The Side Door to a Better Future
The Inspiration
The Side Door Foundation was founded by Brett Hollins, who has a personal connection to the mission he champions. Brett's belief in second chances is the cornerstone of the foundation, which aims to provide rehabilitative opportunities to individuals who lack access to them. Brett's personal reformation, crowned by his eventual role as captain of the basketball team at Southern Oregon University, highlights the transformative power of combining education with athletics.
The Story
Brett Hollins, the founder of The Side Door Foundation, has a deeply personal connection to the mission he champions. His journey began in a scenario far from uncommon: a youthful misstep compounded by systemic pressures led to a substantial prison sentence. However, it was behind bars where Brett found his calling. Engaging in sports and educational opportunities while incarcerated, he not only transformed his own life but also became a beacon of hope for others in similar situations. Brett's personal reformation, crowned by his eventual role as captain of the basketball team at Southern Oregon University, highlights his belief in second chances—a belief that's now the cornerstone of The Side Door Foundation.
Brett's "why" stems from his firsthand experience of the transformative power of combining education with athletics. Throughout his incarceration, he noticed that many individuals lacked access to the rehabilitative opportunities he was fortunate to encounter. Witnessing the potential in his peers, who were equally capable of redemption and growth but lacked the necessary support, Brett was inspired to bridge this gap. This realization propelled him to establish an organization dedicated to providing similar transformative opportunities to other formerly incarcerated individuals, focusing on their reintegration through collegiate sports and education.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by this demographic, Brett is particularly motivated to support formerly incarcerated individuals as they reenter society. He recognizes that this group is often overlooked and underserved, yet possesses untapped potential that, if nurtured, can lead to significant personal and community benefits. By providing a platform where these individuals can strive for educational attainment and athletic excellence, Brett aims to dismantle the stigmas associated with incarceration. His commitment is not just to change individual lives but also to influence societal perceptions, advocating for systemic changes that support long-term success for these individuals.
Through The Side Door Foundation, Brett is not just giving back but paving a forward path for countless others.