2025 Annual Impact Breakfast Recap | Goodwill Wayne & Holmes Counties - Goodwill Industries of Wayne and Holmes Counties

2025 Annual Impact Breakfast Recap: Celebrating Community Impact

June 2, 2026

On May 14th, 2026, approximately 250 community leaders, employers, donors, partners, program participants, and Goodwill team members gathered for the 2025 Annual Impact Breakfast hosted by Goodwill Industries of Wayne and Holmes Counties. The event served as a celebration of the lives changed through workforce development, employment services, education programs, and community partnerships across Wayne and Holmes Counties.

The Annual Impact Breakfast is more than an annual gathering. It is an opportunity to reflect on the impact created when a community comes together to support individuals on their journey toward employment, independence, and a brighter future.

A Morning Focused on Opportunity and Impact

As attendees arrived and connected over breakfast, the room was filled with a shared sense of purpose. Community members from across the region came together to learn more about the work being done through Goodwill's workforce development programs and to celebrate the successes of individuals who have overcome barriers to employment.

Throughout the morning, guests heard powerful stories that highlighted the real impact of Goodwill's mission. These stories demonstrated how access to training, employment services, education, and supportive resources can create meaningful change for individuals and families throughout Wayne and Holmes Counties.

The event also provided an opportunity to recognize the many businesses, community organizations, government agencies, donors, and supporters whose partnerships make this work possible.

Honoring Outstanding Individuals

One of the most inspiring moments of the morning was recognizing the recipients of Goodwill's annual awards. Each award winner represents the determination, resilience, and potential that Goodwill strives to support every day.

Employee of the Year: Jennifer Mathys

The 2025 Employee of the Year Award was presented to Jennifer Mathys, whose story embodies the full-circle impact of Goodwill's mission.

Jennifer first came to Goodwill in 2018 through the Workforce Development program while seeking a better future for herself and her young family. Through hard work and perseverance, she earned her diploma, completed a college degree, and built a successful career.

Today, Jennifer serves within Goodwill's Mission Services department, helping individuals navigate their own paths toward employment and independence. Her personal experience allows her to connect with participants in a meaningful way, offering encouragement and understanding during challenging times.

Jennifer's journey demonstrates how Goodwill's programs not only help people find employment but can also empower them to become leaders who help others succeed.

Youth of the Year: Chloe Adkins

The 2025 Youth of the Year Award was presented to Chloe Adkins, whose determination and growth have been nothing short of remarkable.

Chloe enrolled in Goodwill's Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP), funded by the Wayne County Department of Job and Family Services, during a difficult period in her life. Through dedicated support, access to resources, and a commitment to her future, Chloe began building a foundation for success.

Since joining the program, she has earned her driver's license, secured employment, maintained a 4.0 GPA while taking college courses through the University of Akron, and become a mentor for younger students.

Today, Chloe plans to pursue a degree in social work so she can help others overcome challenges similar to those she has faced. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that encouragement, opportunity, and determination can have on a young person's future.

President's Award: Christian "CJ" Wigsmoen

This year's President's Award was presented to Christian "CJ" Wigsmoen, whose journey reflects the power of believing in oneself and embracing new opportunities.

After connecting with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), CJ began working with Goodwill to explore career options and develop workplace skills. Although he initially felt uncertain about entering the workforce, he embraced the challenge and became the first participant in Goodwill's Our Mission at Work program.

This innovative initiative, created through a partnership between Goodwill's Mission Services, Retail, and Training departments, provides participants with hands-on experience in a real work environment while receiving support and guidance along the way.

CJ's success in the program ultimately led to employment as a cashier at Goodwill. Today, he confidently interacts with customers, builds relationships, and contributes to the organization every day. His story serves as an inspiring example of what can happen when someone is given the opportunity to try.

Graduates of the Year: William Parrish and Marie Bryant

For the first time in Goodwill's history, the Graduates of the Year Award was presented to two individuals whose journeys have become deeply connected.

William Parrish and Marie Bryant experienced tremendous hardship following the loss of their infant son. As they faced grief, addiction, and instability, they also made the difficult decision to rebuild their lives and create a better future for their family.

Through Goodwill's WorkFirst Training Program, funded by the Wayne County Department of Job and Family Services, both William and Marie received support, guidance, and resources to help them move forward. Working alongside dedicated case managers, they overcame barriers, rebuilt stability, and began creating a stronger future together.

Their story is not one of overnight success. It is a story of perseverance, daily effort, and the courage to keep moving forward. Today, William and Marie continue building a life filled with hope and possibility, demonstrating the transformative impact of workforce development services and community support.

The Power of Community Partnerships

The stories shared throughout the breakfast highlighted an important truth: meaningful change does not happen alone.

Goodwill's success is made possible through strong partnerships with employers, schools, government agencies, donors, volunteers, and community organizations throughout Wayne and Holmes Counties. These partnerships help create opportunities for individuals to gain skills, secure employment, further their education, and achieve greater independence. By working together, the community continues to strengthen the local workforce while helping individuals overcome barriers and reach their goals.

Looking Ahead

While the Annual Impact Breakfast celebrated accomplishments from the past year, it also looked toward the future.

Goodwill Industries of Wayne and Holmes Counties remains committed to expanding workforce development programs, strengthening employer partnerships, increasing access to training opportunities, and creating pathways to meaningful employment for individuals throughout the region.

As workforce needs evolve, Goodwill will continue developing innovative solutions that connect people with the resources and support they need to thrive.

Thank You for Making an Impact

To everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, volunteered, partnered with, or supported Goodwill throughout the year, thank you.

Your support helps create opportunities for individuals to build skills, gain employment, further their education, and achieve independence. Together, we are transforming lives, strengthening families, and building a stronger future for Wayne and Holmes Counties. The stories shared at the 2025 Annual Impact Breakfast remind us that when a community comes together with purpose, extraordinary things can happen.

To learn more or donate today, visit GoodwillConnect.org.

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