Each year, International Mentoring Day is observed on January 17. This observance is an opportunity to recognize mentors and the impacts they’ve had on their mentees. For those who we employ, educate and serve at Goodwill, coaches often act as mentors, providing the essential guidance to employees, students and program participants who want to increase their independence and reach their full potential.
In New Beginnings, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s reentry program, participants who are seeking to reintegrate into their communities often depend on mentorship and guidance from their coaches and facilitators to attain housing, rebuild their support systems and more.
Goodwill New Beginnings not only provides mentorship, but also offers resources to help those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. These resources include helping secure health care, reinstating drivers’ licenses, addressing legal challenges and more. Through barrier removal and wrap-around support, participants can also work toward transitioning from entry-level work at Goodwill to a skilled, in-demand career within their community.
For Shane Onstott, working with Goodwill New Beginnings’s staff provided an opportunity to grow and learn skills that would impact his future. After joining the program, Shane learned about financial literacy, which allowed him to implement new practices, build a budget and improve his credit score. He also learned how to build a resume and essential computer skills for success in and outside of the workforce.
Additionally, Shane received resources that paved the way for getting a new driver's license, which he had been without for years. By meeting with the program’s mental health clinician, he could overcome challenges with his mental health.
However, Shane enjoyed the classroom portion of the program the most, where he could speak in front of his peers and build his confidence.
“Everybody has different opinions and views. It’s nice to listen to everyone else and gather insight from every participant in my class,” said Shane.
Goodwill New Beginnings not only helped Shane start afresh and lower his chances of recidivating, but the program also had lasting impacts on the self-sufficiency and recidivism rates of all who graduate. Since its inception in 2011, Goodwill New Beginnings graduates have maintained a less than 10% recidivism rate.
“Reentry is not easy for our clients, and our graduates’ low recidivism rate is a testament of how hard they work,” said Dr. Trelles Evans, senior director of coaching and reentry services. “By holding graduation ceremonies, we can really instill how much of an achievement this is.”
In December 2024, Shane graduated from the program and joined over 360 individuals who have reentered their communities through Goodwill New Beginnings.
“I have high expectations for myself upon graduation,” said Onstott. “I’m working toward building a career. I would like to grow within or outside Goodwill, but I know I will grow because of Goodwill New Beginnings.”