Macon Violence Prevention partner offering literacy, family bonding classes as part of effort to reduce violence

The Macon Family Time program includes free weekly meals, reading materials and skills-building sessions for both parents and children.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A literacy group is inviting families to register for free weekly classes designed to strengthen family bonds and reduce violence in Macon-Bibb County.

According to a news release from Macon-Bibb County, registration for the summer cohort of the Macon Family Time program will happen Tuesday, June 24, from 4 to 6 p.m.. at the Bloomfield Gilead Recreation Center, located at 1931 Rocky Creek Road.

The program, led by Lead With Literacy in partnership with Macon Violence Prevention (MVP), is open to 12 families. Weekly sessions will be held every Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., beginning July 10 and running through September 4.

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

The classes begin each week with a shared family dinner and conversation, followed by separate skills-building sessions for adults and youth. The sessions include hands-on activities, interactive games and group discussions focused on real-life topics.

Families will also receive a Book of the Week to build their home libraries.

“Our family coaches work 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,” Lead with Literacy’s Tamika Withers said. “Building stronger families through literacy is the heart of this program.”

The Macon Family Time program is part of a broader community effort to reduce crime by promoting literacy and emotional intelligence within the home. It encourages families to establish regular reading habits, share meals without technology and learn conflict resolution skills in a supportive environment.

“Reducing violent crime in our community is going to take years of work, focusing on every child and every family who reaches out to us,” Mayor Miller said. “It’s up to us to make sure we’re there for them, wherever they need us.”

According to the event flyer, each child who stops by will receive a free ICEE pop.