The Dallas Mavericks and Mavs Foundation continue to help improve the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition back into society. Last summer, the Mavs teamed up with Chime to renovate a tech center at Volunteers of America in Fort Worth, sparking hope for 400 former offenders as they build their resumes and search for employment.
In the summer of 2023, the Mavs Foundation will transform a living area into a computer room for women in the MINT program who are pregnant or have just given birth.
“We are excited to be able to continue our investment of $1 million back into the community,” said Katie Edwards, President of the Mavs Foundation. “Each year brings new and growing needs from across North Texas. We strive to spread our commitment across diverse programs to respond to our changing world and support families who need it most during this time.”
The Mavs Foundation team worked from mid-May 2022 until July 2022 to prepare the new tech center at VOATX. The organization operates two halfway houses, serving former federal prison inmates preparing to transition home.
The space was upgraded to better support the employment process necessary for a successful transition for the people they serve. The improvements included a new Mavs silver paint and trim, a Mavs wall mural to inspire and uplift the residents, new shelving, tablets, desks, computers, printers, tech storage, and privacy cubes for virtual interviews and personal calls.
On July 14, 2022, the Mavs Foundation hosted a grand opening to celebrate the renewed space.
“We’re just thrilled to be here on behalf of the Mavs Foundation and the Dallas Mavericks to help unveil this new space today,” said Edwards, who also serves as the Dallas Mavericks Chief Impact Officer. “This is an important project for us. This is the first time we’ve created a space for young mothers and formerly incarcerated individuals. We’re excited to help support the reentry programs critical for folks in our area.”
Mavs DJ Poizon Ivy hosted a dedication ceremony to celebrate this project, and former Dallas Mavericks player Jimmy King spoke at the event. Other attendees included VOA President and CEO Angela King, Chime Brand Partnerships Lead Jackie Murchison, and Dallas Mavericks and Mavs Foundation executive staff.
“Each year, we help more than 400 former offenders transition back into the community from prison at our residential reentry center in Fort Worth,” said King. “The computer lab is an essential part of the reintegration of our clients as they build their resumes, search, and apply for employment. We are excited about our partnership with the Mavs Foundation and their commitment to helping our community’s vulnerable population.”
The world has significantly changed since some incarcerated individuals last applied for jobs. Therefore, the technology space will be used for continuing education and to give the men and women a chance to apply for jobs and prepare for their future.
The Mavs purposely created a bright, inspiring room to spark renewal and hope for the people VOA serves. A blue mural is splashed across the walls, along with the Mavs Foundation and Chime logos, to remind the individuals how they are cherished by their hometown NBA team.
“We wanted to make this a fun and happy space,” said Edwards. “A special thanks to my staff; they are the best in the league. We’re also thankful to all the volunteers. This work is truly not possible without our nonprofit partners. We’re just so grateful to Volunteers of America for everything they do and their desire to make this a better community.”
The Mavs Foundation is in the final preparation stage to create a Mavs Reading & Learning Center for the MINT program that will be dedicated in the summer of 2023.
MINT is a unique program for female offenders who come to the Federal Bureau of Prisons expecting to deliver a child.
The women enter the program at about seven months into their pregnancy and spend the next two months preparing for the birth of their child by attending classes and registering for public aid programs. After the baby’s birth, they will spend the next three months building a bond with their child.
The new Mavs Foundation reading and learning space will help the women with reintegration efforts as they seek employment and gain other skills that will help them support their families and gain additional skills.
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