Blue Jacket, Inc.

Website Links

Description

Blue Jacket, Incorporated is an independent 501c3 nonprofit, originally a spin-out agency from Allen County Community Corrections, where a few of its original programs were developed. Much of the entity’s inspiration came about through the Allen County ReEntry Court, a widely acclaimed initiative that is overseen by Honorable John F. Surbeck. It officially launched in October 2005. Blue Jacket, Incorporated was created, in large part: 1) To fill the gap in local workforce programs and services. 2) To provide services to people with criminal records also not active in the adult criminal justice system. 3) To provide real transitional job opportunities. 4) To eventually self-fund through enterprising efforts. 5) To offer these services to other jurisdictions. The recidivism rate for the state and federal systems are between 40 - 44% within 1 year. Blue Jacket's recidivism rate is 18% (2008) within one year. Recidivism is defined as return to prison for any reason or re-arrested for any reason within one year, regardless if found guilty. It is Blue Jacket's goal to reduce this to 12% within 1 year of graduating from the Blue Jacket training. Typically, upon leaving the prison system, offenders face many barriers. Employers are reluctant to hire them, landlords will not rent to them, many do not have a driver’s license, many have child support obligations with little means to pay, and few can manage a simple budget. so•cial en•ter•prise (n.) Any earned-income business or strategy undertaken by a nonprofit to generate revenue in support of its charitable mission. "Earned income" consists of payments received in direct exchange for a product, service or privilege. Blue Jacket launched a construction enterprise that was tabled until the right time and resources are available, and now a staffing enterprise that gives employers a "try before you buy" opportunity, while giving clients a transitional opportunity to refine skills and work ethic, and Blue Jacket a new way to fundraise while charging a competitive rate for the service.

Products & services

Similar companies nearby