Goodwill Manasota fetes 2026 Community Ambassadors of the Year

Recently, Goodwill Manasota – a subsidiary of Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc. – recognized its 2026 Community Ambassador of the Year award-winners during its annual luncheon. This year’s event, which had over 200 community members in attendance, recognized advocates and supporters in the areas of community leadership, collaboration, and veterans’ services as well as one special team member for his dedication to Goodwill Manasota’s mission, excellence on the job, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Goodwill Manasota recognized the following people and organizations: Mark Vengroff, Community Leader of the Year, for his ongoing leadership and contributions to our community as well as the affordable workforce housing collaboration in which Goodwill Manasota is participating, Forest Cove; Carlos Moreira, Veteran Advocate of the Year, for his deep dedication to advocating for and empowering area veterans; and the Florida Department of Corrections (accepted by Stephanie DiTroia), Community Partner of the Year, for the collaboration that has enabled the FDOC to provide its Mobile Probation Unit at Goodwill Manasota locations, helping the justice involved to check in closer to their homes and workplaces.

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Additionally, the organization presented its third-ever Robert W. Rosinsky Achiever of the Year Award – made possible by the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust and affectionately known as “The Rosy” – to 14-year team member Brian Coleman. His devoted service to Goodwill Manasota as well as his academic achievements through the Pursuit of Education program showcase his dedication to the organization’s values and mission, and excellence on the job. Coleman was introduced by the 2024 Rosy Award-winner, Sherry Hendrickson.

After welcoming remarks by Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc.’s president and CEO Donn Githens, the event continued with the presentation of colors by a color guard from the Marines of 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division of Tampa, Fla. Githens also recognized two important figures in the organization’s history: Rev. Don Roberts, Goodwill Manasota’s founding president and CEO, and Susan Lowy, a 25-year member of the organization’s learning and development team, both longtime and deeply valued members of the Goodwill Manasota team.

Also speaking during the event were the VP of engagement Melissa Carman, who thanked the sponsors and offered the farewell to the guests, and VP of marketing, Katie Van Gompel, who provided Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc.’s 2025 impact highlights, showcasing the organization’s commitment to changing lives, building stability, and shaping a better future.

“Today is about gratitude and recognition. It is a moment to honor individuals and organizations who lead with purpose, who collaborate with intention, and who help create meaningful pathways to dignity, independence, and opportunity across the communities we serve,” said Githens during his welcome. “We are proud to be a mission integrated social enterprise—a community based local nonprofit where our operations directly fund and fuel our mission of ‘Changing Lives Through the Power of Work.’ That mission comes to life through strong partnerships and people like those we will recognize today.”

Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc. powers its mission of “Changing Lives Through the Power of Work” through its mission-integrated donated goods operations. Every donation dropped off at Goodwill fuels more than three hours of job training and opportunities, directly helping the nonprofit’s team members – nearly 60 percent of whom have self-identified barriers to employment or disabling conditions – to build job skills.

Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc.’s 2025 Impact Report noted the following achievements: 7,527 individuals served; 44,538 education and training hours provided; 1,296 individuals placed in jobs; 478 veterans served; more than $70,000 in emergency assistance provided; more than 104 million pounds of goods recycled and repurposed; and 250,592 pounds of food collected for local food banks.

For more about Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc., visit experiencegoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc.
Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc. (comprising Goodwill Manasota and Goodwill Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast), a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to changing lives through the power of work, proudly serves 11 counties on the east and west coasts of Florida. Goodwill’s mission-integrated social enterprise transforms community donations into opportunities — providing resources, training, and support through strong collaboration with local partners to help individuals obtain employment and build skills. For more information or for a comprehensive listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.