This process allows her to translate complex feelings into visual art, making her pieces both personal and moving to the viewer.
Amazing job, Devan!
Health Plan Plus Newsletter by Sidecar Health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Click here to learn more about preventive care.
Prepare for Open Enrollment – Info Session Dates!
In preparation for Open Enrollment: November 3 – November 14, 2025, learn more about your Goodwill Benefits by attending a Benefit Information Session!
Upcoming Events
OCTOBER 6 – 10
Digital Inclusion Week
Digital Inclusion Week is here, and at Goodwill Columbus, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the collective efforts to bridge the digital divide.
This annual nationwide event, running under the theme: Community-Driven Digital Futures, reminds us all of the vital importance of digital equity.
Check out our new Digital Skills Page to learn more!
OCTOBER
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) serves as a powerful reminder of the valuable contributions made by America’s workers with disabilities.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of this observance, with the theme “Celebrating Value and Talent,” which highlights the rich skills and potential that all Americans—including those with disabilities—bring to our workplaces and communities.
october 31
Halloween
Be sure to use your 50% employee discount to thrift your new favorite costume at one of our retail locations!
Need to make room in your closet? Donate old costumes to any Goodwill Columbus retail location or Attended Donation Center!
Employee Spotlights
Meet Amanda
Meet Amanda! Amanda joined the Goodwill Columbus team two months ago as the new Director of Workforce Development.
When asked what she is looking forward to most about her role, Amanda said, “I’m excited to collaborate with our team and partners to expand our services and broaden our impact. The goal is to create more pathways for individuals in our community to achieve meaningful, lasting success.”
Welcome, Amanda! We are happy to have you!
Adult Day Services
Recently, our Adult Day Services groups came together at Grins & Pickin’s Camp Farm, for a day of connection, creativity, and community.
Participants fed chickens and ducks, went fishing, created art, roasted s’mores, and enjoyed a nature walk. Outings like this reflect our commitment to meaningful community engagement and enriching experiences for the individuals we serve.
We are so grateful to our dedicated team, for making it happen, and to our participants for bringing so much joy and energy to the day!
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 September “See Something, Say Something” winners nominated multiple coworkers for an ICARE Award!
***Please check your email to claim your gift card!***
SEPTEMBER “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING” $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
- Nick Durham
- Yassine Bouarbi
- Shawn Raimey
SEPTEMBER ICARE NOMINEES – $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
The following Goodwill Columbus employees were nominated for ICARE Awards in September!
- Katherine Courtney
- Innocent Abdalla
- William LeRoy
- Erika Hornyak
- Chrissy Cousar
- Magaly Ronquillo
- Maximillian Velasquez
- Shawndeia Nevius
- Kierr Porter
- Delanie Ray
- Kim Meeks
- Gloria Manu
Collaboration: “Mindy offers an amazing digital skills class where all members are valued and respected. Her class was SO much fun as she taught practical, real-life applications and celebrated each participant where ever they were on their digital skills journey. Mindy live out what she said by, “offering a class where people have the ability to learn and are not scared of it.” Kristina Ward on Mindy Spencer
Integrity: “Brad picked up an extra shift to cover for a leader who was out sick. Thank you!!!” Lain Talbott on Brad Pierce
Respect: “Robin has had a lot on her plate but she always shows up ready to show others their value and dignity. She asks questions and helps with questions when others have them and she’s able. She brings a nurturing kindness to the office.” Mindy Spencer on Robin Plate
Respect: “Retta comes in to work everyday with the attitude and intentions to do selflessly for others and asks for nothing in return, I believe she displays the ICARE values every time she walks through the door at Goodwill.” Nick Durham on Retta Adams
Respect: “Veronica demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her AMP clients, consistently going above and beyond to ensure their needs are met with compassion and care. She works tirelessly across the city, delivering school supplies, providing job assistance, and offering a listening ear during some of her clients’ most difficult moments. Veronica’s dedication to supporting individuals on their path to self-sufficiency reflects her deep respect for every person she serves. Her empathy, reliability, and advocacy make her a powerful example of what it means to truly value everyone.” Tiffany Locklear on Veronica Shepherd