RecycleForce Lands Federal Grant for Youth Program

(photo courtesy of RecycleForce)

Indianapolis-based nonprofit RecycleForce has received a $4.5 million grant through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Young Adult Reentry Partnership program. Our partners at WFYI report the organization will use the funds to provide training and employment opportunities for young people in the justice system in Indianapolis, Bloomington and Gary.

RecycleForce provides services to formerly incarcerated adults, such as workforce training, case management, peer mentorship, and job opportunities. President Gregg Keesling tells WFYI the program will now be able to help youth.

“How do they go from they got caught with a gun but didn’t hurt anybody to putting that gun down and getting a job and getting back to school and back to themselves,” Keesling said. 

Keesling says the federal grant will allow the nonprofit to identify and reach more young people, with the goal of reaching 550 kids.

RecycleForce is currently planning a new headquarters and recycling center at the former RCA property on the east side of Indianapolis. The plant is expected to be complete next year.