Macon mentoring groups say prevention starts long before violence happens

Big Brothers Big Sisters and The Mentors Project say mentorship and stable support can help address root causes linked to violence.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – After several shootings throughout Macon in the last three days, local mentoring organizations say prevention must begin long before violence occurs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia says its work focuses on long-term impact through consistent mentorship.

“We are not a tutoring organization, we aren’t a taxi cab driver, and we’re definitely not a babysitting service,” said Betsy Fitzgerald, president and CEO. “We have fun, but it literally translates to turning these children’s lives around.”

Fitzgerald says mentorship helps children build stability and avoid negative interactions later in life. She adds that meaningful change requires the entire community working together.

“Each of us taking some responsibility to be a part of our community,” Fitzgerald said. “If we want to invest in a better Macon we have to start with us.”

Another organization, The Mentors Project of Bibb County, says addressing violence means confronting root causes head-on.

The organization focuses on one-on-one and group mentoring, along with wraparound services for families.

Tracy Martin Allen, executive director of The Mentors Project, says stability is one of the most important things a child needs growing up.

“Poverty is one, instability, going from house to house maybe staying with your grandmama one day and your auntie the next,” Allen said. “Just not being in a stable environment. Academic failure, we got a lot of students that are just maybe trying but just can’t get it. And then of course those unmet emotional needs.”

Allen says many youth struggle with bullying, mental health challenges and unstable home environments.

She says the organization works to create positive spaces where kids feel supported and safe. The Mentors Project hosts a quarterly event called A Day of Positivity and Wellness, where kids can be themselves in a safe environment.

“For a minute, just for a minute they don’t have to worry about what’s going on outside of that bubble,” Allen said.