Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s reentry program, New Beginnings, has helped individuals impacted by the criminal justice system start fresh since 2011. The program offers participants resources and services that help them overcome barriers, address legal challenges, and more.

Goodwill New Beginnings focuses on six primary components, including full-time employment, stable housing, a positive support system, and mental health. However, mental health hasn’t always been a key piece of the program. Over the past 15 years, the supportive curriculum has changed, influenced by the needs of participants.

“Goodwill New Beginnings has always been rooted in supporting the whole person, but mental health was not initially as formalized as it is today,” said Dr. Trelles Evans, senior director of coaching and reentry at Goodwill. “Early on, our focus centered on employment, job readiness and barrier removal. However, as the program matured, we began to see a consistent pattern—participants were not just facing external barriers like housing or transportation, but also internal challenges tied to trauma, anxiety, depression and long-standing behavioral patterns.”

As a result of that observation, Goodwill New Beginnings added the mental health focus to the curriculum, bridging the gap between participants’ opportunity and achievement of long-term success. By addressing mental health, they can also better engage in the program, retain their employment and build stability even after they graduate through emotional regulation and healthy coping strategies.

Clint Johnson, the mental health counselor with Goodwill New Beginnings, conducts that balancing act and directly connects with participants. He assesses needs and builds trust, often seeing participants cope with layered stressors. As Clint works with participants, he sees them grow, open up and develop awareness of how their thoughts, emotions and behaviors are connected.

“Many participants struggle with unresolved trauma, whether from childhood experiences, community violence or time spent in the justice system,” said Clint. “That can show up as being guarded, difficulty trusting others or challenges with emotional regulation. In addition, sobriety can be a contributing factor to their challenges.”

By being present and accessible, Clint creates a space where participants feel seen, heard, and supported as they work toward stability and growth.

“Since starting sessions with Mr. Johnson, I can honestly say my life and mental health have truly improved,” said a Goodwill New Beginnings participant. “I have been working on myself, and the evidence is there to support that growth. I have been in a peaceful state of mind for the first time in a long time, and I continue to work to maintain it. There are fewer arguments, more civilized conversations and a more positive approach to difficult situations.”

To Dr. Trelles, the success of integrating mental health into Goodwill New Beginnings has centered on trust, a pillar of the program.

“What we’ve learned is that when you combine opportunity with the right level of support, including mental health, you don’t just help someone get a job, you help them change the trajectory of their life,” said Dr. Trelles. “And that’s ultimately what Goodwill New Beginnings is about.”

To learn more about Goodwill New Beginnings, visit goodwillindy.org/employment-services.