This July, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s reentry program, Goodwill New Beginnings, held its sixth annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Every year, this highly anticipated event connects the community with Indiana law enforcement and the Indiana Department of Corrections through an afternoon of friendly competition, camaraderie and fun.

Five teams composed of participants and graduates of Goodwill New Beginnings, Goodwill staff, Indianapolis law enforcement and Goodwill’s community partner, Public Advocates in Community re-Entry (PACE), competed for a chance to win the championship trophy. 

“I just want to represent what Goodwill New Beginnings stands for – teamwork and putting in the best effort,” said Donte Little, a participant in the tournament and graduate of Goodwill New Beginnings.

For Donte, the tournament provides a great opportunity to inspire the young people in his life. He invited the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball team he coaches to the tournament, hoping they could learn from the experience.

“It’s more than just basketball,” said Donte. “It’s about character on and off the court. I wanted to show my team sportsmanship and how to face adversity as well.”

Goodwill New Beginnings is a program designed to help individuals who were previously involved with the criminal justice system secure housing and healthcare, reinstate their driver’s license, address legal challenges and more. Through barrier removal and case management, participants can work toward transitioning from entry-level work at Goodwill to a skilled, in-demand career at Goodwill or within their community.

By holding this yearly event, Goodwill New Beginnings participants and graduates can build better relationships with law enforcement and a stronger community.

“Relationship and trust-building is key to solving the problems that affect our shared community,” said Dr. Trelles Evans, senior director of coaching and reentry at Goodwill. “Goodwill is proud to engage with the community and our partners to facilitate those efforts.”

After fierce competition in the early rounds, Goodwill New Beginnings and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department went head-to-head in the championship game. These two teams were nearly even in skill, and the score remained close throughout the duration of the game. However, Goodwill New Beginnings was able to snag a one-point lead that secured them this year’s championship.

For the first time in six years, Goodwill New Beginnings has taken home the trophy.

“It’s an awesome accomplishment,” said Dr. Evans.

For more information about the program, please contact the Goodwill New Beginnings team at 317-524-3956 or newbeginnings@goodwillindy.org.