BUNNELL, Fla. — Male inmates participating in FCSO’s nationally recognized SMART (Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment) Program have completed the construction of four large dog shelters—each measuring 12 feet tall and 12 feet by 12 feet wide—to provide shade and a safe, comfortable environment for sheltered dogs during kennel cleaning sessions.

Completed dog shelter built by SMART Program participants at the Flagler Humane Society.

The shelter project, which is part of an ongoing partnership with the Flagler Humane Society, is an extension of FCSO’s kitten-fostering initiative, which launched earlier this year to allow female SMART Program participants to care for vulnerable and orphaned kittens by helping them grow and prepare for adoption while at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. 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.

Through the construction phase of the shelter project, the male inmates developed not only construction skills but also 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.”

Both service projects are part of the 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.

If you would like to adopt a dog or kitten, you may visit the Flagler Humane Society. Visit their website to learn more.

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