Former NFL players speak to transitional youth at Prevention PLUS Forest Park Street School

Atlanta, Ga.— August 5, 2013 — Showcase Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth, announces its second Lunch of Champions event in which former NFL athletes will visit high risk youth and young adults at the Prevention PLUS Forest Park Street School. The school’s mission is to prepare urban youth for post-secondary educational success, empowering them to become positive, contributing members of society. The athletes will share personal life stories with approximately twenty students between the ages of 16 and 22.
“The goal of the Lunch of Champions program is to inspire youths with real life stories of hard work and triumph over adversity,” said John Kennebrew, founder and executive director at Showcase Group. “The hope is that by telling their stories and sharing what they have learned about hard work and success these athletes can help to change the youths’ perspectives and inspire them to pursue healthy, productive lives” said Kennebrew.
The youth participants will enjoy a panel-style discussion with seven former NFL players:
• Verron Haynes (Atlanta Falcons, 2009-2010 and Pittsburgh Steelers, 2002-2007)
• Charles Grant (Chicago Bears, 2010 and New Orleans Saints, 2002-2009)
• Tim Broady (President, Atlanta Former Players Chapter, NFL Players Association)
“When I learned about Showcase Group’s mission and this opportunity to bring some positivity into these kids’ lives” said Haynes, “I knew I had to get involved.”
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring this second installment of the Lunch of Champions to the Prevention PLUS Forest Park Street School. The school’s focus on education and helping disadvantaged youth develop and achieve career goals aligns well with Showcase Group’s mission and why we’re bringing these programs to the community,” said Kennebrew.
The Lunch of Champions event takes place at 1:00pm EDT on August 9, 2013 at the Prevention PLUS Forest Park Street School in Forest Park, Ga. Members of the media are invited to attend the event and are encouraged to arrive by 12:30pm at 5881 Phillips Drive Forest Park, Ga., 30297.
Future events are being planned for other area youth organizations as well as Georgia regional youth detention centers. Lunch of Champions is sponsored in part by Melt, an Atlanta based fully-integrated sports and entertainment marketing agency offering clients advertising, original content development, digital, social media, event and experiential marketing, retail and consumer promotions, brand strategy and sports property evaluation and activation. “Melt is dedicated to the betterment of today’s youth and honored to play a role in bringing Showcase Group’s vision to the public,” said Michelle Grech, Melt’s Chief Operating Officer. Melt was founded by CEO and President Vince Thompson in 2000.

About Showcase Group
Showcase Group is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Atlanta, GA dedicated to improving the lives of incarcerated and at-risk youth through alternative and evidence-based interventions. Founded in 2012, Showcase Group is administered entirely by volunteers and led by executive director John Kennebrew, a family and adolescent psychotherapist. With first-hand experience as a foster parent and mental health professional serving incarcerated youth, Kennebrew launched Showcase Group to bring positive, evidence-based treatments to youths in the juvenile justice system. These interventions include educational and tutoring services, career preparation, life and coping skills, art therapy, drama therapy, and mentoring. In 2014, Showcase Group will open its first group home in Atlanta, Ga. to help recently incarcerated youths transition from juvenile justice residential facilities back into society. For more information about Showcase Group visit http://showcasegroup.org, http://facebook.com/showcasegroup and http://twitter.com/showcasekids.