Making an impact – HCSO golf tournament raised over $130,000

Every year, Houston County Sheriff Cullen Talton hosts an annual golf tournament, the Steve Byrd Memorial Golf Tournament, to raise funds for the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes. The event is one of the largest fundraisers for the non-profit organization, raising over $130,000 this past tournament, which set a new record.

“This (Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes) is a great organization,” Talton said. “It changes lives instantly, and gives these kids a bright future. I can’t say thank you enough to our staff, volunteers, and sponsors who put together our golf tournament, and making it successful every year for these kids.”

Over 50 years ago, sheriffs of Georgia founded the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, a residential care program, to help children who have been abandoned, neglected, and abused. When children come to Youth Homes, they are placed in a family setting and are provided not just the basics of food, shelter, and clothing, but a safe, loving, nurturing environment in which to rebuild their lives and to prepare for a brighter future. Some come as sibling groups and others as individuals. All are given the opportunity to grow, to heal, and to thrive.

There are five Youth Home campuses across the state in which residents live in a structured, loving environment. The children attend public school and are offered spiritual and moral teachings. They also receive valuable training and services to help them grow into responsible, successful adults including:

• Life Skills Training: The children in our program contribute to the home environment while learning to cook and clean, as well as money management – all practical skills they will need to live productive and responsible lives

• Educational Support: Daily academic tutoring, research training at the library, summer learning programs, college and vocational school scholarship options, and more

• Recreation: Children are involved in extra-curricular activities in school and the community, such as outdoor adventures including camping, attending professional sporting events, movies, and other structured programs and field trips

Mike Leathers, Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes Development Officer said funds for the non-profit organization come from grants, fundraisers, and donations. Leathers said they receive an audit every year and they show that over $0.90 of each dollar goes to the children.

“It’s just amazing,” Leathers said. “Seeing the work that goes on, and the children thriving, it warms your heart. There is success story after success story, and we can’t thank everyone enough who supports us.”