UNITED WAY OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY | MARCH 10, 2025 PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sarah Tucci

United Way of Indian River County

(772)567-8900, ext. 111

Sarah.Tucci@UnitedWayIRC.org   

United Way of Indian River County Concludes Powered by Purpose: Speaker Series with a Focus on Second Chances

VERO BEACH, FL, March 10, 2025 – United Way of Indian River County’s final Powered by Purpose: Speaker Series event of the season delivered a powerful conversation on second chances and the challenges justice-involved individuals face upon reentry into society. Hosted by Northern Trust, the event brought together local leaders dedicated to breaking barriers and reducing recidivism in the community.

United Way CEO Meredith Egan opened the discussion by thanking Matt Rundels of Northern Trust for their sponsorship and highlighting the struggles formerly incarcerated individuals encounter—lack of access to health care, housing, employment, mental health services, and financial stability. She emphasized that discrimination and bad credit often create additional roadblocks. United Way’s Access to Justice program plays a vital role in addressing some of these legal issues, such as assisting with custody matters.

Sheriff Eric Flowers provided insight into the current state of the Indian River County jail, where the population stands at 420 inmates, with an average stay of 21 days. Through efforts like the pre-trial release program, the jail population has decreased since he took office. His office collaborates with Team Success, LifeBuilders, and Treasure Coast Community Health (TCCH) to provide educational and vocational programs aimed at preparing individuals for success post-release. Inmates have access to GED assistance, resume writing, job training in areas such as printing, farming, and forklift operation, as well as a thrift store and opportunities to get their ID prior to their release. Looking ahead, the Sheriff’s Office plans to introduce barber and welding classes. Notably, the in-custody job fair initiative has already connected individuals with employment before their release.

The impact of these programs is evident—while the general recidivism rate remains at 70%, individuals who participate in work and education programs within the jail see a drastically reduced rate of just 4%.

LifeBuilders, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals upon release, plays a crucial role in this transformation. Eric Kohrhamer, representing LifeBuilders, shared that the organization has assisted over 7,000 individuals in the past 15 years. By offering financial aid, transportation, and housing support—including sober living assistance—LifeBuilders helps break cycles of incarceration. Each participant signs a contract to “pay it forward,” committing to assist someone else in their time of need, reinforcing a culture of community and accountability.

Healthcare is another critical component of successful reintegration. Vicki Soule of Treasure Coast Community Health (TCCH) detailed how TCCH provides medical care for inmates, many of whom have gone without adequate healthcare for years. Upon entry, each person undergoes a medical assessment, and upon release, they receive a care package containing medications and Narcan. To ensure continuity of care, TCCH staff who work inside the jail also provide services at community clinics, allowing for a “warm handoff” post-release. Every individual in need of ongoing care is scheduled for an appointment at TCCH before leaving custody.

The importance of this care cannot be overstated. Upon incarceration, individuals immediately lose their medical insurance, making transitional healthcare essential. Indian River County’s jail is one of only three in Florida that offer care through a nonprofit partnership. TCCH’s commitment to this mission was recently recognized with the Transition in Care Grant, making them one of only 51 recipients nationwide to receive funding to provide post-release services.

At the heart of the discussion was a shared goal—to let justice-involved individuals know that they are not alone. By providing essential support systems and second chances, organizations like United Way, LifeBuilders, TCCH, and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office are not only helping reduce recidivism but also fostering a safer, stronger community.

As the Powered by Purpose series concludes for the season, United Way remains committed to engaging, educating, and inspiring the community to support initiatives that create real change.

For more information on United Way’s Access to Justice program visit A2Jirc.org  or visit UnitedWayIRC.org to learn about other United Way community initiatives.

About United Way of Indian River County

United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today, while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.