Lead with Literacy celebrated 12 families that completed its new Macon Family Time program, which is funded through Macon-Bibb County’s Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) program and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. Lead with Literacy received a $40,000 grant to implement this program, which is designed to engage families in meaningful reading and learning activities. 

The celebration was held Thursday, December 8, and included a family painting session and chance for guests to share their experiences. Each family received a certificate for completing the program. 

“Coaches worked directly with parents and children to help them develop happier family relationships, increase shared reading time, improve mental health outcomes, decrease youth alcohol, and drug use, violence, and delinquent behavior,” says Tamika Withers with Lead with Literacy. “Building stronger families is at the heart of this program.”  

Families met for two hours once a week for eleven weeks of programming. Each session began with family mealtime, where they were able to enjoy a meal together that was prepared for them before coaches facilitated specific classes for adults and youth centered on life skills training. These classes included reading, active listening, group discussions, roleplay, and interactive games, and families can then practice the skills they learned before participating in shared reading activities. 

Families also received a copy of the Book of the Week to add to their home library. The books are provided through a generous donation from Book ‘Em, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department, and The Powers Law Group.

About the Macon Violence Prevention Grants   

More than $800,000 was granted to 25 nonprofit and faith-based organizations to put in place programs and efforts to reduce violent crime; each goal they are trying to meet was made by the nearly 2,000 people through forums and surveys on what our neighborhoods need. Those outcomes are outlined in the MVP Strategic Plan, and the full list of organizations and programs can be found by clicking here. Organizations were selected through an application and review process led by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.  

“The solution to violent crime in our community will be found in all of us working together on the same team,” explained Mayor Lester Miller. “The fact that more than 50 organizations came to the table with good ideas and applied for MVP grants shows that the people of our community are committed to this historic effort. If we continue to work together, we will create a safer, stronger community now and for future generations.”   

Macon Violence Prevention is an evidence-based, multifaceted program created to address public safety in Macon-Bibb County. Supported and funded by the consolidated government, MVP is a community-wide effort that brings together elected officials, community leaders, agencies, organizations, and departments.   

The MVP program operates under the guidance of the MVP Strategic Plan, which was created by community stakeholders and violent crime experts. It combines data and research with community feedback to implement proven solutions that reduce violent crime and strengthen the community over time.