On Wednesday, October 12th, RecycleForce hosted Secretary Marty Walsh and Congressman Andre Carson for a press conference, tour, and roundtable discussion with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.
RecycleForce is a long-time, successful US Department of Labor grantee, receiving 7 competitive grants (Enhanced Transitional Job Demonstration, 2 Training to Work, Reentry Program, Pathway Home, Young Adult Reentry Program, and Growth Opportunities) totaling more than $20 million since 2011. RecycleForce highlighted how grant money is put into action by reducing crime through employment and job training while also improving the environment through electronics recycling.
Take Andrew King for example. Mr. King came to RecycleForce when it was a subrecipient for a DOL grant in 2009. He was homeless and unable to find a job, and now he’s the Director of Inventory and Quality Control at RecycleForce. “You lose hope,” he said. “What this program really does is gives people the ability to have dignity again and be part of society. And that’s really what we’re doing at RecycleForce, and I’m part of that journey. I’ve been here now for 13 years and I get the honor of helping other people follow the same path that I took and was given the opportunity to.”
During the press conference, Congressman Carson spoke about Hoosier Hospitality and its place in the workforce. “We’re about ensuring equal pay and opportunities to succeed, and we’re about making sure that no matter what your lot in life, you have a chance for a better future” he said. “Organizations like RecycleForce give us hope. Not everyone is given the same chance to succeed, and that’s why I’ll continue supporting efforts to give people, young people especially, the job training or schooling they need to thrive in our modern workforce. That’s why we’re going to keep fighting to make sure that even if you make a mistake, you have a second chance. We all thrive when we see equity at work.”
Secretary Walsh spoke about the federal government’s investment in second chance programs and the opportunities they create, not only for a stronger workforce but in people’s lives. “These are investments in human beings,” he said. “These investments are making a difference, and it’s important for us to continue with job training and workforce development, and that’s what we’re going to do at the DOL is continue to work with great organizations like RecycleForce to show that there’s proof in investment.”
After the press conference, RecycleForce President Gregg Keesling gave a tour of the warehouse to Secretary Walsh and Congressman Carson. They were able to meet RecycleForce participants, learn about the certifications they earn while working at RecycleForce, and see the electronics recycling process. Industry-recognized certifications like Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER 40), funded in large part through three competitive grants from the Environmental Protection Agency, provide participants with strong, marketable skills for the competitive workforce.
Once the tour concluded, the roundtable began with Mayor Joe Hogsett discussing equity at work. During the roundtable, there was a discussion around exploring the need for improved working conditions and economic opportunities for marginalized groups, and how we can all contribute to creating a more equitable labor force in Indianapolis.
“RecycleForce’s mission really reflects the mission of labor as a whole,” said Mayor Hogsett. “When valuable work is done, you earn a decent wage, a decent living. It’s that simple.”