The James M. Cox Foundation Announces $250,000 Grant to Bobby Dodd Institute

Grant supports organization's mission of empowerment and economic sufficiency

ATLANTA, June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The James M. Cox Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to the Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI). The grant will help further BDI's mission to empower people with disabilities and disadvantages to maximize their potential by securing economic self-sufficiency, independence and integration into society.

BDI connects individuals and employers through its high-quality job training and employment, business services and staffing services. The organization celebrated its 25^th anniversary last year, and in 2014 alone, BDI employed 286 people with disabilities and served 979 people with job training, employment and other opportunities.  BDI offers employment opportunities in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

"Cox Enterprises and its companies have been long-time, strong supporters of Bobby Dodd Institute. This generous gift from the James M. Cox Foundation is an important investment in initiatives that connect individuals with disabilities and disadvantages to meaningful employment," said Bobby Dodd Institute's President and CEO Wayne McMillan. "By helping BDI expand its capacity to serve and strengthen its programs, the Foundation makes a bold statement about its dedication to creating a diverse workforce. We are grateful for the Foundation's gift and for its leadership in the Atlanta community."

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 Enterprises, Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group operate.

"One of the James M. Cox Foundation's focus areas is empowering individuals for success," said Cox Automotive President Sandy Schwartz. "The Bobby Dodd Institute has been doing this for more than 25 years. As a partner, we've seen the tremendous impact this makes on the lives of individuals and how it benefits employers. This creates a win-win atmosphere for individuals and employers. We're proud to support an organization that is making a positive impact in our community."

Autotrader, a Cox Automotive company, has partnered with BDI for a decade and is a previous recipient of the organization's Employer of the Year award. Autotrader participates in BDI's internship program, provides expertise on skill-based volunteerism, and serves as the presenting sponsor of BDI's Breakfast with Champions event. Autotrader also encourages its business partners to work with BDI, which led to a connection with Corporate Sports Unlimited, Inc., BDI's 2014 Employer of the Year.

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 the Bobby Dodd Institute
Bobby Dodd Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower people with disabilities and disadvantages to maximize their potential by securing economic self-sufficiency, independence and integration into society.  BDI equips people with job skills and connects them with permanent jobs with community employers or a BDI mission-based social enterprise.  These enterprises range from call center and mailroom operations to janitorial and grounds maintenance services.  BDI offers job training at its facilities in Atlanta and Jonesboro, Georgia, and operates social enterprises throughout Georgia and in Alabama and Tennessee.

SOURCE The James M. Cox Foundation

For further information: James M. Cox Foundation: Elizabeth Olmstead, elizabeth.olmstead@coxinc.com, 678-645-0762; Bobby Dodd Institute: Lisa Kennedy, lisa.kennedy@bobbydodd.org