What if we could create a for-profit business focused on addressing some of the most pressing social challenges in our community- issues stemming from generational poverty, substance abuse, mental-health challenges, incarceration, etc.? What if we could create a model that was not dependent on grant subsidies or philanthropy but instead leverage the market demand for specific services to generate profitable revenue that, in turn, could be reinvested into the mission? In late 2011, a handful of investors pulled together nearly $300,000, a small fund, to create a new social enterprise in Central Ohio focused on addressing these key strategic questions. In January 2012 CleanTurn launched with a focus on six distinct business lines. Early on there was a lot of overlap operationally as we focused on pursuing opportunities that created the most value with respect to our mission. At the end of our first year we cut two of our business lines and decided to focus on the four that were the most profitable and most compatible with our mission at that time. CleanTurn provides an array of supportive services but our primary focus is creating the platform for individuals to realize their potential as human beings. We are focused on creating the nurturing and loving community and family culture that encourages and fosters a lifestyle characterized by resilience, integrity and healthy decisions. Our culture of high expectations and and strong accountability is not for the faint of heart but we have also created the systems necessary for rewarding and celebrating personal and professional development and growth.
