Recently, 40 representatives from industry and philanthropic sectors gathered to experience the barriers and challenges of recently incarcerated individuals who are trying to transition into employment. 

During the exercise, participants were given a "life card" and had to take on the persona of an offender while attempting to navigate the first four weeks after release. Many found that they did not have proper identification, a place to call home, money to purchase food or the ability to pay for transportation.

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats served as volunteers working the simulation stations which included places like social services, probation, court, medical clinics, treatment facilities, and career centers. 

During the simulation, many participants found themselves removed from housing due to inability to pay rent, hungry because they didn't have money to pay for food or defeated because they couldn't get proper identification, get transportation to a needed stop or even pass a drug screen. Some participants found themselves back in jail due to bad decisions or unfortunate circumstances. Many expressed frustration with their inability to efficiently navigate the system, the lack of knowledge between agencies, and the confusion about what steps they needed to take— all real-life experiences for those who have been recently released from prison.

One participant summed up the feelings of many when she stated, "It is really easy to get rearrested. There are so many requirements and not enough time or resources to get them done. More agencies need to work together to reduce the barriers. That would help decrease recidivism rates."

The participants whose life card gave them designated employment before they left prison found themselves in a better predicament than those who didn't obtain employment immediately before release. 

After the simulation, representatives from Schwan Cosmetics, Wegmann Automotive and Sergeant Peralta with the Rutherford County Correction Work Center discussed the success employers and participants have experienced with pre-employment training and work-release programs.  

Would you like information on how to hire work release participants? Email us! 

As a school district, Rutherford County Schools received a growth score of 5 for its composite ranking, and also for the following categories: literacy, numeracy, and in the combined literacy/numeracy category. Level 5 is the highest score possible on the state’s ranking scale.

The district also had nearly a third of its schools recognized for high performance in Tennessee. Schools with high academic achievement and growth are designated as “Reward Schools,” and this year, Rutherford County Schools had 14 schools earn the designation.

Murfreesboro City Schools received the designation of Exemplary District, the highest distinction school districts can earn in Tennessee. In addition, the Department announced that nine Murfreesboro City Schools received the designation of Tennessee Reward Schools, the highest distinction schools can earn in the state. The district was also cited for acknowledgment because all students in grades 3-6 improved their math score in addition to earning a level 5 in mathematics and English/language arts. 

Location: Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

Location: Embassy Suites Murfreesboro

Location: Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

Location: Rockvale High School

Location: Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce