From prison time to game time: Side Door Foundation inspires inmates at Deer Ridge Correctional Institute
Harley Coldiron
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hundreds of inmates at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution gathered this week to watch a basketball game between prisoners, correctional officers, and the Side Door Foundation—a nonprofit that travels the country using sports to build community and promote rehabilitation inside prisons.
“It’s pretty cool, something special,” said Marcus, one of the incarcerated men at Deer Ridge. “Doing more things like this definitely helps out our community here. It brings us together as one.”
The Side Door Foundation, which has introduced similar programs to 11 prisons in six states, utilizes sports as a means to foster connections, highlight potential, and instill hope in inmates.
For Frank, who has been behind bars for seven years, the experience was a first. “I’ve never really seen people come together like this,” he said. “It’s pretty cool.”
The man behind the program, Brett Hollins, understands the challenges of incarceration firsthand. Once a Marine and a star basketball player at Southern Oregon University, Hollins spent four years in prison himself. It was there that he decided his path forward would lead him back inside prisons, this time to inspire others.
“All it takes is one decision,” Hollins said. “Seeing the amount of people here that need help, I can’t put this behind me. Just showing up gives them a sense of hope that they can go out and live a productive life after this.”
On the court, Hollins still has skills, and the prisoners know it. They erupted in cheers when he blocked an inmate’s shot, and gave him some friendly trash talk after a few baskets they called “lucky.”
Yet, even with his experience playing college basketball, it wasn’t enough to stop the Deer Ridge team. They controlled the game the entire time and went on to win 71-54.
Between coaching and organizing the events, he joined in the action, battling both inmates and community members like Summit High School basketball coach Joe Wells.
“For us to be able to do that through sport, it’s magical,” Wells said. “The opportunities I get to help these young men on their path—wherever they’re going—are powerful.”
Hollins stresses the importance of accountability, but also of second chances. “Ninety percent of inmates are coming home,” he said. “If we’re not willing to give them opportunities, how are they supposed to live a productive life?”
For many inmates, the games offer not just entertainment, but a reminder of what life could look like beyond prison walls. “Just promoting positivity,” Marcus said.
Frank added, “I want to get out, be with my family, and try to get a good job. Change the things I used to do.”
For Hollins, that message is the ultimate goal: showing that redemption is possible, one game at a time.
Side Door Foundation is funded entirely through Hollins students’ loans as he pursues his master’s degree. If you want to donate to his cause, click the link here.