The Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes was established to give our state’s most at-risk children the love, safety, and stability needed to become mature, successful adults.
During the late 1950’s, Georgia sheriffs became increasingly concerned about the growing number of abandoned, neglected, and abused children. They understood it was vital, not just for the children, but for our state, to give these disadvantaged youth the chance to grow up in a loving and secure home environment.
In 1960, the sheriffs opened the Georgia Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch near Hahira where children were taught:
- How to overcome adversity
- Teamwork and accepting authority
- Personal responsibility
- Hygiene and manners
The children were able to learn strong moral values and spiritual awareness, how to participate positively in a community, and how to trust themselves and one another. Over the years, four additional homes have opened across the state for both boys and girls, providing thousands of disadvantaged youth the opportunity to live stable, positive lives in full-time residential facilities.
House parents continue to instill a strong work ethic in the children, emphasizing education and training for future success. These values help prepare the children to become mature, responsible adults who are able to participate fully and positively in their communities.