For over 10 years, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana's New Beginnings program has helped previously incarcerated people reenter their communities successfully and positively impacted its participants' recidivism or the rate of returning to prison. Compared to Indiana’s recidivism rate of 34%, Goodwill New Beginnings participants maintain a recidivism rate under 10%.
The program offers resources to help participants secure housing and health care, reinstate their driver’s license, address legal challenges and more. Through barrier removal and case management, Goodwill New Beginnings participants can work toward transitioning from entry-level work at Goodwill to a skilled, in-demand career within their community.
Tyrone White, a graduate of Goodwill New Beginnings, was able to create a new path for himself and grow his career through his participation in the program.
After being released from incarceration, Tyrone was referred to Goodwill New Beginnings, where he was introduced to one of the fundamentals of the program: employment. He washed windows, cut grass and painted walls at Goodwill sites as a facilities maintenance team employee. Eventually, his hard work and excellent attendance earned him a leadership position on his team.
While making leaps and bounds professionally, Tyrone attended class, another essential part of the program. Goodwill New Beginnings facilitators lead group discussions and teach participants hard and soft skills while providing techniques to help modify their behavior and mindset.
“Attending class helped me reflect on the progression and success I had along the way,” said Tyrone. “I also liked that facilitators taught interviewing skills. They instilled in people the confidence to be asked and answer interview questions.”
With the help of Goodwill New Beginnings staff, Tyrone met personal goals, such as buying a truck, opening a bank account and spending more quality time with his family. After completing all of the requirements to complete the program in 2018, Tyrone graduated at a ceremony held at Goodwill’s corporate office.
“The mayor and the police commissioner came to my graduation,” said Tyrone. “I went from a Class A felon doing 20 years to holding hands with the mayor. I changed from a wild and angry youth to becoming a leader who wants to positively motivate people from all backgrounds.”
Now, Tyrone shares his story with others, encouraging them to reach for their goals and find the resources to help them along their journey. He loves helping people find the right fit, especially those with previous experiences with the justice system. He has transitioned from Goodwill to a supervisor position with the Indianapolis Department of Public Works and gives back to the program by hiring Goodwill New Beginnings participants whenever possible.
Tyrone is proud of his reentry and wants others to experience the same supportive process he did.
“I feel like it’s supposed to be this way,” said Tyrone. “When I was incarcerated, my life was on a shelf just waiting for an expiration date. Now, every day is an adventure. It’s a celebration every single day.”
For more information or to refer a potential candidate, please contact the Goodwill New Beginnings team at 317-524-3956 or newbeginnings@goodwillindy.org.