FCSO SMART Program Participants Build Dog Shelters to Support Flagler Humane Society

🐾 Flagler County, FL — November 2025

In a powerful demonstration of rehabilitation through service, male inmates enrolled in the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) SMART Program have completed the construction of four expansive dog shelters for the Flagler Humane Society. Each shelter stands 12 feet tall and spans 12 feet by 12 feet, offering shaded, secure spaces for dogs during kennel cleaning sessions.

The initiative is part of a broader partnership between FCSO and the Flagler Humane Society aimed at promoting animal welfare while fostering personal growth among inmates. It complements a separate kitten-fostering program launched earlier this year, which allows female SMART Program participants to nurture orphaned kittens until they’re ready for adoption. While the men’s program emphasizes hands-on construction and teamwork, the women’s program focuses on compassion and caregiving.

🔨 Building Skills and Building Character

Throughout the shelter construction phase, male inmates gained valuable experience in carpentry and teamwork, while also cultivating discipline, responsibility, and a renewed sense of purpose. With the shelters now complete, participants will continue engaging in structured tasks designed to reinforce positive habits and support their recovery journey.

Sheriff Rick Staly praised the program’s impact, stating, “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. Our nationally recognized SMART Program is changing lives while also supporting our community, and I’m proud of the work these inmates have done.”

🧠 A Model for Mental Health and Recovery

Both the dog shelter and kitten-fostering projects are rooted in the SMART Program’s mission to address mental health and addiction recovery through meaningful service. The program has earned national recognition for its success in reducing recidivism and helping inmates rebuild their lives.

🐶 Support the Cause

Community members interested in adopting a dog or kitten are encouraged to visit the Flagler Humane Society’s website to learn more and explore available pets.

This story is a testament to how compassion, structure, and service can transform lives—both human and animal.