Macon Family Time Virtual Cohort Starts November 9 for Bibb Families

MACON, Georgia – Lead With Literacy, a partner in the Macon Violence Prevention program, will start its 12th Macon Family Time cohort on Monday, November 9. The program serves middle and high school students and their families, and space is limited to 10 families.

The cohort meets virtually on Zoom every Monday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. It runs six weeks, and families should be able to attend every session. An informational session and registration link will go up Friday, November 6, on the Lead With Literacy Facebook page.

What families will do

Participating families will take part in a book study and learn parenting skills. They will also work on social emotional learning and critical thinking, practice family skills such as positive communication, and discuss the importance of family mealtime.

Sessions are virtual on Mondays, but the program also includes in-person family meetups at different locations around the community.

Officials weigh in

“Literacy is at the core of everything a child needs to be successful in school and life,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “Thank you to Lead With Literacy for helping families improve their children’s abilities and grow closer together throughout the process.”

Tamika Withers, Lead With Literacy executive director, said the program reaches beyond reading.

“Macon Family Time is about more than reading. It’s about bringing parents and children together to strengthen relationships, build communication skills, and create lasting memories together. Through literacy, learning, and shared experiences, we’re helping families build stronger connections that extend beyond our weekly sessions. Building stronger families through literacy is the heart of this program.”

About Macon Violence Prevention

Macon Violence Prevention is an evidence-based program created to address public safety in Macon-Bibb County. The consolidated government supports and funds it. The program brings together elected officials, community leaders and representatives.

According to the county, more than $2.5 million has been granted to local nonprofit and community organizations since the program began. The county also said the Macon-Bibb homicide rate dropped 60% from 2022 to 2025, and the youth homicide rate fell 87% over the same period.

The program follows the MVP Strategic Plan, which community stakeholders and violent crime experts created in June 2021. The plan combines data and research with community feedback to identify solutions meant to reduce violent crime over time.

“The solution to violent crime in our community will be found in all of us working together on the same team,” Miller said. “The fact that so many people have stepped forward shows that our community is committed to this historic effort. If we continue to work together, we will create a safer, stronger community now and for future generations.”