On Tuesday, November 18, the Macon-Bibb County Commission unanimously approved the appropriation of $50,000 to the Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia (FCC), which will significantly impact victims of crime in Macon-Bibb. The funding will come from interest earned on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The FCC is on track this year to serve more than 1,200 clients and provide more than 4,500 therapy sessions — about half of which are for victims of crime. This represents a 20% increase in the number of clients and a 47% increase in the number of sessions since 2024.

“Unfortunately, we are facing a nearly 50% cut to our budget heading into 2026 due to decreases in local and federal funding,” said FCC Executive Director Christy Henry. “We do not want this to equate to a 50% reduction in our ability to see clients or provide sessions. This would be extremely detrimental to the well-being of our community.”

Most of the loss in funding is related to victim services.

“We know that our victims of crime are our most vulnerable clients, and delays in access to care can have severe consequences,” said Henry.

The $50,000 from the County will help alleviate that loss. It will provide victims of crime in Macon-Bibb with free counseling without a wait, as timely care is critical, and will support budgeting through the R.I.S.E. program with the District Attorney’s Office.