Success Story Spotlight: Andrea Ayietta

From RecycleForce Participant to Reentry Manager for the City of Indianapolis!

In October 2018, Andrea Ayietta walked through the doors of RecycleForce just months after serving a ten-year prison sentence, determined to rebuild her life and create a brighter future.

What began as a second chance became an incredible journey of perseverance, professional growth, mentorship, and leadership.

Andrea's journey was shaped by the people who believed in her and helped open doors along the way.

Tiana Johnson connected Andrea with Treva, a career coach at the John Boner Neighborhood Centers, helping her take some of her first steps toward professional growth.

Glenn Johnson helped Andrea rebuild her résumé, opening the door to an opportunity with River Valley Resources (RVR). He later mentored and cross-trained her in employment development, helping her discover her passion for connecting others with meaningful careers.

Gregg Keesling believed in Andrea's potential from the beginning and welcomed her back to RecycleForce as a staff member in November 2019.

Andrea also credits Margo at River Valley Resources, whose encouragement and support helped make her transition back to RecycleForce possible.

With the support of these individuals and the opportunities provided through RecycleForce and Keys2Work, Andrea continued advancing from participant to front desk clerk, Intake Clerk, and eventually Job Developer, where she helped other justice-involved individuals secure employment.

In 2021, Andrea took on a new challenge through Keys2Work's Young Adult Reentry Partnership program, helping young adults ages 18–24 navigate their own journeys toward stability and success.

Her dedication to reentry continued beyond our organization, and in October 2024, Andrea became the Reentry Manager for the City of Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety! Today, she is creating opportunities for others who are navigating the same challenges she once faced.

THIS is why we do what we do at RecycleForce and Keys2Work!

The commitment of the Johnson and Keesling families, alongside dedicated staff, mentors, and community partners, has always been about more than providing employment. It's about believing in people, investing in their potential, and creating pathways to lasting success.

Andrea's journey is a powerful reminder that your past does not determine your future, and your starting point does not have to be your finish line.

Andrea, we are incredibly proud of the woman and leader you've become! Thank you for sharing your journey and recognizing those who helped you along the way. Watching you now open doors for others is a beautiful example of what happens when opportunity meets determination.

From participant to professional. From second chance to leadership. This is the power of RecycleForce and Keys2Work!