Cochran, Ga (WGXA) - One local sheriff is working to make sure offenders don’t return to jail — by helping them find job opportunities and even lending a helping hand when they need it most.

Bleckley County Sheriff Daniel Cape is gaining attention across the country after sharing a story on Facebook about a man who visited him in need of help.

Sheriff Cape says the man, who remains unidentified, had previous run-ins with the law but has been on a positive path for the last four years — working multiple jobs and trying to support his family.

“I had a young man visit me yesterday, and like I explained in the post — he was at his wits’ end,” Cape said. “He’d been to prison before.”

Despite his efforts, the man told the sheriff he was struggling financially and wanted to buy his daughter a birthday gift — but didn’t want to resort to selling drugs to make it happen.

Moved by his story, Sheriff Cape reached out to another law enforcement officer to help the man find work. While a job hasn’t been secured yet, the officer donated $50 for the little girl’s gift — and Sheriff Cape matched it with another $50.

Cape shared the encounter in a heartfelt Facebook post, writing: “Sometimes second chances need a helping hand.” He added, “We catch them, convict them, send them away — but when they get out, we give them almost nothing to come back to.”

Cape says the response to his post has been overwhelming, with people from across the country reaching out to show support.

“From what he told me yesterday, it’s been a bit overwhelming for him,” Cape said. “I think I’ve probably sent him about thirty different places that might give him an opportunity.”

The sheriff says the experience has inspired him to consider starting a program to help connect former inmates and felons with employment resources.

“Maybe we can start something here that connects with people in the jail or local felons — something that helps with resumes and points them toward employers who will hire,” he said.

Cape believes that giving people a path forward can prevent them from returning to crime. “The last thing someone trying to stay on the right path needs to hear is, ‘You don’t have a job, you can’t get a job,’” he said. “That’s when people turn back to crime.”

However, Sheriff Cape also made it clear that compassion doesn’t mean leniency. “If you’re committing crimes in Bleckley County — if you plan to commit crimes here — we’re coming for you,” he said. “You can write that on your refrigerator. The people of this county elected me to uphold the law, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Cape says while he understands life brings challenges, those who continue to sell drugs in Bleckley County will find themselves behind bars.