In the headline for the article “Recycling Lives: “Social Enterprise” Employs Newly Released Prisoners,” published on 9/30/11,a reference was made that “Green For All” was a part of Workforce, Inc.’s employment program. It is not. We apologize for any confusion that we may have caused.
The corrected article follows:
In 2006, Workforce, Inc. (WFI) began hiring formerly incarcerated persons for their electronic waste recycling business. Calling itself a “social enterprise,“ the goal of WFI is to become the “most comprehensive recycling hub” in Indianapolis, Indiana, while providing newly released prisoners with employment opportunities and social support.
WFI is contracted with the City of Indianapolis and educational facilities to help recycle discarded electronic devices, such as computers, and to keep them from ending up in landfills. WFI also recycles other waste materials such as cardboard, aluminum and plastic. Employees are able to receive certifications in Hazardous Materials and Forklift Safety, as well as learn marketable skills. WFI also provides supportive services through an Employee Assistance Program.
Newly released employees work in WFI’s transitional jobs program for up to six months. According to WFI, “A typical day involves six to seven hours of paid work and one to two hours of release time for participation in activities that address specific barriers to successful reentry, such as basic education classes, job training, drug/alcohol or other treatment, and scheduled appointments.” WFI claims that since 2006 its 287 employees have been paid nearly $1.75 million. Additionally, employees who owed child support were able to pay an average of $1300 during the six months they were with WFI.
WFI hires those who have been released from jail or prison within the past 60 days. They only hire formerly incarcerated individuals, and do not restrict employment based on the category of the crime committed. WFI claims that some of their most successful employees had been convicted of serious crimes. An added benefit is that program participants have a recidivism rate of 17%, a far lower rate than those who are not enrolled in the WFI program.
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