UMass Donahue Institute

Executive Summary

The UMass Donahue Institute’s Economic & Public Policy Research Group (EPPR) conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Televerde Foundation’s impact in Indiana. The Foundation provides workforce development, reentry support, and professional training to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, with the goal of reducing recidivism and promoting economic self-sufficiency. The program has served nearly 300 people to date.

Public Sector Relevance

The Televerde Foundation’s programs generate measurable fiscal and social returns that align with key policy priorities, including:

• Reducing incarceration costs: Only three percent of program participants return to incarceration, compared to 24% of the broader formerly incarcerated population.

• Public sector savings: The program saves $4.1 million annually through reduced incarceration and public benefit costs—equivalent to $17,200 per participant.

• Improving workforce participation: Participants earn a median income of $33,280, more than double the average for formerly incarcerated individuals, and experience significantly lower unemployment (9% vs. 22%).

• Enhancing child and family outcomes: By enabling more mothers to successfully reenter the workforce after incarceration, the program brings increased stability and security to the lives of children.

Economic and Fiscal Impact

• Public Savings: The Foundation’s programs reduce recidivism and demand for social benefits, resulting in $4.1 million in annual savings.

• Tax Revenue: Economic benefits contribute another $7.2 million annually in taxes, bringing total annual public sector benefits to $11.3 million.

• Economic Activity: Through public sector savings and the employment of participants, the programs support 320 jobs, $20 million of income, and $66 million of total economic activity annually.

Annual Per Participant Returns

Annual impacts from each program participant are: • $277,500 in economic activity UMass Donahue Institute Economic and Public Policy Research 7 • $14,000 in net benefits to the State of Indiana from incarceration savings and new taxes • $11,000 in additional savings to the state and federal governments from avoided benefits • For every 100 program participants, Indiana can expect benefits of over 130 jobs, $27 million in economic activity, and $1.4 million in net revenues to the state every year.

Social Impact on Families and Children

The Foundation’s programs help stabilize families, enabling mothers to regain custody, secure housing, and pursue education. These outcomes reduce adverse childhood experiences, which are strongly linked to long-term public costs in health, education, and criminal justice.

Policy Implications

Investing in second-chance employment and reentry programs like those offered by the Televerde Foundation: • Reduces correctional spending • Strengthens the labor force • Improves intergenerational outcomes • Supports community resilience The Televerde Foundation delivers measurable economic value and transformative social outcomes. Its programs not only empower women to rebuild their lives but also generate substantial returns for the broader Indiana economy and community.