Individuals and Community Recognized at Goodwill’s Annual Breakfast Event

CANTON, OH – May 19, 2021 – Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, Inc. (Goodwill) honored Aaron Schreffler, Rachel Woods and Aaron Cutshaw for outstanding accomplishments in overcoming barriers to employment at a virtual breakfast event this morning. The annual event allows Goodwill to report back to the community. This year’s event was held virtually, with nearly 300 attendees logging in to participate in the event.

“This annual event provides us the opportunity to share the success of our participants and recognize the outstanding work of area businesses and community leaders.,” said Anne Richards, President and CEO of Goodwill.

Employer of the Year award recipient Giant Eagle was honored for the organization’s commitment to hire people with disabilities and provide opportunities for vocational rehabilitation through Goodwill Industries.

James Black was presented with the Ken Weber Servant Leadership employee recognition award for his hard work and dedication to Goodwill throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

Alliance Rape Crisis Center a program of CommQuest Services, Inc. was honored as the 2020 Collaborative Partner of the Year. CommQuest and Goodwill’s COMPASS Program have worked closely to launch a new 24/7 crisis line in Stark County this past year.

Goodwill Ambassador of the Year Award was awarded to Joni Close, President of Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton. Her passion and consistent support of Goodwill especially through challenges of this past year. She has shown to go above and beyond the typical duties to advocate and support Goodwill Industries.

In 2020, more than 682,000 community members donated to Goodwill, which in turn helped impact 11,288 local lives and diverted more than 13 million pounds of materials from landfills.