Washington Program Cuts Recidivism While Saving Taxpayer Money

Can rehabilitation reduce crime better than incarceration alone? In this episode of Washington in Focus Daily, we spotlight the remarkable success of Jenny Burton and the Out Impact Coalition, a Washington-based prison reentry program producing extraordinary results for formerly incarcerated individuals. After spending nearly 30 years trapped in addiction and serving multiple prison sentences herself, Burton now leads a six-month program inside Washington prisons focused on accountability, recovery, employment, education, and family reunification. Of the first 55 graduates released from prison, only one has returned to incarceration. Former inmate Tone Williams shares his powerful story after serving 13 years in prison. Today, he's employed, supporting his family, investing in his future, and credits the Out Impact Coalition with helping transform his life. Retired Seattle Police Deputy Chief Eric Barden also explains why programs that address the root causes of criminal behavior may offer better public safety outcomes while costing taxpayers significantly less than repeated incarceration. The episode also highlights Burton's upcoming 300-mile walk across Washington, beginning July 19, to raise awareness and funding after state grant support was reduced. Featured in this episode: Jenny Burton Out Impact Coalition Tone Williams Eric Barden Washington prison reform Criminal justice reform Recidivism Rehabilitation Public safety Taxpayer savings Washington Department of Corrections Washington news The Center Square Subscribe for more in-depth reporting on Washington public policy, public safety, criminal justice, and government accountability. #PrisonReform #CriminalJustice #Recidivism #SecondChances #PublicSafety #WashingtonState #Rehabilitation #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus #Taxpayer