F.R.E.S.H Start Youth Initiative
The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) F.R.E.S.H (Focusing Resources Effectively to Sustain Hope) Start Youth Initiative provides current and former DJJ youth supervised in the community with career opportunities. The program utilizes collaborative efforts and community resources to ensure youth access to gainful employment by partnering with local business owners. The initiative is a program in the Department's Office of Re-entry Services that facilitates youth's connections to services and support as they plan to transition back into their communities.
DJJ is currently partnering with 14 companies in metro Atlanta and Northeast Georgia. At the end of Fiscal Year 2021, 47 youth were employed through the initiative. Additionally, four youth were awarded scholarships through the Pinky Cole Foundation.
F.R.E.S.H. Links
F.R.E.S.H. In The News
The latest news stories about DJJ’s F.R.E.S.H. Start Initiative Program
F.R.E.S.H. Partners Testimony
Learn what local business and community leaders think about the F.R.E.S.H. Start Initiative Program
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