By Gregg Keesling

Every year, thousands of Hoosiers return home from prison ready to work, yet many lack stable jobs and support. Programs like RecycleForce help returning Hoosiers earn more and reduce their likelihood of returning to prison, which benefits families, employers and taxpayers alike.

Indiana has set the stage for a better approach. Last March, the General Assembly unanimously passed bipartisan legislation led by Rep. Carey Hamilton and Sen. Michael Crider and signed by Gov. Mike Braun that formally recognizes employment social enterprises as a distinct business structure in Indiana law.

ESEs are businesses built to do good — they provide jobs, training and support to people overcoming experiences like incarceration or homelessness.

RecycleForce is an ESE that serves as a vital bridge for individuals transitioning out of the Indiana Department of Correction. By providing an immediate job, specialized training and career support to those re-entering the community, ESEs directly reduce recidivism and the high costs of incarceration. With the new law in place, Indiana can better leverage ESEs as a core part of workforce development.

The RecycleForce ABC Model begins with an “any job,” an immediate transitional position offering not just a wage-paying job but also wraparound services, industry-recognized credentials and real work experience. Workers progress to a “better job,” often through our partner staffing enterprise, Keys2Work. Finally, they are ready for a “career” with central Indiana employers as they complete parole or other oversight. This stepped-up approach increases workforce participation while gradually reducing correctional supervision.

The evidence is clear. A rigorous, randomized controlled trial [by MDRC], the gold standard of social research, showed RecycleForce employees earned nearly $5,000 more than their peers and were more likely to remain employed. Just as important, I see the impact every day in the stability, confidence and momentum our employees gain….

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