Second Chances Lead to Stronger Businesses: Why Hiring People Who Have Been Involved in the Justice System Is Good for Indy
By: Rhiannon Edwards, Executive Director at PACE
At Public Advocates in Community re-Entry (PACE), we believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Yes, even someone who has been involved with the justice system.
The Indiana Department of Correction houses approximately 25,000 incarcerated men and women, with around 2,000 returning home to Marion County each year after their release. This is more than any other county in the state. With Indiana reporting a recidivism rate nearing 40 percent, access to stable employment and supportive services is critical to breaking this cycle.
PACE provides a variety of services to individuals and families impacted by the justice system as they work to rebuild productive, meaningful lives. A critical step in that journey is finding stable, gainful employment that connects them back to their communities. Without work, individuals often struggle to afford necessities like food, clothing and housing. When denied a second chance, many are pulled back into the same cycle that led to incarceration in the first place.
In recent years, PACE has seen a significant increase in the number of employers partnering with us to hire individuals with justice involvement. Amid ongoing labor shortages nationwide, there’s never been a better time for businesses to tap into this motivated and overlooked talent pool and offer those impacted by the justice system a second chance.
By choosing to be a “second‑chance employer,” your business doesn’t just fill roles, it transforms lives and strengthens our community. When you invest in those impacted by the justice system, you invest in resilience, community renewal, and long‑term success.
Let’s lead Indiana in building more inclusive, solutions‑driven workplaces. Let’s show how second chances aren’t just beneficial, they’re smart business.
Connect with PACE at 317-612-6800 or email [email protected] to explore partnerships, connect with talent, and take meaningful action. More information about PACE can be found at www.paceindy.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
