Who and what is the Heart of Sumter ?
A homegrown 501(c)(3) for the children and families of Sumter County, Georgia.
Our Story
Heart of Sumter is a recognized 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving community life, especially for the children and youth of Sumter County, Georgia.
Incorporated with the State of Georgia and recognized as a nonprofit in 2023, we are an entirely volunteer organization. Our efforts include raising funds for other nonprofits which share our values and offering free programs in the county.
For three years, our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults have been the only consistent free weekly instruction in the English language in our county. Volunteer teachers and hostesses create a comfortable environment at Calvary Episcopal Church in Americus.
Under the direction of a volunteer Board, Heart of Sumter has served as fiduciary agent for Grace Camps – free week-long summer day camps for middle schoolers in Sumter County.
An entirely volunteer organization for our county’s kids.
MEET THE BOARD
Strong women bringing diverse experience and education to every decision.
We are so grateful to have a board of passionate citizens who provide organizational oversight and governance with intentionality around values and longterm vision.
Meet the Board
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Bethany Greeley
President
A retired administrator, Bethany moved to Sumter County five years ago seeking a small, walkable, warm community. A founding member of the Board, she has held the office of president since the beginning. Bethany is a student and teacher of yoga.
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Patty Ferry
Treasurer
Also a Northern transplant drawn by the climate and friends, Patty is a local Realtor with Lock and Key Realty. A long-time yoga teacher and studio owner, she has taught yoga in Heart of Sumter–sponsored classes for all ages. -
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Yessica Abarca
Secretary
Yessica is one of our bilingual leaders, fluent in English and Spanish. A young mother of three daughters, she brings her experience in the business community to the Board. The daughter of pastors of a local Spanish-speaking congregation, Yessica broadens our reach.
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Dr. Nedialka “Nellie” Iordanova
Member at Large
Nellie links us to Georgia Southwestern University (GSW), where she has taught chemistry for more than 20 years. A native of Bulgaria, she leads student trips abroad and brings a well-traveled view of the world to the Board. -
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Essie Sims
Member at Large
The sole Board member with generations of family history in Sumter County, Essie is a retired career educator focused on early childhood education. She taught in the Sumter County Public Schools and at South Georgia Technical College, where she trained future teachers. Her experience and passion for educating children are a gift to Heart of Sumter.
