It’s another first of its kind in Austin.

The local nonprofit Lifeworks teamed up with Ben and Jerry’s to open a franchise that exclusively employs its clients.

LifeWorks works with at-risk to provide shelter, education and now job training.

Teens and young adults in the program learn how to scoop a cone, but also get to develop customer service and accounting skills. The shop also graduates at-risk youths to career-oriented jobs, job training and college.

LifeWorks opened the store with a $126,000 grant from Impact Austin, a group just as progressive as its protégée.

Impact Austin is made up of local women who pooled $1,000 each of their own money to donate to a worthwhile community project. At the time, Impact Austin had 126 members. It has since grown to 201 women.

		WATCH THE VIDEO
	Sweet success News 8 Austin's Amy Hadley talks with Jasmine Sheppard, a Lifeworks' Ben & Jerry's employee.

All proceeds from the Ben and Jerry’s will be used to support LifeWorks programs.

Ben and Jerry’s franchised 12 social enterprise stores, called PartnerShops to nonprofits around the world, including one in Ireland.

	Ben & Jerry's PartnerShop Grand Opening
The grand opening celebration is an afternoon of fun and festivities with a carnival-style flair including jugglers, live music, cotton candy, and ice cream. Founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield will be in attendance. Saturday, May 14, 2005, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. 500 N. Lamar Blvd. (at Fifth Street) Austin, TX 78703