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Teens Ask For Jobs To Avoid Gangs, Get Hired On The Spot

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LAGRANGE, Ga. (CBSMiami/AP) — A Georgia official praised four teens who took the initiative to find jobs instead of succumbing to pressure to join gangs.

News outlets report that LaGrange Housing Authority CEO Zsa Zsa Heard wrote in a widely shared Facebook post that she hired the 13-year-old and 14-year-old boys on the spot last week when they asked her for a job so they could avoid being approached by gang members.

The teenagers go back to school next week, but Heard says the offer stands for them to do chores for the authority during school breaks. They're also being added to a mentorship program.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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