Good Vibes
Goodwill Columbus employee newsletter
Helping people build lives of possibility and purpose
Updates from Ryan
Happy October! We’re heading into the final months of 2026 with energy, enthusiasm, and plenty to celebrate.
At today’s Management Meeting, we recognized 32 employees who have served Goodwill Columbus for more than five years. I am grateful for their commitment and the difference they make every day. I especially want to recognize Connie Butler, who is celebrating 40 years with our Adult Day Services team. Connie’s dedication to individuals with developmental disabilities has touched countless lives. Thank you, Connie, for four decades of care and service.
We also recognized the teams and individuals who submitted the most ICARE awards during September’s ICARE Challenge. You can read more about the results in this edition of Good Vibes. At its heart, the challenge encouraged us to recognize one another for living our values: Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Entrepreneurial.
When we put these values into practice, we build an organization we can all be proud to work for. Integrity, doing the right thing, is the foundation. Our coworkers and the people we serve need to know they can count on us to act honestly and responsibly. Without integrity, our other values lose their meaning.
At the end of this month, we will host our annual Extraordinary People Luncheon. Our donors and supporters will gather to celebrate and support our mission of helping people build lives of possibility and purpose. We will honor three remarkable individuals who work for Goodwill or have participated in our programs. I look forward to sharing their stories with you in next month’s Good Vibes.
Thank you for everything you do each day. You matter. Through your work, your kindness, and the respect you show others, you help our customers and the individuals we serve know that they matter, too.
Ryan
Ryan Burgess
President & CEO
Your Q4 Vision Survey is live!
Click here or scan the QR code to take your Q4 Vision Survey by October 23!
We want to hear from you! An example of a change made because of your feedback is that we reinstated a match to the 403(b) in 2024. Since then we have contributed over $500,000 to employee retirement accounts!
View impact of the Vision Survey here.
Integrity
Annie K.
Nominated by Jen M.
While providing morning transportation to day services, Annie went far above and beyond her job expectations…
Collaboration
Chris C.
Nominated by Connie B.
Chris is always willing to help out in anyway needed so ADS can run smoothly and effectively. She assists with NMT whenever needed and has even covered groups!
Accountability
Ada V.
Nominated by Marcie R.
Your integrity and respect for others are not just qualities you possess, they are qualities you demonstrate every day through your actions…
ICARE Awards roundup
Each month we are celebrating members of the Goodwill Columbus team for their participation in the ICARE Awards. This month we are celebrating the winners of our first ICARE Challenge!
Note: Gift cards will be placed in department mailboxes at Grange.
Curtis Hendricks – See Something, Say Something
Marcie Rackie – See Something, Say Something
Felix Tantangha – See Something, Say Something
Barbara Robertson – See Something, Say Something
Jamilla Jennings – See Something, Say Something
Amy Scott – See Something, Say Something
Annie Kamara – Integrity
Chris Cline – Collaboration
Ada Vasquez – Accountability
Christi Meuser – Respect
Ryan Wilson – Entrepreneurial
Good News
Brice Road Hiring Event & Community Fair 🎟️
Last month, we welcomed hundreds of local employers, nonprofit partners, and community members to our Brice Road Job Training Center for a Hiring Event & Community Fair!
Attendees connected directly with hiring teams for on-the-spot interviews, received free professional headshots and haircuts, accessed vital community resources, and took home raffle prizes, all while enjoying a free lunch from local food trucks.
Thank you to our Workforce Development team and everyone who helped make this event a success!
Goodwill x CASTO Partnership 🎨
This month, Goodwill Columbus and CASTO officially kicked off an exciting partnership to transform a massive 3,800-square-foot wall at Whitehall’s Miracle Mile shopping center! Designed by artist Sarah Eberly, the concept was inspired by ideas and sketches from five talented creators at the Goodwill Art Studio & Gallery—an innovative fine arts program for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Recently, our studio artists joined Sarah and local leaders to make the official “first stroke” on the wall, launching a vibrant public artwork that celebrates community, creativity, and unique talent.
Feel Good Stuff
Customer Service Spotlight
Janet Benson
Nurse, Adult Day Services
“Janet seamlessly pairs high standards of clinical safety with deep empathy, remarkable flexibility, and an unwavering commitment to dignity.”
Incredible job, Janet!
Congratulations, Kathy!✨
We are thrilled to share that Goodwill Columbus’ very own Kathy Ramey has earned the statewide OPRA Lifetime Achievement Award!
Presented by the Ohio Provider Resource Association, this prestigious award is given to only one recipient across all of Ohio each year.
For over 25 years, Kathy has led Adult Day Services at Goodwill Columbus, knowing more than 150 participants by name. Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate, empowering individuals with disabilities with genuine dignity and respect.
Read more about Kathy, here.
Well done, Kathy!
National Workforce Development Month 💙
Last month, our incredible Workforce Development (WFD) team gathered for a well-deserved cookout to celebrate National WFD Month!
Every day, this team works tirelessly on the front lines—leading skills training, offering career coaching, and connecting individuals across Central Ohio to meaningful opportunities that help them build lives of possibility and purpose.
Thank you, WFD team, for everything you do to advance our mission and strengthen our community! We hope you enjoyed the great food and celebration!
Wellness
Sidecar Health tip
Starting October 1, filling and saving on your prescriptions gets easier!
Benefits
Do you need help preparing for Open Enrollment? Questions about your Sidecar Health Plan?
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
October 5 – 10
Digital Inclusion Week 💻
Digital Inclusion Week celebrates the progress being made toward digital equity and highlights the vital work helping individuals access technology, build practical skills, and fully participate in an increasingly digital world.
Looking to get involved or build your skills?
Click below for year-round resources!
Sunday, October 18
Columbus Marathon 👟
Goodwill volunteers will be partnering with the Columbus Marathon on Sunday, October 18, by collecting discarded clothing from runners on race day!
Interested in volunteering? Email Michael Sagowitz at [email protected].
October 31
Halloween 🎃
Don’t forget to use your 50% employee discount when thrifting your halloween costumes this year!
Also, find a attended donation center near you to donate old costumes!
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.