Congressman Carson helps Volunteers of America of Indiana secure one million dollar grant

Today, Congressman André Carson announced that Volunteers of America of Indiana is the recipient of a one million dollar grant from the Department of Justice to help reduce recidivism rates across the state.

The funds will be used to fund mentoring for mothers and fathers that are within six months of release from a correctional facility. The goal is to reduce recidivism rates by providing mentoring that focuses on family reunification, employment and training and substance abuse treatment.

The Department of Justice awarded grants in several categories; however, Volunteers of America of Indiana is the only recipient in the state to receive an award in the ‘Comprehensive Community-Based Adult Reentry Program Utilizing Mentors' category.

"Volunteers of America has been a leader in providing innovative and effective services to the prison re-entry population since the early 1900's," said Will Raihl, President/CEO of Volunteers of America of Indiana. "This grant will allow Volunteers of America to continue the support and help we provide to this at-risk population."

In May, Congressman André Carson wrote a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder urging support for the grant and asking that Volunteers of America of Indiana receive the requested funding.

"By securing one million dollars in federal funding, our state can better equip parents with the skills they need to be effective parents," said Carson. "Everyone wins when families are able to succeed together."