Lead With Literacy - a Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) program partner - is inviting families to join the summer cohort of its Macon Family Time program. Registration will be Tuesday, June 24, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Bloomfield Gilead Recreation Center (1931 Rocky Creek Road). Space in this cohort is limited to twelve families, and they will meet every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. from July 10 through September 4.

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

“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,” says Tamika Withers with Lead with Literacy. “Building stronger families through literacy is the heart of this program.”

Each session begins with family dinner and discussions followed by separate skills classes for adults and youth. The classes incorporate engaging hands-on activities, interactive games, and group discussions on topics relevant to todays’ families. Families also receive a Book of the Week to add to their home library.

“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,” adds Mayor Miller. “It’s up to us to make sure we’re there for them, wherever they need us.”

Macon Family Time is a part of a community-driven initiative designed to reduce violence by strengthening family bonds and promoting literacy at home. The program empowers families to establish consistent reading routines, share tech-free family meals that foster open communication, and participate in family skills training sessions that build emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills. By nurturing a home environment centered on learning, connection, and support, the program aims to break cycles of violence and create a foundation for lifelong success and safer communities.