October 9, 2025 – Author, Amy Carotenuto, Executive Director, Flagler Humane Society – This summer two long awaited programs finally came to fruition. The programs are part of a partnership with Flagler County Sheriff’s Department. Specifically the Flagler Humane Society is working with people from a program called SMART which stands for Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment. It is a nationally recognized initiative aimed at helping inmates recover from addiction and trauma.
The Chiefs within the program oversee male inmates who have designed and constructed four sturdy shelters for our outside play yards. This way, while their indoor kennels are cleaned and disinfected, dogs and puppies can be outside in big yards playing and exercising. They will be safe from inclimate weather, thanks to the hard work of these gentlemen. The men in the program are happy to help. It gives them a sense of purpose during a time in their lives where they need that. The guys with more experience in construction help teach the less experienced guys their craft which is great too.
Inside of the women’s section of the detention Facility, orphaned kittens are being fostered. While they strive to mature into fully grown animals, these pure souls unintentionally heal the inmates on their path to addiction recovery.
Tiny foster kittens have become companions to the ladies in the SMART program. Select inmates now care for kittens 24/7, feeding, cleaning, bonding, and ultimately, helping them heal.
“They call it the House of Healing now,” said Danielle Cowart, a clinician with EPIC Behavioral Health. “The women are nurturing these kittens—but the kittens are nurturing them right back.” From inmates to shelter animals, everyone deserves a second chance.
The ladies keep care logs to track feedings, behaviors, and medical needs. The program has been a huge help to our Flagler Humane Society staff and volunteers. Before this program our staff was taking home bottle babies nearly every night. We love them and are happy to do it, but after working all day, we are tired. Having these ladies take care of the kitten bottle babies for us allows us to get some sleep!
Even the Flagler Sheriff’s Department staff benefits from the program. They get to help people and animals too!