When Ronald “Ron” walked out of prison in 2023 after serving seven years, freedom was supposed to mean a fresh start. But instead, it felt like running into a wall.
“I was ready to work, ready to do the right thing,” he said. “But every time I looked for help, it didn’t go anywhere. I couldn’t find steady work. I couldn’t find a program that really followed through.”
For nearly two years, Ron kept searching, determined not to give up, even when the doors stayed closed. Still, he kept showing up and was unwilling to let go of the future he knew he deserved.
That future began to take shape in 2025, when Ron connected with the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in Columbus. He worked on a transitional job focused on neighborhood beautification, clearing debris, restoring vacant lots, and giving neglected spaces new life.
“The work was real,” Ron recalled. “We were out there every day, making the city look better. People would stop and thank us. That meant a lot. It wasn’t just about picking up trash; it was about showing that we cared for our community.”
At CEO Columbus, Ron didn’t just show up, he stood out. Supervisors began asking him to help train new participants and take on leadership roles.
“They asked me to take some of the new guys under my wing,” he said. “That gave me a chance to step up. It showed me that people could trust me again.”
After 60 days into CEO’s program, Ron applied to Clean Turn, a commercial cleaning company. He was hired and quickly promoted to porter just three weeks later. In this new role, Ron was responsible for overseeing a high-priority property, where his performance and prior work experience truly shone. He implemented effective cleaning protocols, managed schedules, and coordinated tasks among team members, ensuring that every aspect of the property met the company’s high standards.
“For a long time, it felt like doors were closed to me,” Ronald said. “Getting promoted so fast, that’s proof I still got it. I can do this.”
Reflecting on his journey, Ron is clear about why this chapter worked.
“I tried other programs before, but nothing really followed through. At CEO Columbus, I had steady work, structure, and people checking in on me. That gave me what I needed to take the next step.”
Still, he emphasizes his own effort above all. “Nobody gave me this job. I showed up, I did the work, and I earned it. “This is just the start for me,” he said. “I’ve got bigger goals now. But for the first time in a long time, I can see a future again.”
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