The James M. Cox Foundation Announces $175,000 Grant to Reconcile New Orleans

Funds to help organization triple the number of at-risk youth served each year

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The James M. Cox Foundation announced a $175,000 grant to Reconcile New Orleans to help finish construction of a 17,000 square-foot training facility at the non-profit. Cox is also donating surplus kitchen equipment from its corporate headquarters in Atlanta to help Reconcile train at-risk youth how to build careers in hospitality, one of the city's top industries.

The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group operate.

"Poverty has always been an issue for the city of New Orleans, but the great work of Café Reconcile will help an entire generation of youth escape that cycle of poverty," stated Dave Bialis, senior vice president and interim region manager for Cox Communications' Southeast Region.  "Reconcile helps young adults build the skills, confidence and networks needed to obtain employment, further their education and maintain careers in hospitality and other fields."

Reconcile New Orleans anticipates that the investment from Cox will allow them to provide direct workforce development and training to at least 2,000 youth over the next five years. One of the most visible components of Reconcile's training program is a full-service restaurant in Central City that serves as a real-life training ground for the young adults. Café Reconcile serves lunch daily and has catered events reaching more than 500,000 diners since its inception.

Executive Director Stewart Young adds, "Reconcile New Orleans is committed to the long-term growth of our young people, through our training and support, into jobs, college and careers. Our work is only possible through great partners such as the Cox Foundation and their commitment to supporting our youth on their journey out of poverty and into success."

Cox Enterprises has a large presence throughout the state of Louisiana. Cox Communications, the company's broadband and cable entertainment subsidiary, operates in the greater New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Acadiana areas. Cox Enterprises also operates Manheim in New Orleans and Lafayette.

About The James M. Cox Foundation 
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio's first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States. The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including: conservation and environment; early childhood education; empowering families and individuals for success; and health.

About Café Reconcile
Reconcile New Orleans is a community of concerned people committed to addressing the system of generational poverty, violence and neglect in the New Orleans area. Our innovative life skills and job training program assists young people (ages 16–22) from severely at-risk communities who desire to make a positive change in their lives.   For more information about Café Reconcile, please visit www.cafereconcile.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160224/337139

SOURCE Cox Communications

For further information: Media Contacts: Cox: Steve Sawyer, steve.sawyer@cox.com, (504) 358-6110, or Reconcile New Orleans: Kelder Summers, ksummers@cafereconcile.org, (504) 934-1633