#United States #Indiana #Televerde Foundation #PATHS program #Indiana Economy

Televerde Foundation's Groundbreaking Economic Impact Report

On September 10, 2025, the Televerde Foundation released a transformative economic impact report that highlights the significant contributions of its workforce development programs in Indiana. This report, titled "Economic Contributions of the Televerde Foundation in Indiana," was prepared by the UMass Donahue Institute's Economic Public Policy Research Group.

Key Findings

The study reveals astonishing results, showcasing a reduction in recidivism rates due to the Foundation's initiatives. Specifically, it noted a dramatic 87.5% decrease in recidivism among participants compared to the state average of 24%. Furthermore, these programs contribute over $66 million in annual economic activity and generate about $7.2 million in new tax revenue for the state.

Empowering Women Through Reentry Programs

The Televerde Foundation focuses on providing essential personal and professional development opportunities specifically for incarcerated women. This approach not only equips them with the skills needed to reintegrate into the workforce, but also aims to foster a sense of purpose and capability, allowing them to pursue rewarding careers post-release. The PATHS (Prepare, Achieve, and Transform for Healthy Success) program stands out as a pillar of this effort, empowering participants with remarkable economic outcomes.

Women engaged in the PATHS program earn more than double the median income typically seen in formerly incarcerated individuals. The report emphasizes that those who complete the program experience significantly lower unemployment rates and a much-reduced likelihood of re-offending.

Economic Benefits Beyond Individuals

Each participant in the program brings remarkable economic benefits with them:

• - Generates $277,500 in annual economic activity
• - Contributes approximately $30,000 in new tax revenue
• - Creates a net benefit of $14,000 for the state of Indiana

Moreover, public sector savings amount to $4.1 million annually, underscoring the broader economic implications of investing in rehabilitation and reentry initiatives.

Collaborative Efforts for a Brighter Future

These profound findings are a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Labor and corporate partners like Televerde, Aventiv Technologies, and McGraw-Hill. Such partnerships are instrumental in providing crucial training, technology, and career development resources to women in Indiana’s correctional facilities.

Quotes from Leaders

Michelle Cirocco, the executive director of the Televerde Foundation, remarked, "This report confirms that when we invest in people, we change outcomes. Through the collaborative spirit of state systems, for-profit ventures, and nonprofit organizations, we’re making significant strides in combatting mass incarceration and recidivism. Our work exemplifies a model community initiative that changes lives and strengthens family units while boosting the economy."

Vince Barsolo, CEO of Televerde, expressed his pride in the Foundation’s rapid growth, stating, "When we launched the Televerde Foundation in 2020, we did not foresee how impactful it would become. This report reinforces our understanding that investing in individuals, particularly through support and education, yields extraordinary returns."

Simon Allen, CEO of McGraw Hill, added, "These outcomes highlight why we support the Televerde Foundation and its PATHS program. Education is a powerful catalyst for opportunity and transformation, and we’re proud to play a role in this change."

Finally, Stephanie Anderson from Aventiv Technologies solidified the narrative by affirming that their collaboration with the Foundation proves the potential of second-chance talent to contribute positively to communities.

Conclusion

The Televerde Foundation’s impact report is more than just numbers; it's a beacon of hope and proof that well-structured programs can break the cycle of incarceration. By fostering a collaborative approach and centralizing efforts on rehabilitation and workforce reintegration, Indiana is leading by example—transforming lives, strengthening communities, and reinforcing its economy. The Foundation's work is a crucial step towards a more equitable future and highlights the potential of second-chance employment models across the country.

For further details, the full report can be accessed here.