Rutherford County, TN - As Tennesseans in Madison, Hendersonville, Gallatin and Clarksville work around the clock to start the long recovery process after tornadoes hit their communities on December 9, 2023, residents in Rutherford County are taking a look back at storms that destroyed their homes this past April. WGNS' Scott Walker talked to Jeff Lysyczyn of the LTRG team and the full interview can be heard in the podcast above this article (Click Play).

Currently, the Rutherford County Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) is attempting to assess remaining disaster related needs arising from the April 1, EF-2 tornado that struck and in many cases devastated the Readyville community. The National Weather Service previously confirmed that the April 1st storm swept through the area with 130 mph winds, wreaking havoc on homes and other personal property that was in the way. 

The LTRG seeks to provide recovery services for survivors of the tornado who have exhausted all other avenues of resources to repair or rebuild their homes. Some of those with damage may have been without insurance at the time of the disaster. The Long Term Recovery Group, which is comprised of local nonprofits and faith agencies, aim to assist any Rutherford County residents that are still feeling the impact of the April tornado.

Caseworkers from the Tennessee / Western Kentucky United Methodist Church (TWKUMC) Disaster Recovery team are partnering with the Rutherford County LTRG to discover tornado recovery needs. Survivors in need of help can call the Helpline at (615) 270-9255 or request help via their Survivor Portal at https://twkumc.org/disaster-recovery/ (click on red "Survivor Portal" button). You can also email the LTRG at RutherfordLTRG@gmail.com.

Case workers will respond to Helpline calls and the Survivor Portal inquiries within two business days. Calls and inquiries are handled in the strictest confidence. The case worker will identify program eligibility and facilitate the required resources.

Rutherford County LTRG collaborators include:

• American Red Cross
• Lutheran Disaster Response
• First United Methodist Church Murfreesboro
• Rutherford County Area Habitat for Humanity
• Rutherford County Library System
• Greenhouse Ministries
• TWKUMC Disaster Recovery - UMCOR Partner

Mission Statement of Rutherford County Long Term Recovery Group - The mission of the Rutherford County Long Term Recovery Group is to provide recovery services to individuals and families affected by the tornadoes which occurred on April 1, 2023. These services will be provided by a group from the community of faith-based, non-profit, volunteer, and government agencies that came together concerned for the recovery of their county. Advocacy will be provided for all survivors regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or religious preference. The goal is to advocate to see all our residents fully recovered from the disaster(s).