Cleanslate Launches in Chicago’s 6th Ward

Social enterprise initiative signals a $125k investment in neighborhood revitalization.

Cara, announced the expansion of its social enterprise Cleanslate into Chicago’s 6th Ward, which began Tuesday, October 8.

The move, a part of Cleanslate’s Ward by Ward initiative, marks a two-year, $125k+ investment in the community, made possible by the generous sponsorships of McCaffery Interests, through their JOBS Fund, and the AT&T Foundation. The addition of the 6th Ward deepens Cleanslate’s presence – and their neighborhood beautification services – in areas largely classified with the highest rates of crime, poverty, and unemployment. Further, this move strengthens Cleanslate’s mission of transforming the physical and social landscapes of our city by building safer, more vibrant communities through transitional employment to its citizens.

In this two-year term, Cara and Cleanslate are expected to create more than 50 additional jobs for citizens of the community – which covers parts of the Chatham and Englewood neighborhoods.

Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer with Cleanslate in the 6th Ward.

“I want to thank Cleanslate and our sponsors for bringing this important program to our neighborhood,” said 6th Ward Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer in a statement. “To have these organizations demonstrate their care for the community, employ people from the community, and create actual results in an area where we’ve had challenges is a great benefit and I can’t thank you enough.”

First launched in 2017, Ward by Ward is dedicated to building a crew-based work model that creates jobs directly in communities most vulnerable to violence. The program has previously secured placements in Chicago’s 27th and 29th Wards through generous sponsorships from Daniel & Vicki Brennan, John & Rita Canning, Mark & Betsy Carroll, Matt & Lisa Carolan, Patrick G. & Shirley W. Ryan, The Habitat Company, The Owens Foundation, Waterton, and William & Laurie Conroy.

Cleanslate gets to work in the 6th Ward.

“I am very grateful for our sponsors who have demonstrated their commitment to building cleaner, safer neighborhoods through Ward by Ward,” said Brady Gott, Managing Director of Cleanslate. “In just two years since launching this initiative, we have been able to create more than 70 jobs for residents of the 27th and 29th Wards. Our sponsors make the connection that getting people back to work has a transformational ripple effect. It’s inspiring to see the reinvigoration of lives and communities that have come from this initiative.”

Interested in sponsoring Cleanslate through Ward by Ward? Click here to learn how you can put Cleanslate to work!