Clarke County Sheriff Ira Edwards Jr. recently received the 2019 Changing the Picture for Athens Children Award for his contributions to youth in Athens.

The award was presented by Family Connection–Communities in Schools of Athens Executive Director Tim Johnson on Feb. 23 at the Athens Country Club.

Family Connection–Communities in Schools of Athens engages community partners and families to work in neighborhoods and schools to identify the social, physical, emotional, and academic needs of children in Athens-Clarke County and ensure that they receive the support they need.

Edwards has partnered with the Clarke County School District and Athens Technical College to provide career opportunities for local youths who aspire to have a career in public safety.

“I am humbled to have been selected for this award as we continue to invest in our future,” Edwards said in a prepared statement.

Edwards will be hosting his 19th annual motorcycle charity ride on Oct. 26 from which part of the proceeds will benefit Family Connection and the D.A.R.E. Unit of the sheriff’s office.

Additionally, the sheriff’s office offers a job readiness program to inmates at the Clarke County Jail.

The Sheriff Ira Edwards Jr. Annual Charity Motorcycle Ride has donated over $60,000 to community organizations over the past 25 years, including the Athens Tutorial Program, the Boys & Girls Club of Athens, All God’s Children, Family Connection, Girl Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of Northeast Georgia, and Gentlemen on the Move.