Macon Us Glow 5K gives former criminals a second chance

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Get ready to lace up your sneakers and light up the night at the Macon Us Glow run this Friday.

The 5K benefits the Macon Reentry Coalition and the Bibb County Accountability Courts.  These programs assist people who were released from jail and help them to adjust to their new lives in the community.  Coordinators say if these people have support, they’re less likely to commit more crimes, which saves the county money.

“If you’ve been incarcerated for 20 years, you don’t know how to use the internet, you don’t know how to use a cell phone, and you’re not sure how to navigate this system.  Our collaborative assists these people finding housing, finding jobs, finding education, much needed resources that are simple for you or I, but they need assistance,” explains Stephanie Mooneyham, the Bibb County Mental Health Court Coordinator.

The Macon Us Glow 5K is Friday night at the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.  It starts at the Central City Park entrance.  The 5K kicks off at 6:00 p.m. but registration begins at 5:15 p.m.  The fee to participate is $30.