The ninth annual 2017 Nightwatch at Murfreesboro's First Presbyterian Church was held from 6:30 to 10:00 Friday night (12/30/2016). Nightwatch not only brought a cross-section of this community together, but it also introduced a new initiative to help individuals being released from jail.
RC3
Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess told the audience about Rutherford County Initiative (RC3), a program designed to improve the opportunities for persons coming out of jail. It also helps them to acquire adequate housing for their families.
RC3 is a colaborative effort between many social agencies that also help the person to acquire a job. In fact, Nightwatch served as the kick-off to this bold new initiative.
MTSU's Dr. Gloria Bonner shared how the university is fully behind this new recovery program, and the importance of volunteers to help in the process of working with the former inmates and giving them encouragement to move forward.
Murfreesboro City Schools Director Linda Gilbert told how the children of homeless individuals is increasing. She noted, "The school system's focus on the Total Child, must never let any student slip between the cracks."
With many homeless families having links with incarcerated individuals, the new Rutherford County Initiative offers assisance to the entire family.
Music City Swing
Bill Shacklett made a short video of Music City Swing. CLICK BELOW to see another part of the talent at Nightwatch 2017.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2s8UEu7cFViTEFDVUV6T2d1Wjg/view?usp=drive_web
Unity at Nightwatch
One of First Presbyterian's leaders, Kevin McNulty, served as emcee. He explained, "This is a Double-Virtual New Year. First, it's being held the night before New Year's eve and second the midnight hour was celebrated at 10:00 o'clock."
Duing the evening, McNulty introduced one of the church's elders to welcome the visitors.
Bart Walker said, "For the past eight years, Elder Doug Young has welcomed our community to Nightwatch. And Doug had a passion for this community we know as the Heart of Tennessee."
There was suddenly silence when Walker pointed to the tie he was wearing and said, "This is Doug's tie and he is with us in spirit tonight."
He also honored two other community leaders who passed away in the past week: one was former Rutherford County School Superintendent Jerry Gaither and the other the Domestic Violence Center's Executive Director Deborah Johnson.
The Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department brought in the Colors, and Melissa Wray sang our National Anthem.
Greenhouse Ministries Founder Cliff Sharp told about the importance of getting everyone involved in building a better community. He stressed, "Everyone--even those who are barely existing as well as homeless."
He told how Greenhouse trains individuals to become productive members of the community and gain confidence in themselves."
Nightwatch 2017 not only filled the evening with great music including Music City Swing, the Accidental Trio, Kelsey Smith, and Everette Brown. It also introduced Rutherford County Initiative, a new program to reduce the swinging-door effect of inmates returning to jail.
