RecycleForce (RF)

I made a site visit to RecycleForce three weeks ago,there was a graduate student from California there to study the model so she could replicate it in California.  How cool is that?RecycleForce (RF) is an Indianapolis-based not-for-profit social enterprise with a twofold mission:1) to become the most comprehensive recycler in the State of Indiana and 2) to help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully re-enter society by providing paid employment and training complemented by a host of social services. Since inception,RF has helped over 350 individuals return home and at the same time processed over 12 million pounds of materials. 

Over 6,000 individuals return to Marion County each year from prison,these individuals face a host of barriers to employment —low education levels,limited work skills,absence of work experience,and stipulations related to ongoing supervision after release from prison.  To overcome these barriers, RF has created a work environment that offers flexibility,robust supportive services,assistance re-connecting with family,and community support.  By providing these individuals immediate employment post-release,RF is able to disrupt the revolving door of recidivism.  This initial job post-release represents the first step to re-integrating into the world of work.  As workers become more integrated into the community and understand that working and responsibility has its own rewards,many will seek jobs with higher pay,better benefits,and/or working conditions/tasks that better meet their needs.  RF encourages this by providing career services as well as work supports to promote work attachment during the time of transition to a new job. 

Location:754 N. Sherman Drive. 

Contact:Thomas Gray at tgray@recycleforce.org