Enhancing neighborhoods and providing second chances
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 27, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
Beth Berkemer
(614) 565-6767 cell
EABerkemer@columbus.gov
Department of Neighborhoods partners with
Center for Employment Opportunities
Enhancing neighborhoods and providing second chances
Columbus, OH—The City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods (DoN) appreciates its new partnership with the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). This collaboration aims to enhance neighborhood beautification and cleanliness while providing valuable work experience and career support to local, justice-impacted individuals. CEO is a leading organization that provides these immediate and effective services exclusively to individuals recently released from incarceration. The program empowers these individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.
"This partnership with CEO is a win-win for Columbus," said DoN Director Kym Douglas. "We're not only addressing critical neighborhood clean-up needs but we're also providing individuals with a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to our community. By working together, we're creating a stronger, more vibrant Columbus for everyone."
Will McKee, a former CEO program participant and current CEO Site Supervisor, stated, "My experience with CEO has been truly inspiring and mind-bending. To come from one environment and go into another in which the team believes in me and my abilities, has given me the courage and confidence to know that here all things are possible."
CEO Site Director Seth VanHorn said, "Our partnership with the City of Columbus allows us to provide valuable work experience while simultaneously beautifying the city. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on both program participants and the community."
CEO's program participants receive robust wrap-around vocational support, including job coaching for full-time employment and ongoing career support for a year after securing employment. CEO prioritizes internal growth through its Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), which provides advanced skills training in crew management, leading to potential site supervisor positions.
Since September 2024, CEO has been working closely with the DoN and Department of Public Service (DPS) to address problem areas along city streets and alleys. CEO collaborates with the DPS Infrastructure Management and Refuse Collection Divisions to identify locations to assist with right-of-way beautification and litter and trash clean-up across the city.
“The collaboration with the Department of Neighborhoods and CEO participants is another tool supporting the work of Public Service crews to attack litter in Columbus,” said Director Kelly Scocco. “It benefits our residents while the participants gain work experience and positively impact the community.”
Residents can get more involved in their neighborhoods and learn about community clean-ups by connecting with their Area Commissions. Contact information and meeting details may be found at cbusareacommissions.org.
NOTE: Photos, graphics, interviews and b-roll may be available upon request.
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Department of Neighborhoods, City of Columbus
The Department of Neighborhoods works from a foundation of devoted residents, committed neighborhood leaders and a dedicated City workforce to resolve community concerns and tap into neighborhood potential, helping to build a stronger, more equitable Columbus. As the “front door” to the city, the Department of Neighborhoods empowers residents, responds to their needs and protects their rights.