About Heart of Sumter
Heart of Sumter is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the lives of children, youth, and families throughout Sumter County, Georgia.
Established in 2023 and incorporated in the State of Georgia, Heart of Sumter is led by an all-volunteer team committed to creating lasting community impact through education, service, and meaningful partnerships.
Our mission is to invest in future generations by supporting programs that promote learning, personal growth, and community engagement.
Building Stronger Communities
One of our cornerstone initiatives is our free English as a Second Language (ESL) program, which has provided weekly instruction to adults in Sumter County for the past three years. Hosted at Calvary Episcopal Church, these classes offer a welcoming environment where students can develop language skills, build confidence, and foster meaningful connections.
Heart of Sumter also serves as the fiduciary agent for Grace Camps, helping provide free week-long summer camps for middle school students across Sumter County.
Through volunteer leadership, community partnerships, and local fundraising efforts, we continue to create opportunities that enrich the lives of children and families.
Powered by Volunteers
Everything we do is driven by volunteers who believe that investing in our community today creates a stronger tomorrow. We are committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Meet the Board
Heart of Sumter is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors made up of passionate community leaders with diverse professional backgrounds and shared values.
United by a commitment to serving Sumter County with integrity, compassion, and purpose, our board provides strategic guidance and responsible stewardship to ensure every decision aligns with our mission and long-term vision for the community.
Get to Know Us, Meet Our Team
​
Bethany Greely
President
​
A retired administrator, Bethany moved to Sumter County five years ago in search of the kind of close-knit, welcoming community she had always hoped to find. As a founding member of the Heart of Sumter Board, she has served as President since the organization’s inception, helping guide its vision and growth. Bethany is also a dedicated student and teacher of yoga who believes strongly in the power of connection, wellness, and community engagement.
Patty Ferris
Secretary
​
Drawn to Sumter County by its warm climate and welcoming people, Patty has made the community her home and place of service. A local Realtor with Lock & Key Realty, she brings valuable business experience and a strong understanding of the local community. As a longtime yoga instructor and former studio owner, Patty has also shared her passion for health and wellness through Heart of Sumter-sponsored classes for residents of all ages.
Dr. Essie Sims
Board Member
​
As the only Board member with deep generational roots in Sumter County, Essie offers a unique understanding of the community’s history, values, and people. A retired educator with a lifelong passion for early childhood education, she taught in Sumter County Public Schools and later at South Georgia Technical College, where she helped prepare future educators for success in the classroom. Her wisdom, experience, and commitment to children and families are invaluable assets to Heart of Sumter.
Dr. Nedialka "Nellie" Lordanova
Board Member
​
Dr. Nedialka “Nellie” provides an important connection between Heart of Sumter and Georgia Southwestern State University, where she has taught chemistry for more than two decades. Originally from Bulgaria, Nellie has led numerous student travel experiences abroad and brings a broad global perspective to the Board. Her passion for education, cultural exchange, and lifelong learning enriches the work and vision of Heart of Sumter.
Yessica Abarca
Treasure
​
Yessica serves as one of Heart of Sumter’s bilingual leaders, helping bridge cultures and expand community outreach through her fluency in both English and Spanish. A devoted mother of three daughters and an active member of the local business community, she brings valuable insight, compassion, and leadership to the Board. As the daughter of pastors serving a local Spanish-speaking congregation, Yessica helps strengthen Heart of Sumter’s connection to families throughout our community.
.jpg)
Farah Jones
Director of Business Development
​
Farah Jones brings more than eight years of experience in community outreach, event coordination, and nonprofit engagement to Heart of Sumter. Throughout her career in Jacksonville, Florida, she partnered with organizations including Wounded Warrior Project, Mayo Clinic, local schools, and nonprofit agencies to develop programs and events that strengthened communities and improved quality of life.
A homeschooling mother of five, Farah is passionate about helping children and families thrive. At Heart of Sumter, she leads community outreach, business partnerships, fundraising initiatives, marketing, and volunteer engagement. She believes lasting change begins when communities come together to invest in the next generation.
