YOUTH SERVICES PROGRAM RECEIVES FUNDS FROM WAL-MART

June 16-The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office recently received a check from Wal-mart to help fund the Sheriff’s Youth Services Program. Wal-mart has consistently supported the Sheriff’s Office through out the years with many projects. Wal-mart supplies food for the Sheriff’s Thanksgiving Meal for Seniors Program as well as donations that support the Shop with a Cop project. “On top of that, they support us by these cash donations to help fund other programs like DARE and our Youth Summer Camp”, says Sheriff Richard Webster. “Without the help of Wal-Mart and many other businesses and individuals, these programs couldn’t function.”

Sheriff Webster would like to thank all those who have donated to the Youth Services and DARE Programs. Deputies feel that any program that connects law enforcement and youth will always have positive results.

For the last 15 years, the Sheriff’s Office has taught the DARE program to elementary school children.  Specially trained deputy sheriffs teach the 9-week program. Through DARE, fifth graders all learn to identify and resist the social pressures to use dangerous drugs. The curriculum is well designed and expertly taught. DARE is a step toward a generation of non-users. Everybody involved supports DARE. Principals, teachers, students, parents, officers-all believe in it.

In 2003, just after Sheriff Webster was elected, he implemented the Youth Services Program because of his desire to connect further with the youth of the county. Many programs emerged and are supported by the donations of businesses and citizens alike.