For years, Georgia led the country in the number of people under correctional supervision – in 2013, it was 1-in-13 statewide, starkly higher than the national rate of 1-in-31. And two-thirds of those eventually released from prison were likely to be rearrested within three years of their release. Key to stopping recidivism is stable, meaningful employment.

In the years that followed, GCO began to work in communities to help the formerly incarcerated reintegrate into society. This not only helped to reduce recidivism risks, but also aided tens of thousands of individuals and their families who had suffered from an inability to get back on their feet after reentering society.

With a 6% drop in Georgia’s prison population since 2012, the reforms spearheaded by
GCO are driving this positive trend. Having experienced great success through its research and advocacy model, GCO is collaborating with policy makers, non-profits focused in the area of reentry, and employers to give returning citizens and their families a renewed and revitalized outlook on life.