Stable, Quality Employment Reduces Recidivism
Helena, Mont. - Commissioner Sarah Swanson announced today that Montana has received a nearly one million dollar grant to support workforce reentry for individuals returning to the state after serving a federal prison sentence. The Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) grant program through the US Department of Labor and Department of Justice aims to support individuals leaving federal custody as they reenter society and the workforce.
"With these funds, MTDLI will link inmates to opportunities for further education and training, including apprenticeships, to jump start their new careers," Commissioner Swanson said. "This grant enhances Montana's commitment to dismantling employment barriers, enhancing public safety, and alleviating the burden on our law enforcement and court system."
The $943,097 grant will enhance MTDLI's efforts in offering vital workforce development resources like job training and support services, aiding Montanans in securing stable and fulfilling careers. Nearly all Montana’s 1,300 federal inmates serve their time out-of-state, returning home post-release often with scant resources, including housing and basic support, which heightens the risk of reoffending. With this funding, MTDLI can swiftly intervene, providing the necessary resources to help these individuals succeed and build a new life beyond incarceration.
Research shows that stable, quality employment is crucial in reducing recidivism and fostering successful reentry into the community. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, “…formerly incarcerated individuals are 24% less likely to return to prison if they acquired new skills and held a job during incarceration.
Additionally, those who are unable to maintain employment experience a recidivism rate of 52% over three years, whereas their peers who maintain employment for one-year post-release experienced a recidivism rate of just 16%.”
MTDLI is currently executing this program using PROWD grant funds awarded in the past. Using these additional funds, MTDLI can maintain and, if needed, expand the program.
For questions about the program, please contact Sam Loveridge at 406-670-8522.
