McGrath Family Honored
The Thomas McGrath family was honored during the opening ceremony Thursday (10/20/2011) at the Rutherford County Juvenile Services Center (1710 South Church Street). (Above photo) Judge Donna Scott Davenport presented Helen McGrath with a certificate of appreciation for the work that she and her husband do to help the juvenile detainees at the facility. The McGrath's have given generously and consistently almost since the inception of The Giving Tree Program.
The Giving Tree Program
The Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center’s Giving Tree Program recently passed its first anniversary. The Giving Tree Program has assisted between 75 and 100 young people in its first year. It distributes toiletries, hygiene products, and undergarments to disadvantaged youth upon their release from Juvenile Detention so that they may continue with good hygiene practices at home.
Judge Davenport said, "While we are unable to meet all of their personal care requirements, we would like to provide some assistance for those that have the greatest need through The Giving Tree Program."
- ·Toothbrushes
- ·Toothpaste
- ·Soap
- ·Deodorant
- ·Socks (white, all sizes)
- ·Underwear (basic, all sizes)
- ·Sports Bras (all sizes
- ·Lotion
- ·Combs
- ·Brushes
One of the guides said that youth ranging in age from 8 to 18 had come through the doors with crimes including arson, murder--basically everything adult courts handle. Visitors began in the area where the youth are checked-in (above photo), given clothing and placed in a holding cell. The tour included all areas of the detention center with explanations that not only are juvenile cases heard in the courtrooms, but cases involving the parents and guardians as long as it relates to the juveniles. You saw where the youth sleep, exercise and participate in educational programs. (below photo) Corporal Darren Douglas displays the uniforms that are issued to each person as they are processed into the facility.
New "Juvenile Justice" Radio Show Starts Nov. 1st
Rutherford County Juvenile Judge Donna Scott Davenport (above photo) commented about the new WGNS radio program, "We are so excited about this new opportunity to inform RutherfordCounty what Juvenile Court is all about and how important this court is to our families and children. Magistrate Adam Dodd and Magistrate Keith Siskin will be joining me November 1st and our focus is primarily juvenile court jurisdiction."
The Tuesday, November 1st radio show will run from 8:10 to 9:00 that morning. Tune to WGNS FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, over-the-air TV 11, and worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com.
