ATLANTA, May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises announced today a $100,000 gift to Covenant House Georgia from The James M. Cox Foundation. The gift will support Covenant House Georgia's "Opening Doors for Homeless Youth" campaign that will help the organization increase its capacity to serve vulnerable youth.

"Covenant House Georgia is truly grateful for the gift from the James M. Cox Foundation," said Allison Ashe, executive director of Covenant House Georgia. "The Foundation's gift is a significant contribution toward our campaign to purchase and renovate a new crisis shelter for homeless teens. With the support of partners like the James M. Cox Foundation, we will more than quadruple the number of youth we are able to provide safe refuge from the streets."

Covenant House Georgia provides crisis shelter and support services to Atlanta's homeless youth ages 12 to 21 years, providing the resources and training needed to stabilize their lives and prevent them from falling into a cycle of chronic homelessness. More than 15,000 youth have received support from the organization since 2000.

"Empowering individuals for success is a priority for the James M. Cox Foundation," said Cox Enterprises' Chairman Jim Kennedy. "With our gift, we recognize the important services Covenant House Georgia provides to our community's at-risk youth. We are thankful for the programs they provide to prepare them for brighter futures."

In addition to its crisis shelter and counseling, Covenant House provides services around education, job skills, health and wellness. The organization also offers life skills development around topics such as personal budgeting, financial planning, pursuing a career-track job, community building and strengthening family relations.

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.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises