Project Return Helps Former Inmates Find Jobs

Nearly 15,000 people are released from Tennessee penitentiaries each year. Project Return is dedicated to helping the formerly incarcerated successfully transition back into communities and work.

Founded in Nashville in 1979, Project Return expanded to Chattanooga in 2021. The nonprofit program provides the resources and services, including employment training and networking, social enterprises, education and coaching programs, transportation support, affordable housing, and prison in-reach programs to prepare prospects for a new life upon release.

And it works. In its 2022 spring newsletter, Project Return Chattanooga highlights Mark and Dustin, former inmates who participated in Project Return’s Opportunity for Employment (PROe), the organization’s high-quality staffing company. Those temporary placements allowed Mark and Dustin to gain work experience, build references and demonstrate reliability. As a result, the men are now employed full-time for a growing construction company in the region.

Often, former inmates struggle to find work and readjust to life outside of prison. Tennessee Governor’s Task Force on Sentencing and Recidivism reports that nearly half of those released from jail in the state are back behind bars within three years. Project Return works to reduce that recidivism and meet employers’ needs.

Project Return has built a record of success with nearly 1,500 job placements as of 2020.

The expansion into Chattanooga was supported by a state grant and donations from the Unum and Chattanooga Gas foundations.

Governor Bill Lee is a supporter of the program. Before running for office, Lee participated in a prison ministry that paired inmates with mentors.

“For years, Project Return has given formerly incarcerated Tennesseans the tools and resources to ensure a successful transition back into the community,” the governor says. “Their programs break the cycle of incarceration, strengthen our workforce and give men and women across our state a chance to thrive.”

If you’d like to learn more about the Greater Chattanooga area, check out the latest edition of Chattanooga Region Economic Development.


Originally published through Livability, here. Photo credit: Project Return.

Other Topics

Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground cave waterfall in the United States that's open to the public.   And, while the breathtaking waterfall is undoubtedly the main attraction, the business operations are equally impressive behind the scenes. As…

Small businesses form the backbone of our local economy. Each year our Chattanooga Chamber takes time to recognize the small businesses in our community that serve as examples of excellence. Join us in celebrating these local finalists during Chamber Awards…

Payments have become a focal point for merchants and consumers alike over the past three years. Digital payment adoption and usage ticked up during the pandemic and retailers were faced with swiftly adapting to these new payment practices to stay…

In part due to the digital transformation of commerce, financial crime is a growing and fast-changing concern for consumers, banks, economies, and governments worldwide. Ben Wallach and Ian Mitchell, armed with their experience in combatting fraud for more than 25 years, began…

Nominations for Protégé Chattanooga 2023-24 are now open, Toya Moore, Leadership Development Director, Chattanooga Chamber Foundation announces.   “Protégé Chattanooga supports the development of our city’s future leaders and aims to empower those working to better our communities,” Moore said.   “The…

Chamber Chatt is a video series offering community members the chance to hear from elected officials and those in public service. This month’s Chamber Chatt was recorded live inside the Chattanooga Chamber’s Connection Conference Center, Powered by EPB. Sharon Law,…

Sign up for weekly updates.