Televerde Foundation Releases Groundbreaking Economic Impact Report

Report Shows 3% Recidivism, $66 Million in Annual Economic Activity, and $7 Million in Tax Contributions

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Televerde Foundation today announced the findings of a new independent economic impact report titled "Economic Contributions of the Televerde Foundation in Indiana," prepared by the UMass Donahue Institute's Economic & Public Policy Research Group. The report reveals that the Foundation's reentry and workforce development programs in Indiana have reduced recidivism by 87.5 percent compared to the state average of 24 percent, while contributing over $66 million in annual economic activity and $7.2 million in new tax revenue.

These findings position the Televerde Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides personal and professional development opportunities to incarcerated women so they can attain meaningful and rewarding careers upon release, as one of the most effective reentry and second-chance employment models in the U.S., with far-reaching impacts on individuals, families, and the Indiana economy.

"Indiana has long been a leader in reentry and rehabilitation, and our partners help us continue to advance that mission. Workforce development and personal transformation are critical to successful reentry and doing our part in building safer, stronger communities," said Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner Lloyd Arnold.

The UMass Donahue Institute's analysis, based on nearly 300 program participants in Indiana, shows that women in the Foundation's PATHS (Prepare, Achieve, and Transform for Healthy Success) program—a career and reentry readiness initiative—earn more than double the median income of the formerly incarcerated population, experience dramatically lower unemployment, and are far less likely to return to prison.

In addition to public sector savings of $4.1 million annually, each program participant generates:

• $277,500 in annual economic activity.
• $30,000 in new tax contributions.
• $14,000 in net benefit to the State of Indiana.

These transformative outcomes are made possible through cross-sector partnerships and support from the *U.S. Department of Labor, Televerde, Aventiv Technologies, and McGraw-Hill, each of which contributes vital training, technology, and career-building opportunities for incarcerated women in Indiana correctional facilities.

"This report confirms what we've known for years: when we invest in people, we change outcomes," said Michelle Cirocco, executive director of the Televerde Foundation. "By coming together—state systems, for-profit companies, and nonprofit organizations—we're proving that scalable, sustainable solutions to mass incarceration and recidivism are not only possible, they're also already happening. Our work in Indiana is a best-in-class example of what transformation looks like when everyone does their part. It truly takes a village, and Indiana has built one that's changing lives, strengthening families, and generating real economic impact. We're proud to do this work in Indiana, alongside leadership that truly leads with action."

The full impact report can be accessed here.

QUOTES FROM SUPPORTING PARTNERS
Televerde
"When Televerde launched the Televerde Foundation in 2020, we had no idea just how impactful it would become in only five years. Thanks to the vision and relentless drive of Michelle Cirocco and her team, and the continued partnership of the Indiana Department of Correction, the Foundation has become a national model for reentry and second-chance success. This report validates what we've always believed: when you invest in people and surround them with the right support, the return is extraordinary." -- Vince Barsolo, CEO of Televerde

McGraw Hill
"The incredible outcomes highlighted in this report reinforce why McGraw Hill supports the Televerde Foundation and the PATHS program in Indiana and Arizona. We're seeing firsthand that education has the power to create opportunity and transform lives. By providing resources and access to our powerful digital teaching and learning tools, we're able to support participants on their unique paths to a rewarding future. We're incredibly impressed by the work the Televerde Foundation is leading and grateful for the opportunity to support their mission." -- Simon Allen, CEO of McGraw Hill.

Aventiv Technologies
"Workforce development is the cornerstone of successful reentry, and the Televerde Foundation shows what's possible when people are given the training and support to succeed. As a Fair Chance Hire employer, Aventiv has had the privilege of hiring graduates from this program and has seen firsthand how second-chance talent strengthens companies, reduces recidivism, and drives economic growth in our communities." – Stephanie Anderson, Chief Human Resources Officer, Aventiv Technologies

**This project received $2,998,101 from a grant awarded under the Pathways Home 3 program, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.

About the Televerde Foundation
Televerde Foundation's mission is to provide currently and formerly incarcerated women with the personal and professional development programs necessary to join and advance in the global workforce successfully. Our approach inspires creativity, imagination, self-confidence, and social skills while addressing issues that cause recidivism. We enable women to break the generational cycle of poverty and incarceration by becoming positive role models who can change the lives of future generations and build stronger communities. Learn more at https://www.televerdefoundation.org/.

Kellie Walenciak
[email protected]
908-377-9968

SOURCE Televerde Foundation