Brittany Hart joined Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s reentry program, New Beginnings, in 2022. She knew she’d be able to take advantage of the many tools and resources the reentry program offers to help those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
When enrolled in the program, participants can receive assistance in securing health care, reinstating drivers’ licenses, addressing legal challenges and more. Through barrier removal and wraparound support, they can also work toward transitioning from entry-level work at Goodwill to a skilled, in-demand career within their community.
Brittany received financial wraparound assistance from Goodwill New Beginnings, including help securing the deposit for her new home through the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP) and ensuring she was able to make her monthly rent.
“I have four kids and moving can be very expensive,” said Brittany. “So, help from INHP was useful.”
Additionally, while enrolled in Goodwill New Beginnings, Brittany earned her CPR instructor certification. As a former licensed practical nurse, this was the perfect opportunity for Brittany to refamiliarize herself with the healthcare field.
After she graduated from the program, Brittany had earned new budgeting skills and a new sense of self through Goodwill New Beginnings’s activities, coaches and facilitators.
“I liked the staff in Goodwill New Beginnings,” said Brittany. “They really care about the participants. The staff treat our problems as if they were theirs.”
Brittany has several goals for the future, including expungement. She’s interested in the Legal Expungement Advice Program (LEAP), an initiative that provides those affiliated with Goodwill and their immediate families free expungement consultation services with Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Through LEAP, Brittany can open doors for her career.
“I want to take my refresher courses and get back into nursing,” said Brittany.
Brittany always tells others her story, hoping that it can inspire people and encourage them to join Goodwill New Beginnings. She emphasizes that those reentering society from the justice system have to want to do the footwork and better themselves. Reflecting on her experiences, she feels proud of herself, her perseverance, and her ability to reenter her community successfully.
“I see why people give up,” said Brittany. “You’re denied opportunities over and over. But Goodwill was my second chance.”
To learn more about Goodwill New Beginnings, visit goodwillindy.org/employment-services.
