NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut spends more than $40,000 a year in taxpayer money on housing each inmate in state prisons. Work is being done to change those burdens of the state, into taxpaying citizens.

Small Sweet Gum trees are planted all over New Haven. Thousands of them, that passers never give a second glance. But these trees provide a living and a second chance for those in need.

“People that (are) incarcerated coming home they deserve a second chance too,” said New Haven resident William Tisdale. “It’s all about a second chance.”

At 19-years-old, Tisdale was first sent to prison for selling drugs. It had been a revolving door for most of his adult life, until he found work with the group Emerge Connecticut.

“These are men that used to run these streets, creating terror,” said Emerge Executive Director Dan Jusino. “And now they’re planting trees, demolishing buildings or rehabilitating buildings. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

Emerge gives ex-offenders paid positions planting trees or doing construction around New Haven. They’re efforts caught the attention of Governor Malloy — a big supporter of criminal justice reform.

“The next big thing is making sure that somebody has employment skills,” Malloy said. “Ready to be employed and proven themselves.”

Malloy paid them a visit Wednesday and personally heard their stories.

“You can lock them up and pretend to throw away the key, but most people come out of jail,” Malloy said.

During a roundtable with the governor, Emerge workers explained that it’s more than a job. Most of their time is spent on personal development. Life skills to keep them out of prison for good.

“When you look at your kids you see yourself,” said Emerge employee Robert Rawls. “So you’re like whoa, I gotta stay out here this time.”

“Now I devote my time to community,” Tisdale said. “Giving back. That’s my job. Makes me feel better like I’m doing something positive with my life.”

Emerge has a 76 percent success rate. Three quarters of their workers go on to land full time jobs where they stay for at least two years.