A new nonprofit organization has launched to support public safety, youth programs and employee wellness in Aiken County.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Foundation was created to strengthen ties between the sheriff’s
office and the community, according to a community announcement. The foundation’s mission includes supporting community engagement, youth development, officer wellness and outreach initiatives.
“The safety and well-being of our community and employees has always been at the heart of our mission,” Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer said. “This foundation gives us another opportunity to bring people together, build meaningful partnerships, and invest in programs that have a lasting impact.”
The foundation will focus on four priorities: public safety and officer wellness, community engagement, youth development and emergency relief. Planned efforts include mental health counseling, peer-support programs, scholarships, grants and youth mentorship opportunities.
Community programs may include Shop with a Cop, school resource officer events, the Fishing Rodeo, Special Olympics, neighborhood cleanups and Explorer and cadet programs. The foundation also could help provide resources for law enforcement personnel and residents during disasters and other emergencies.
Residents, businesses and community organizations can learn more or donate through the foundation’s website, https://supportaikensheriff.org.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information-gathering, review, editing, and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Aiken sheriff’s foundation to support youth, deputies
