Rutherford County, TN - Rutherford County Correctional Work Center (RCCWC) in partnership with New Vision Baptist Church, conducted their annual Bless-A-Child event on December 14, 2024. RCCWC transported 31 male and female residents from the facility to New Vision Baptist Church where they were able to enjoy a Christmas Program, a meal, family photos and quality time with their children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Over a hundred family members, volunteers and staff attended and a total of 54 children were presented with gifts.
This annual event is organized by the Correctional Work Center’s Program Coordinator Corporal Kimberly Salyer, New Vision Baptist Church staff member Jeannie Hubanks and Pastor Steve Hutson who also serves as the Chaplain for the Correctional Work Center. Each year the event is planned to bring incarcerated individuals together with their family and children during the holiday season. It is an extraordinary blessing to all involved with the event.
RCCWC Superintendent William Cope, CJM said “This type of event is so important, and we are very thankful for New Vision’s support. Fostering positive connections, supporting families, and providing opportunities for communication and interaction is one of the many ways we can help minimize the negative impact of incarceration and facilitate successful re-entry back into our community”.
Maintaining strong family ties while being incarcerated is crucial for the well-being of both the incarcerated individual and their family. These types of programs can significantly impact an offender’s successful reintegration into society upon release. Studies show that incarcerated individuals who maintain strong family connections are less likely to reoffend and have better re-entry outcomes. Family support provides emotional stability and reduces the negative effects of isolation and stress associated with incarceration, potentially lowering depression rates. Family connections provide individuals with a support network that can help them transition back into society after release, offering practical, social, and psychological resources. Children of incarcerated parents can benefit from the continued presence of their parents in their lives, even if it is through visits, letters, and phone calls, which can help to mitigate the negative impact of parental incarceration.
