Invest Hamilton County launches ‘Rise and Reskill’ workforce program

Invest Hamilton County (IHC), with support from the Hamilton County Commissioners, is launching Rise and Reskill, a new workforce training program designed to help individuals in recovery gain and retain meaningful employment.

The program operates under IHC’s InvestOnward initiative, which supports justice-involved and recovery populations through career development, skills training, and wraparound services. Research shows steady employment can reduce recidivism rates from 52 percent to below 20 percent, underscoring the critical connection between career stability and long-term recovery outcomes.

The Rise and Reskill curriculum was developed and is led by Ivy Tech Community College Hamilton County, with referral partnerships through Aspire Indiana Health, Bridges of Hope, and Hamilton County Community Corrections. Offered monthly at Ivy Tech, the program provides eight hours of classroom instruction and guides participants from recovery support services into structured career training. Candidates are referred through a recovery house or other partner organization and will leave the program with a work-ready resume, tools to assist in finding employment, and access to wraparound services that support long-term success.

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“What we’re seeing through our InvestOnward initiatives is that when you build the path to vitality for people to walk, the first step gets easier,” IHC President and CEO Mike Thibideau said. “The results in Hamilton County speak for themselves: purpose and employment change outcomes. Rise and Reskill takes what we’ve learned and puts it into action for people in recovery who are ready to take that step.”

“Hamilton County believes in pathways to prosperity for every resident, regardless of where they’ve been,” Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said. “Supporting initiatives like Rise and Reskill is an investment in public safety, in our workforce, and in the people who call this county home. When we give individuals the tools to rebuild their lives, the entire community benefits.”

“The connection between recovery and meaningful employment cannot be overstated,” Aspire Indiana Health President and CEO Antony Sheehan said. “Growing demand across industries, combined with evolving work requirements, means there are real opportunities for individuals in recovery to find purpose through work. When people have a reason to show up every day and see the impact of their contribution, outcomes improve – for them, their families, and our entire community.”

Rise and Reskill is open to individuals in recovery from substance use who are seeking career training and employment support. To learn more or apply, visit InvestHamiltonCounty.com/investonward.