COVINGTON, Ga. - The Newton County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a $10,000 grant from the General Mills Foundation April 6 to assist with funding youth programs such as; Choosing Healthy Activities and Promoting Safety (CHAMPS), Deputies Who Care and Explorer programs.

The NCSO CHAMPS program is taught to every fifth grader in the Newton County School System with subject matters that include: drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse prevention, gangs and violence, peer pressure/bullying, internet safety and the ramifications of methamphetamine and cocaine use. NCSO has graduated more than 19,350 students through our CHAMPS Program.  The lives of many families have been changed in the community as a result of this program.

The Explorer program offers opportunities and training in law enforcement, character building, good citizenship and fitness for young men and women ages 14 through 21. After reaching the appropriate age, these young men and woman have the opportunity to become gainfully employed with NCSO.  Our Explorers participate in competitions throughout the year where they usually receive first and second place awards.

Learn more about NCSO’s community outreach and youth programs on the wesbite:  www.newtonsheriffga.org .