Joy of Giving: Caring for Mind, Body and Soul

I’m leaving St. George Island, Florida, tomorrow morning. My Mom and I were fortunate to find an off-season spot just 50 steps from the beach. I am grateful for this opportunity to reconnect with my north Florida roots and simply be still and listen. I’ve been coming here for years, making day trips from Tallahassee with my family back when there was still a toll. The fee was 50 cents per passenger to the cross the bridge.

For me, the feel of the sand on my feet, the sound of the the waves, the constant rhythms of the beach are both calming and invigorating. The opportunity to once again be in a sacred space for continuous prayer has been powerful.

The tide ebbs and flows every single day. GOD directs the rhythm of the Gulf.

The words “Be still and know I am God” (Psalm 46:10, RSV) resonate through my mind. The powerful sound of the waves reminds that I am not in charge.

Here, I have lots of time to retreat, reflect, and regroup. I feel fortunate to have the space to focus solely on mind, body, and spirit this week. For others, this same experience can be found in places in Tennessee. Majestic mountains. Winding trails. Flowing rivers. Mirrored lakes.

However, there are those among us who don’t have access to beautiful beaches and mountains. Everyone is in need of finding opportunities to focus on their own health, their own bodies, their own spirits. Finding the time, resources, and space might require help.

Help can be found at The Refuge Center (mind) Williamson Medical Foundation (body) and City of Franklin Parks with Friends of Franklin Parks (spirit). I hope you will consider supporting one or all of these excellent causes this Christmas. Give the gift of Peace.

The Refuge Center for Counseling

The Refuge Center for Counseling opened in December 2005, the fruit of the vision of founders Amy Alexander and Jennifer Gillet. They recognized that Williamson County, even with its wealth, can sometimes overshadow those whose are in need. Alexander currently serves as executive director. The Refuge Center was founded on the belief that everyone should receive the gift of hope and healing provided through counseling. High quality therapy is offered to those at every income level. For those who are in financial need, a sliding scale fee is provided based on household income. A wide rage of services is offered to teens, couples, adult individuals and families. Affordable, excellent and compassionate care are hallmarks of the services provide at The Refuge Center. The Refuge Center currently provides more than 33,000 counseling sessions for 4,000 patients per year. Currently, The Refuge Center is raising funds to grow a campus that will include a prayer chapel, a healing garden, group meeting spaces, and additional room for patient appointments. To contribute to those effort, or to aid in funding therapy, please find more information about this 501c3 nonprofit visit refugecenter.com or call (615) 591-5263.

Williamson Medical Foundation, Inc.

The Williamson Medical Foundation, Inc. has been around since 2002 and has raised over $20 million dollars to serve patients at Williamson Medical and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center. The mission is to provide world-class patient care to families of Williamson County and surrounding areas. The Foundation has more than eight funds to meet needs of specific patients. Contributions will aid the children’s hospital fund, breast health center fund, ob/nicu fund, cardiac fund, palliative care fund, “we care” fund, bone and joint instate fund, scholarship, and general fund. Contributions to each of these funds benefit 100 % from contributions. In addition, Williamson Medical Center attends health fairs, provides free health screenings, and for a small fee administers flu vaccines and biometric screenings. Williamson Medical Foundation is deeply woven into the fabric of Williamson County quality of life by providing excellent health care and education. To donate or for more information visit williamsonmedicalcenter.org or call Leigh Williams at (615) 435-5158.

City of Franklin Parks and Friends of Franklin Parks

Friends of Franklin Parks and the City of Franklin together are an excellent example of a public-private partnership. The partnership is dedicated to identifying needs that exist with the 18 park system, casting a vision for future improvements and connecting public open space. There are 900+acres of parkland in Franklin and 44% have enhancements under way. The park system is considered an integral to our quality of life. Trails, access to rivers, ball fields and the new inclusive park Ellie G’s Dream World are all open to the public.

Ellie G’s Dream World Park

Ellie G’s Dream World will be 4-5 times larger than Tinkerbell Park at Pinkerton Park. The park will offer something for visitors of all ability levels. Each of these parks and amenities are open to the public. For a map to access each of these parks, the walking trail system, and bicycle trail system, visit the City of Franklin website franklintn.gov. To support the parks in Franklin, visit friendsoffranklinparks.org or call Torrey Barnhill at (615) 674-3588.

Each of these nonprofits provides a vital building block to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Hopefully, with the help of local residents, folks in need can get access to these varying services and opportunities. For more information, please reach out to stacey@staceywatson.org.

This year, we have included a list of nonprofits that have been vetted for your consideration in giving your family’s time, talent, and financial contributions.

The 21st District Recovery Court

The 21st District Recovery Court, established in 2002, has a mission to provide effective long term treatment for those in this community who suffer from drug and/or alcohol addiction. The focus is to provide resources and training so participants can rejoin the community as active, sober, productive citizens.

A Vintage Affair

A Vintage Affair has one equally gratifying and fun-filled mission: to hold the distinction of being the only non-profit for women and children in Williamson County that raises awareness and funds for those in most desperate need of help…one glass at a time.

African American Heritage Society of Williamson County

AAHS is over twenty years old and works to protect and promote Black history in Williamson County. The organization owns and operates The McLemore House and has most recently purchased the Merrill-Willliams house. They are the founders of The Black Tie Affair and the Tom Murdic Scholarship.

AbleVoices

AblesVoices mission is to amplify the voices of people with disabilities through the powerful medium of photography, ultimately fostering more inclusive communities.

Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia- by accelerating global research to find a cure, driving risk reduction and early detection, and supporting caregivers with a 24/7 hotline offering quality care and support. Middle Tennessee advocates have helped pass legislation to support research and caregivers including establishing a State Alzheimer’s Advisory Council and The Colonel Thomas G. Bowden Memorial Act to provide respite care to long-term caregivers.

BrightStone

BrightStone exists to provide hope for adults with special needs where they can find worth every day. This is accomplished through BrightStone educational program which provides opportunities for students to attain job skills, productive work habits, life skills, and personal growth in a God-centered, safe and loving environment. Right now, BrightStone is moving into its new campus!

Build Her a Bridge

Bringing together young women through creativity, journaling, and small group/break out sessions. Build Her a Bridge is in existence to build up and bridge out with one another and the community. It's our mission to help young girls spread positivity & achieve greatness. This year, BHAB was able to host summer educational camps and expects to expand these programs in 2023.

Operation Santa

Over the last 6 years Williamson County Juvenile Court, Williamson County Department for Children's Service and Williamson County CASA collaborate on Operation Santa as a way to help provide Christmas gifts for children who are unable to experience the magic of Christmas otherwise.

Franktown Open Hearts

Franktown Open Hearts is a non-profit organization committed to the success of Franklin’s inner-city youth. Franktown Open Hearts provide Christ-centered mentoring through weekly vocational education and experiences that prepare our underserved youth for the future.

GraceWorks

Neighbor serving Neighbor, by the power of God’s grace. By pooling church resources with private and public sectors, GraceWorks has been able to offer wraparound services to a large number of individuals and families in need, closing 2020 having served 16,823 unduplicated Neighbors.

Hard Bargain Association

Hard Bargain was established in 2004 to support and preserve Hard Bargain, a historic African American neighborhood, by providing high-quality affordable housing, preserving and renovating existing homes and enriching the lives of its neighbors. The Hard Bargain Association, not only takes care of housing but the immediate needs of individuals. Most recently they gave away 100 turkeys to neighbors in need.

High Hopes Development Center

High Hopes was created out of necessity by five families in Middle Tennessee. These community members envisioned a place where children with special needs could receive a jump start in early education with therapeutic interventions on-site.

Leadership Franklin

Leadership Franklin was founded in 1996 to develop leaders in Franklin and Williamson County, Leadership Franklin endeavors to provide a class of twenty members with knowledge, network connections, and resources to bring new ideas to the table for Franklin and Williamson County.

Mercy Community Healthcare

Mercy Community Healthcare exists to reflect the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by providing excellent healthcare to all and support to their families. Staff opens their hearts to every patient and family. From shots to wellness checks to counseling, Mercy makes long-term, lasting health more possible than ever. This year, Mercy has launched a building campaign for a new and larger space for treatment.

New Hope Academy

New Hope Academy is a Christ-centered school that educates children of diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds. New Hope Academy reaches these goals by establishing a biblical worldview and preparing each child to flourish academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

One Generation Away

Great collaborators, these folks collect both perishable and non-perishable goods. They gift the food regularly at publicly announced locations. As long as there is food to share, no one is turned away. One Generation Away works throughout Middle Tennessee. One Generation Away has partnered with many of the nonprofits listed here.

Williamson County Animal Center

Making Williamson County Tennessee better for animals through adoption, education, enforcement and pet population control. Our goal is to increase the save rate, find a good home for every adoptable pet, slow pet population growth, end animal neglect and abuse and be a positive force in the community. Now, in its new space, the WCAC is currently taking fosters for the holiday season.

Williamson County CASA

established in 1993, advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children. These who have been introduced into the court system as a result of abuse and neglect in the home. CASA works closely with the Juvenile Court, as well as The Davis House and the Department of Children’s Services.

2022 Partners in Nonprofit Collaboration

21st District Recovery Court

AbleVoices

African American Heritage Society

Alzheimer's Association

A Vintage Affair

Battle of Franklin Trust

Brightstone

Build Her a Bridge

City of Franklin Parks

Community Child Care

Davis House Child Advocacy Center

Ellie G’s Dream World Park

Franklin Firefighters

Franktown Open Hearts

Friends of Franklin Parks

GraceWorks

Giving Machines Nashville

Hard Bargain Association

High Hopes Development Center

Juvenile Court

Land Trust for Tennessee

Leadership Franklin

Mercy Community Healthcare

New Hope Academy

One Generation Away

Refuge Center for Counseling

Studio Tenn

Williamson County Animal Center

Williamson County CASA

Williamson County Homeless Alliance

Williamson Medical Foundation, Inc.

And many local religious organizations