INDIANAPOLIS — New Beginnings, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s reentry program, celebrated its summer graduation recently.
The graduates were recognized for completing the curriculum and satisfying the program's requirements. Since 2021, officials say over 100 people have graduated from Goodwill New Beginnings.
"Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is a proud second-chance employer, offering a career path and family-sustaining incomes to people with past experiences with the criminal justice system" said Jennifer Kakasuleff, a spokesperson for Goodwill.
Kakasuleff says Goodwill employs over 700 people, which equates to roughly 14% of their workforce, who have "self-reported involvement" in the justice system.
She says 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, participants can work toward transitioning from entry-level work at Goodwill to a skilled, in-demand career within their community," Kakasuleff said.
For over 10 years, Goodwill New Beginnings has impacted convicted criminals’ tendency to reoffend. According to officials, the program has maintained recidivism of less than 10% compared to Indiana’s 30% and Marion County's 46%.
“Our graduates have completed a rigorous curriculum to achieve their goals,” said Dr. Trelles Evans, senior director of coaching and reentry services. “They’ve made great strides to be successful and productive members of their community. They deserve recognition for that.”
