Reentry Jobs

There is nothing more heartening for a criminal just released from prison—whose intention is to go straight—than a simple straightforward job with an understanding boss and a decent paycheck, and this program appears to be providing that, as reported by the Indianapolis Star.

Our prayers are with them.

An excerpt.

“Gregg Keesling's conversation is frenetic and varied, his social mobility (and lung capacity) surely unparalleled.

“He consoles felons just out of prison, talks sustainability with earnest young environmentalists and joshes about Purdue football over lunch with his fellow Rotarians.

"Gregg has this ability to engage people, to talk with all people," said Jannett Keesling, his wife of 26 years. "Of course, he can keep going for hours. People ask me, 'How do you cope?' "

“But joking aside, her husband is making a name for himself -- here and across the nation -- for his innovative approach to solving problems.

“Last week, Keesling received an award for innovation from the prestigious, San Francisco-based Social Venture Network (an earlier recipient was Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's).

“Keesling was honored for his work with the nonprofit company he started in 2006, Workforce Inc. The Eastside company hires ex-offenders and helps them transition back to society while helping to improve the environment.

“Workforce Inc. strips electronic equipment, mostly computers, and sells the electronic waste to recyclers.

“The company's plan -- the only one of its kind in Indianapolis -- addresses two of the nation's most pressing concerns: what to do with felons newly back on the streets (about 5,000 a year in Marion County alone) and what to do with the toxic innards of discarded computers.

"Gregg is a visionary leader, and he's really changing our society," said U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, D-Indianapolis.

“The next adventure

“Now comes Keesling's next big social venture: On Monday, Workforce Inc. will open what is expected to be the city's most comprehensive recycling center.

"Plastics, glass, metal -- they're going to be taking everything," said Renée Sweany, who runs an environmental affairs Web site and is the marketing manager for the Hoosier Environmental Council. "The fact (Keesling) incorporates a social mission with their environmental mission is just a win-win."

“Workforce Inc., with its $1.5 million annual budget, survives mostly on grants, public and private. But Keesling is trying to lessen its dependence on those sources by increasing sales. And that means recycling more junk.”