Liberty County leaders seek support for summer youth program

LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - As summer approaches, leaders in Liberty County are working to keep young people safe, engaged and on track—but they say they need help from the community to do it.

The Liberty County Safe Summer Initiative aims to reduce summer learning loss and prevent risky behaviors among youth ages 10 to 21.

The program will offer a variety of activities, including Safe Night lock-ins, sports tournaments, youth symposiums and career exposure opportunities.

However, organizers say the initiative needs additional funding to cover staffing and resources.

Liberty County Commissioner Justin Frasier said he is pushing for more support from county leaders while also calling on the community to get involved.

Liberty County Youth Director Larry Murray said the program is also about expanding opportunities for young people who may have limited exposure beyond their community.

“It’s so easy to get caught up in things—especially when you don’t have the resources to get out of town,” Murray said. “There are a lot of kids who haven’t been outside of Liberty County. If we can’t always bring resources in, let’s try to provide opportunities to get them out there.”

Frasier said keeping youth engaged with safe activities is critical.

“Kids need something to do,” Frasier said. “As long as we’re able to give them something safe to do—and also get other elected officials involved, including the police department, the sheriff’s office and the fire department—anyone who wants to come in and pitch a hand.”

Organizers are asking for community support in several ways. Transportation providers can help by offering rides for children across the county, and local entrepreneurs are encouraged to volunteer their time to mentor young people. They are also seeking access to gyms and event spaces, as well as support from barbers and hairstylists willing to volunteer their services.

Larry Murray can be reached at Larrylightsout@gmail.com and Fraiser can be reached at justin.frasier@libertycountyga.com.