INDIANAPOLIS — Last year, there were more than 9,000 people released from prison in Indiana. That includes more than 1,700 released in Marion County alone, according to the Indiana Department of Correction.
Now, an Indianapolis company is helping those formerly incarcerated and overcoming drug addiction get back on their feet.
James Willoughby starts his work day, five times a week, with the turn of a key.
"I work every day," Willoughby said. "Sometimes Saturday, but I volunteer sometimes on Sunday if it's allowed."
Willoughby is making the most of his second shot at life through his willingness to work seven days a week at an east side warehouse.
"This is the longest job I've ever held down, and it's because there are more people like me," Willoughby said.
It's here at Volumod, a construction company that builds modular homes across Indianapolis, where James feels like it's his second home.
"Our big goal is to restore hope, and we see that done on the factory floor on a daily basis," Volumod CEO Ethan Fernhaber said.
Ferhnaber said they’ve hired more than 100 formerly incarcerated people in the last two years.
"These are individuals that the community often pushes away, we invite in and they're almost 50% of our workforce," Fernhaber said.
But some of the other percentage of this workforce are people like Willoughby, overcoming drug addiction.
"I was an addict since I was 12 years old, so 28 days ain't even enough to get clean," Willoughby said.
Willoughby adds that he spent most of his life in and out of recovery programs.
"It started with marijuana when I was a kid. When I got into my 20s, it was meth," Willoughby said. "When I got into my early 30s, it was the needle."
It wasn't until nearly a year ago when he found a Christ-based facility that led him to a job opportunity at Volumod, taking him from earning nothing to a livable income.
"I could be dead out here in these streets. This place has really made my life worth living. It's given my children a father," Willoughby said. "These shirts say 'creator' on them. We're not just creating houses, we're creating futures."
Volumod is creating futures, one day at a time — a future this father of two hopes will include inspiring others to turn their life around.
"It takes a true surrenderance to the Lord and develop accountability," Willoughby said. "Know you have to change, you're not going to change until you're ready."
Those interested in a job at Volumod can click here. If you or someone you know is battling an addiction, there is a recovery facility in Bloomfield.