By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – A former publicist for Electra Records says she wanted to help break the cycle of juvenile offenders spending their adult lives in prison. So Ann Kristoff of Montgomery purchased a 1996 Buick LeSabre for $3,000 and gave it to some youthful offenders in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The teenagers will paint the vehicle, then enter it in Houston's Art Car Parade May 14. Boys at a youth detention facility in Mount Meigs have been painting the front third of the car. Others in Mississippi and Louisiana will finish it off. The vehicle will ultimately be sold for charity. It's all part of a hands-on, creative program that's aimed at teaching self-respect, accountability and teamwork as the teenagers move into adulthood.