Male inmates participating in the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s SMART (Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment) Program have completed construction of four large dog shelters at the Flagler Humane Society.
Each shelter measures 12 feet tall and 12 feet by 12 feet wide. The structures will provide shade and a safe, comfortable environment for sheltered dogs during kennel cleaning sessions.
Program Partnership
The shelter project is part of an ongoing partnership with the Flagler Humane Society and extends FCSO’s kitten-fostering initiative, which launched earlier this year. The kitten program allows female SMART Program participants to care for vulnerable and orphaned kittens at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, helping them grow and prepare for adoption.
Both initiatives provide meaningful community service that promotes animal welfare while supporting personal growth and development. While the men’s program centers on construction and physical tasks, the women’s program emphasizes compassion and care.
Skills Development
Through the construction phase of the shelter project, the male inmates developed construction skills as well as discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of purpose. Now that this phase is complete, the inmates will continue to perform structured tasks to further assist in their rehabilitation. These tasks will help them build positive habits that support their recovery and reintegration into the community.
“This program continues to show that when you combine structure, responsibility, and accountability with volunteerism, inmates can turn their lives around and become productive law-abiding residents,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Our nationally recognized SMART Program is changing lives while also supporting our community, and I’m proud of the work these inmates have done.”
Program Goals
Both service projects are part of FCSO’s ongoing efforts to support mental health and promote a deeper sense of accountability and emotional connection among inmates. They build upon the SMART model’s proven success in reducing re-arrest rates and enhancing the lives of those battling substance abuse.
Those interested in adopting a dog or kitten may visit the Flagler Humane Society website to learn more.
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