The Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes recognized Sumter County Sheriff Pete Smith as one of the top fund raisers for the organization. Two awards, the Top Ten award and the $100,000 Club award, were presented to Sheriff Smith during the annual Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. Summer Training Conference on July 23 at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Greene County. He came in third in total funds raised and first in per capita giving.

Sheriff Smith continues to play a major role in fund raising and promoting and assisting the Sheriffs’ Youth Homes. The funds are used to provide quality full time residential care for dependent, neglected and abused children of Georgia.

“The Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes is indeed fortunate to have sheriffs like Pete Smith who whole heartedly support our homes for Georgia’s abused, abandoned, and dependent children. This award indicates that this sheriff is very interested and involved in support of Georgia’s deserving children,” said James A. Cody. Cody also said, “no sheriff in Georgia works harder or is more dedicated to Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes than Sheriff Pete Smith.

There are five youth campuses sponsored by the sheriffs through the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. The Boys’ Ranch in Hahira provides full-time residential care facility for over 50 boys and girls. Cherokee Estate in Dalton is a residential and emergency care home for up to 48 girls. Pineland is an emergency care facility for 24 boys located in LaGrange. Herrington Homestead is home to 36 boys located in Emanuel County. The newest campus, Mountain View, is located in Murray County, home to 12 boys.

Founded in 1959, the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, Inc. is a private non-profit children’s charity sponsored by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. During the past year, nearly 200 children were served in the four full-time residential care campuses. The Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, Inc., sponsored by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, Inc., provides safe and wholesome residential care for dependent, neglected and abused children of Georgia.