In early October, an unlikely basketball game took place between Snake River Correctional Institution’s (SRCI) Select Team, made up of all adults in custody (AICs), and the Side Door Foundation, which includes former AICs, G-League players, and former college athletes.
The Side Door Foundation is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on providing opportunities for athletic and academic achievement. Its mission aims to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation and reintegration for those who are currently or formerly incarcerated.
Brett Hollins, the foundation’s founder, along with Drew Dukeshire, the Program Coordinator, both share a personal history as former AICs who have spent time at SRCI. Mr. Hollins reached out to DOC, requesting the opportunity to give back to the AIC population at SRCI by organizing a basketball game. His vision is to change the stigma surrounding incarceration while transforming individual lives and helping to support long-term success for those reentering society. Through the Side Door Foundation, Brett is not just giving back—he’s forging a path forward for countless others.
Those who attended, including DOC Director Mike Reese, SRCI staff, and AICs, were treated to mini pizzas, sodas, and popcorn, which enhanced the overall atmosphere of the occasion. For those who did not attend, the game was broadcast on SRCI’s in-house channels.
Ultimately, the gathering provided AICs with a unique opportunity to engage, recognize their potential for change, and envision a future beyond their current circumstances. It served to inspire hope and rekindle dreams and goals once cherished.
