Goodwill New Beginnings, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s reentry program, was excited to celebrate its last graduation of 2023. Individuals who have experienced the criminal justice system were honored for achieving all of the requirements to graduate from the program and reenter their communities.
For many people who have experienced the justice system, reentry has several substantial barriers. After leaving the justice system, housing, educational resources and supportive social networks can be difficult to find. These factors are essential for a person’s well-being and ability to engage in society – but one of the most critical keys to reentry success is being able to secure a family-sustaining wage.
Goodwill New Beginnings is a program designed to break down the barriers to reentry. It offers resources and support to help individuals secure housing and healthcare, reinstate their driver’s license, address legal challenges and more with the goal of transitioning participants from entry-level work at Goodwill to a skilled, in-demand career within their community.
“Goodwill New Beginnings is proud to serve our program participants and assist with their reentry process,” said Dr. Trelles Evans, regional director of reentry services at Goodwill. “Every year, our graduates overcome incredible barriers to achieve their goals, and we always want to celebrate their drive to succeed.”
The program’s quarterly graduation ceremonies provide cohorts with a unique opportunity to share their accomplishments, surrounded by the people who supported them through the reentry process. This wintertime graduation was held on Friday, December 15, at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s corporate office.
Fifteen graduates concluded their participation in Goodwill New Beginnings, bringing this year’s total number of graduates reentering their communities to 48. Last year, graduates of Goodwill New Beginnings maintained a zero percent recidivism rate compared to Indiana’s current rate of 33.8%.
If you would like to learn more about Goodwill New Beginnings, visit goodwillindy.org/employment-services.