Goodwill Columbus

Today, 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.

Today’s turnout—with a continuous line out the door for registration—was a powerful reminder: when opportunity is accessible, Central Ohioans are fiercely eager to build better lives for themselves and their families. 💙

As we continue to celebrate National Workforce Development Month, we want to recognize Program Manager Angela Hampton.

Angela says, "For me, National Workforce Development Month is a reminder that our work is about people, not just programs. Over the years, I've had the privilege of watching individuals overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and create better futures for themselves and their families. The best part of my career is knowing that even a small amount of encouragement, support, and opportunity can change the course of someone's life."

Thank you for all you do, Angela, to carry out Goodwill's mission of helping Central Ohioans build lives of possibility and purpose!

It's beginning to look a lot like... HALLOWEEN SEASON 🎃

Every thrift at Goodwill Columbus fuels job training, keeps items out of the landfill, and helps build lives of possibilty and purpose in Cenrtal Ohio!

Find a store near you with the link in bio!

In honor of National Workforce Development Month, we are spotlighting Evan Garver, Program Manager at Goodwill Columbus!

Evan captures the heart of our mission best:

"Workforce development is about far more than teaching a skill or filling an opening—it’s about changing how people see themselves, and connecting them with employers who see that same potential. So often, past struggles, perceived failures, or navigating life with a disability create an artificial ceiling that makes people lose sight of what they’re truly capable of. The best part of my career is helping someone shatter that ceiling, and then partnering with thoughtful employers who look beyond the barriers and value the person's unique strengths. When an individual discovers their self-worth and finds an employer who believes in them, it doesn't just change a career—it lifts families, strengthens businesses, and builds a truly inclusive community."

Thank you, Evan, for your dedication to breaking down barriers, empowering job seekers, and building strong employer partnerships across Central Ohio every single day!

We are excited to host our Community Fair THIS Thursday, September 24, at the Brice Road Job Training Center! Join us from 1:00 – 6:00 PM for an afternoon packed with vital community resources, meaningful career opportunities, and fun. Here is what you can look forward to:

- 30+ community partners and employers ready to connect
- Registration for certified, in-demand career pathways
- Free haircuts from an on-site barber
- Laptop giveaways
- Two local food trucks serving up delicious food

Whether you are looking to take the next step in your career, connect with local services, or just enjoy the festivities, there is something for everyone.

For more details and to RSVP:

Hiring Event & Community Fair - Goodwill Columbus Goodwill Columbus is hosting a FREE hiring event and community fair, and YOU are invited! Mark your calendar for a exciting day packed with new job opportunities and helpful community resources! Join Goodwill Columbus on Thursday, September 24th, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at our Brice Road Job Trainin...

You’re invited to A Night of Wearable Art featuring Babes in Toyland by Lynn Hetherington Becker 🎨

Join us on October 3 at 6 p.m. at our Clintonville store for an evening celebrating wearable art, creative reuse and Columbus’ incredible arts community. Experience the collection, shop the store and see what’s possible when unexpected materials are given new life.

This event is intended for adults and may not be suitable for young children.

As DSP Recognition Week continues, we are excited to spotlight another incredible member of our team: Fatou Mbengue!

Fatou brings exceptional dedication to our Residential Services team at Goodwill Columbus. Her calm, steady presence creates a stable, supportive environment for both the individuals she serves and her fellow colleagues.

A passionate advocate for those with disabilities, Fatou creates fun opportunities for residents to get involved in the community, reach their personal goals, and gain independence.

Please join us in thanking Fatou for her amazing work in the comments!

To kick off day two of DSP Recognition Week, we are so proud to celebrate Dywan Bright! He was named our district’s Front Line Supervisor of the Year by the Ohio Provider Resource Association! 🏆

Dywan is the Lead Manager at Goodwill Work & Community Services. He uses his background in health and sports to create fun fitness routines for everyone. He also plans amazing events, like taking participants thrifting to pick out fancy clothes for a formal dance!

Dywan cares about his whole team, too. He started a fun "Biggest Loser" fitness challenge that helped staff lose hundreds of pounds together. He knows that when workers are healthy and happy, they can give the best care possible.

Please join us in celebrating Dywan in the comments below! 💙

To kick off Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week, 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: www.goodwillcolumbus.org/kathy-opra

Stay tuned for more stories throughout the week as we continue to spotlight our incredible DSP team!