DJJ PARTNERS WITH THE PINKY COLE FOUNDATION TO PROVIDE JOBS TO YOUTH

Decatur, Georgia - The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) today announced a partnership with the Pinky Cole Foundation to provide an annual scholarship of $10,000 and jobs for DJJ youth. The Pinky Cole Foundation was established by Pinky Cole, owner of the Slutty Vegan restaurants, to empower generations of color to win in life, financially, and in the pursuit of their entrepreneurship dreams.

"I am excited about this new partnership that will strengthen our efforts to provide job-related services for our youth once released from our custody," said DJJ Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "The Pinky Cole Foundation is giving these young people a better opportunity to succeed in life and be productive workers in their community."

DJJ's F.R.E.S.H (Focusing Resources Effectively to Sustain Hope) Start Youth Initiative speaks to our collaborative effort to ensure youth receive a "fresh start" and our commitment to utilizing resources in the community to reach this goal. This initiative starts our current and former youth on a path to develop careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

"Being able to partner with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice to help kids in our community is what we are about at Slutty Vegan and the Pinky Cole Foundation," said Pinky Cole. "I am thankful for the leadership of Commissioner Oliver for thinking outside of the box to ensure Georgia youth are given the tools necessary to thrive. We are excited about this partnership!"

The Pinky Cole Foundation has agreed to employ, provide paid training and a ServSafe certification for up to 30 current or former DJJ youth at Slutty Vegan restaurants and food trucks in metro Atlanta. The foundation will also provide a $10,000 scholarship annually for youth that they hire who have earned a High School Diploma or G.E.D. to use toward college or technical school.