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Columbus Woman Helps Persons with Disabilities Achieve Independence

Goodwill Industries International Names Angela Ulrich 2007 Volunteer of the Year

June 25, 2007

Rockville, MD – An unwavering, seven-year commitment to helping individuals with disabilities participate more fully in their communities has earned Angela Ulrich of Columbus, OH, the 2007 Goodwill Industries International Volunteer of the Year award.

Ulrich serves Goodwill Columbus in a number of ways, most significantly through the Volunteers Express program. Throughout her tenure, Ulrich has maintained a weekly commitment to helping individuals with physical disabilities live more independently in the community. She helps Goodwill participants undertake basic daily tasks, such as reading mail and accessing public transportation, responsibilities they would not otherwise be able to accomplish due to their disability.

According to Caroline Markworth, Manager of Volunteer Programs and Communications at Goodwill Columbus, the tasks may seem simple, but undertaking and completing them are crucial to the health and well-being of the individuals served through this program.

“When Angela became a Goodwill Columbus Volunteer, she expressed the desire to find a program that allows for hands-on assistance to help those who are trying to help themselves,” says Markworth. “She is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities who need help maintaining their independence and participating in the community to the fullest extent possible.”

Ulrich volunteers for Goodwill Columbus in several other capacities as well, including assisting at special events, offering expertise in fundraising and marketing, recruiting other volunteers and contributing to various activities that support the mission and services of Goodwill Columbus.

“Angela’s volunteerism speaks volumes about her passion to make a contribution to the world around her,” says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Goodwill Columbus and the entire Goodwill network benefit immensely from the generosity of someone who commits so fully to helping others.”


The Volunteer of the Year Award is given in recognition of an outstanding volunteer who works in support of a member Goodwill organization. The program also is designed to focus attention on the expanding role of the volunteer in Goodwill Industries and the organization's commitment to serving people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.