CLEAN combats drugs, gangs

By Claudia Bigelow
02/01/2006

Taylor Henderson, a second grader from D.G. Cooley Elementary School in Berryville, won CLEAN, Inc.’s 20th anniversary logo contest.

A “lot of drug problems and substance abuse” exist in Clarke County, says Linda Jones, the program manager for CLEAN, Inc.
“There have been several incidents involving young people that cause great concern,” she said. “There have been deaths related to this.”

“We’re trying to remedy that.”

Jones works for CLEAN, Inc., a non-profit organization with an office in Winchester and staff of 10 people, that provides education and programs in local schools to help youths (ages 12 to 17 years old) with problems that include not only drug and alcohol use but also shoplifting and joining gangs.

There have actually been a small number of identified members of gang members in Clarke County, she said.

The “most violent” gang, MS-13, does have members appearing here in Clarke County, she said.

CLEAN, Inc., is employed through contracts with Clarke, Frederick and Winchester school systems to do drug and alcohol education, student assessments, and grief and crisis counseling.

CLEAN works with law enforcement agencies and schools to discourage the growth of gangs. CLEAN also works with youths who are referred to the organization by the courts.

Clarke Schools Superintendent Eleanor Smalley said CLEAN administers drug tests to students who are suspended and also conducts the random drug testing at the high school.

The assessments and the education by CLEAN “makes a big difference for the safety of all at school,” Smalley said.


Photo courtesy/CLEAN Inc.

“They’re really helped turn around kids,” she said.

And CLEAN helps students to remain drug free, Smalley said.

CLEAN, Inc., is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year. Since 1986, the organization has been helping local youths with many programs.

A fund-raising campaign is currently under way to help CLEAN continue its mission of making the community a safe place to grow up in, Jones said.

Besides the school contracts, CLEAN also receives grant funding. CLEAN is paid for services it provides to the courts. Parents and students pay small fees for counseling.

But “we’re tens of thousands behind in funding,” Jones said.

Jones brought her message recently to the Clarke County Rotary Club at its weekly meeting in Berryville. She said she did not approach the Rotary Club on behalf of the fund-raising campaign. She spoke because it is so important that the community’s leaders be aware of the problems, and not turn a blind eye and pretend these problems don’t exist.

County Supervisor Barbara Byrd (I-Russell) who serves on the board of directors for CLEAN, introduced Jones to the Rotary Club to give her talk.

“We see students from all walks of life,” Jones told the Rotary Club.

She also told Rotary that she’s proud of the law enforcement officers in this area. They do a good job keeping school personnel informed on “what to look for.”

Skilled counselors are available to make appointments for anyone, Jones said.

Programs available include anger management, shoplifting prevention and strengthening family relationships between teens and parents.