At Goodwill, our mission is to change lives every day by empowering people to increase their independence and reach their potential through employment, education, housing and health. However, that mission doesn’t just apply to the people we serve in our mission programs; we also want to ensure that empowerment is extended to our over 6,000 Goodwill employees, whom we want to care for holistically.

In June, Goodwill hosted its eighth annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament, bringing together the community and law enforcement for a day of friendly competition and sportsmanship.

Each year, Goodwill employees are encouraged to share stories of individuals who have overcome significant barriers to achieve success. Through a formal nomination and selection process, candidates are narrowed down to the top three finalists in each category.Once the award winners are selected, a video production process begins to bring these remarkable stories of resilience to life.

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.

Montez Day knows firsthand that a single moment does not define a lifetime. Today, he serves as the Manager of Goodwill New Beginnings at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, a role he stepped into in 2025 after starting as a facilitator and receiving several promotions since joining the organization in September 2021. But his path to leadership was shaped by years of transformation, education, and an unwavering belief in the power of second chances.

For many individuals leaving the justice system, the road back to stability isn’t just uphill, it’s often a dead end. But at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, a transformative initiative called Goodwill New Beginnings is proving that with the right support, the cycle of incarceration can be broken for good.

Goodwill New Beginnings is Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s reentry program, offering resources, wraparound support and intensive case management services to those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. This program not only helps program participants secure healthcare and housing, but also helps them develop the skills and preparation they need to progress professionally.

Darnell Bates is a dedicated father, a respected manufacturing supervisor and a mentor to many at Goodwill Commercial Services. But the journey to the life he leads today was anything but easy.

At the end of July, Goodwill New Beginnings hosted its seventh annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament. This event is designed to connect law enforcement, the Department of Corrections and the local community through an afternoon of friendly competition, sportsmanship and fun.

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.