Grants | On the Table
Conversation to Action Mini-Grant Program
2023 Conversation to Action Mini-Grant Program Recipients
(Awarded August 2023)
About the Project: Our project aims to facilitate a five-hour in-person workshop for 15-20 creatives to find their “why” and express it. The workshop would be open to all creatives with the goal for them to develop their story, create shareable bios, and build a Macon365 profile. We believe this workshop will provide a platform for individuals to enhance their communication skills, which will create more opportunities to thrive in their creative field. This workshop will also encourage the development of unique voices and perspectives to create better connections in our community.
Counties Served: Bibb, Houston, and Monroe
About the Project: A contest was held for Bibb County students for a $100 Community Idea. A student from Howard High School won with his proposal for a downtown clean up initiative. His idea was to start a volunteer service for cleaning downtown Macon. He wants to give volunteers $10 each to work for an hour to clean the sidewalks on certain streets like Cherry Street and 1st Street. The second step will be to set up advertisement on social media and have a virtual orientation. Also, he will reach out to the community to donate cleaning supplies and trash bags. His service is called Atkinson Cleaning Service.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: Our project consists of three segments: 1) Design and distribute a formal survey to Central Georgia consumers to find out why more people are not shopping with Black-owned businesses more often. 2) Create an awareness marketing campaign creatively informing the community of the survey results and the solution(s) that will follow. 3) Develop and implement a certification program for black-owned businesses that takes business owners through a series of classes —each class focused on one of several domains discovered within the formal survey results and other domains deemed necessary for program completion
Counties Served: Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, and Twiggs
About the Project: Our foreign students require additional, specialized activities to assimilate them into the mainstream of the adult education division and the community.. The language barriers and customs require that they feel comfortable and have their unique needs met. These needs include Special Project Wednesdays with speakers, incentives, customized learning tools for students and instructor that are not included in the adult education division budget. Students expressed feelings of being left out, not being able to have events tailored to their language and the need for additional programs that address character education, digital literacy, workforce skills, integration into the activities of the community, dressing for success activities and clothing.
Counties Served: Bibb, Houston, and Peach
About the Project: The Mayor's Literacy Alliance has completed the needs assessment session for adult literacy in conjunction with the UGA Carl Vinson Institute. The On the Table discussion revealed a need to bring teens and their parents to the table for their input. A youth ambassador group will be formulated for literacy to include re-entry youth, CGTC and college youth, and high school youth to be spokesmen for literacy.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: One hundred families in groups of 10 will participate in a bi-weekly book club in various formats: in-person, online, or hybrid (online and in-person). The in-person meetings will take place at the Bloomfield Library or Green Tabernacle Church. At each book club families will discuss one section from the nonfiction book, "We're Cooking" and one concept from Sean Covey's "Seven Habits of Happy Kids." At the end of each session, families will be able to share artifacts they created that relate to the books. The book clubs will meet over the course of five months. At the end of the book discussion, each family will be awarded a certificate of completion. This project will allow young people to actively participate in the discussion and offer their ideas as they learn and listen to the ideas of the adults. This multi-generational concept will promote strong families and communities.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: Jam Day in the Park will become an annual event that promotes positive energy and motivation for our students upon returning to school for a new school year. The students will display their various talents on stage. The event will take place in Jefferson Long Park, located in Pleasant Hill, for students in grades K- 12. Students, from all areas of Bibb County, will be invited. The event will include the following to speak about safety in our homes, schools and community: Mental Health, Health and Fitness, The Vision Challenge (goal setting), Health Department, and Cure Violence Organization. At the end of the event, students will receive school supplies that are recommended by the school board.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: Macon Mentors Collective is a program that provides guidance and support through trainings and coaching to individuals and organizations who want to develop successful mentoring relationships. This program is a 2-3 day training and facilitation that will take place twice a year. One In the Fall and the other Spring or Summer for :
1. Individuals who are interested in becoming a mentor or are first time mentors.
2. A mentor who wants to improve an existing mentoring relationship with mentee(s).
3. A school, educational-based program or youth serving organizations that wants to incorporate mentor/mentee trainings in their space to establish a successful mentoring culture.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: The Back to School Bash will provide low-income children in the North Highlands/Shirley Hills neighborhoods with school supplies required for the 2023-4 academic year. Each child will be given a Bibb County School District approved book bag, including age-appropriate school supplies. Lasting for an hour and a half, the event will also include games and other activities as well as snacks in a carnival-like setting. After the book bags are distributed, there will be a "Blessing of the Backpacks."
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: During our table discussion, we discussed that the only way to continue a legacy is to build it in our youth. I pride my many gifts of administration and music on the lessons I learned as a child. We all remember those talent shows we used to have at school, church, or rec centers. I participated in a talent show in high school that did three things for me: It boosted my confidence, extended my love for my talent, and allowed me to be a public speaker. I was a shy kid and stepping out in front of my peers was a task but because of it, I can stand on any stage and portray what I have. We would like to provide that same feeling to children in our neighborhood by having talent showcases. Events once a month will allow us to showcase many youths with talent and reward them! We will team the students up with professionals in their talent field and they will help them to succeed during the talent showcase. The winner would receive a one-on-one studio session with the same artist.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: The mission is to have open and honest conversations about the state of black families, and offer resources, tools and strategies to improve the outcomes of our homes and communities.
We will accomplish this by:
1. Hosting discussions about the issues that plague our families and communities.
2. Having "Family Dinners" where we have a meal around the table while the "elders" share wisdom and practical tips to help improve our family situations.
3. Host workshops that are geared toward family development, ie., conflict resolution, building relationships that last, family dynamics/planning, family counseling sessions, addressing family trauma, financial planning, navigating the educational system as a family, village talk- community development, etc.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: Public transportation is a lifeline key for disadvantaged people who depend on it to conduct the business of their lives. During our ON THE TABLE TRANSPORTATION SESSION we discussed the various ways that the four agencies that attended utilized public transportation. As the U.S. slowly eases out of this challenging economic time, PASSES FOR PEOPLE will provide those agencies with $250 each in MTA bus passes. The attendees included Crisis Line & Safe House Shelter, Mentors Project, Daybreak, & Wesleyan College.
In preparing the grant proposal I asked each attendee to provide me with a specific bus pass request tailored to the population they serve & what will be accomplished with the passes, to include the following information:
1. Type(s) of Rider: (Regular Adult, Paratransit, Senior, Disabled, Student 13-18)
2. Type(s) & number of bus passes (single day, 10-ride, 20-ride, monthly)
3. Goal/intended purpose(s) of the passes
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: After hosting an ON THE TABLE TRANSPORTATION SESSION & attending Daybreak's Transit Session, I was determined to spearhead & collaborate on an impactful project for local children & families. Reading is fundamental for educational & workplace success & the earlier it's introduced & reinforced, the better the outcomes. Books put the world at our fingertips & while books are expensive, libraries are FREE. Couple that with FREE MTA bus fare for children under 13 & we have a powerful partnership. MTA & the Washington Memorial Library (WML) will team up for BOOKS ON A BUS, requesting $1,000 to buy children's books.
1. Each child visiting Terminal Station (bus rider or not), will receive a FREE, age appropriate book.
2. At Terminal Station, WML will provide instant library card sign-up & fine forgiveness.
3. WML will conduct Summer 2023 Terminal Station Story Hour in the building, or on a bus.
4. During BOOKS ON A BUS events, Volunteer Macon will provide on-site healthcare sign-up.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: In order to obtain and maintain positions of influence and power, individuals need to have sponsorship, mentorship coaching, and leadership development in key areas. How do we identify, tap ,encourage and support capable and credible individuals in our community to study and seek meaningful pathways to positions in government, service, corporations, education, etc.. What do they need to know to be able to succeed. What skills are needed/necessary such as ethics ,education, finance, judgement and decision making so that they understand the nuances of the positions and then be effective.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: Our organization, the Research on Violence Oversight Committee, is in the process of setting up a nonprofit called Milledgeville Community Improvement in order to raise funds to help neighborhoods and communities in the Milledgeville/Baldwin County area build what they need in order to strengthen community bonds. We started last year as a group of volunteers who wanted to better understand why we have so much violence in our area. We have been running a survey to understand this, as well as participating in local events to talk to people, capture survey responses, and learn more about what is happening on the ground. At a recent event at a local housing complex, we participated in many conversations with residents who told us they believe a community garden, a pavilion, and a playground would improve their community. We met with the property owner who agreed to supply materials and labor for all three, but we need to raise funds to buy plants, tools, soil, etc., for the garden.
Counties Served: Baldwin
About the Project: To develop a unique career training program for students in the Career, Technical, Agriculture Education programs in our local high school. Select students from the various programs will visit businesses related to their field of study. The program would be very structured with a goal of giving them insight into: career paths available, skills needed, education requirements, the variety of jobs/professions at various businesses, salary expectations, job market now and in the future, what working in these businesses is like, and what professionals think they can do to prepare themselves. We hear about the struggles local employers have finding qualified workers, so this is an opportunity for the businesses to share with student the businesses' needs and what’s available for these students, with the goal of creating a stronger workforce. This program will be one day (Fall & Spring), where the students will ride on buses to businesses with jobs in their field of study.
Counties Served: Baldwin
About the Project: To provide young mothers with much needed baby essentials such as car seats, diapers, strollers, cribs, play and stays, play pens at the community fair. BY providing these essential items, the young mothers can focus on raising healthy babies instead of focussing on how they can afford to purchases these needed items.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: Cupcakes and Condoms discussion will be a series of 3 open community conversations - that will target three essential communities(college and university students, religious leaders and members congregations, and black and brown members of the LGBTQ+ community). Topics of conversation will be how we can promote positive sexual behaviors and acknowledge stigma and fight against it. As well as how our community can be better equipped to deal with epidemics like HIV/AIDS. These conversations will be led by our community outreach coordinator and licensed medical professionals.
Counties Served: Bibb, Houston, and Peach
About the Project: Mental health challenges have increased in children and youth - particularly due to impacts of the pandemic. We would like to continue to increase education and decrease stigma in our community. Many community stakeholders and partners have increased their knowledge and value of mental health treatment over the last decade, however, many families and community members are still hesitant to seek treatment. We would like to make unbranded mental health kits with discussion guides for community summer camps and schools. We would like to coordinate with local parks and recreation program that offers summer camps throughout our community to provide them a "class set" of tools they could use while interacting with youth including "chalk" about mental health, guide to complete positive affirmations posters, and kits to create slime and other tools for self-regulation. We would utilize the hashtag #maconmyselfmatter for children, youth, and families to be able to share about their experiences.
Counties Served: Baldwin, Bibb, Jones, Monroe, Putnam, and Twiggs
About the Project: "Serenity for Startups" is a comprehensive retreat designed to help entrepreneurs prioritize their mental health and well-being. The program includes a variety of activities to help participants relax, reflect, and recharge. In addition to yoga and meditation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in creative activities such as painting, journaling, or music. The retreat will also include a keynote speaker who specializes in entrepreneurship and mental health, as well as a mindfulness workshop to teach attendees tools and techniques for managing stress and anxiety. A small group coaching session will allow participants to discuss their business challenges and receive feedback and support from other entrepreneurs and a professional coach. "Serenity for Startups" provides a holistic approach to helping entrepreneurs take a break from the grind of daily life, relax, and focus on their mental health, while also providing opportunities for creative expression and networking.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: The home is the place where children spend the most time and develop their personalities as well as their value system. Parenting does not come with a handbook. The Mentors Project in concert with the Beverly Knight Olson Children's hospital, EOC, Project RISE and the Bibb County School District will provide a workshop for parents, that will be a springboard for future parenting classes and workshops. Parents will be provided with bus tickets for the Parent Academy, as well as good food, and door prizes. There will be a dynamic keynote speaker with other speakers giving a snap shot of topics and services to be offered at a later date to the parents.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: U Create Macon will put out 5 kiosk/ information stations in five neighborhoods in Macon and Warner Robins. The goal is to support youth cycling with information, bike lights, and useful tips. This will be couple with the appropriate signage. We will work with volunteers to maximize the funds and use old newspaper stands as the kiosks. The signage will be completed by a local vendor.
Counties Served: Bibb, Houston, and Jones
About the Project: We are working with 'The Basics' which is a strategy for whole communities to support vibrant learning and brain development among infants and toddlers. You can learn more about the overarching strategy at www.thebasics.org We have developed The Basics Central Georgia to mirror strategies in 'Basics' Communities all over.
Counties Served: Bibb
About the Project: Disadvantage business entities (DBE) have advantages in government contracting and some funding. Therefore, we propose starting a virtual address business to help small businesses receive their DBE certification while still having a professional business address that is not their home address. This will enable small businesses to comply with the DBE certification requirements and access previously inaccessible opportunities. Our virtual address business will provide small businesses with a professional mailing address. This will give small businesses the appearance of larger and more established companies, which can be critical in securing contracts and attracting customers. In addition, our virtual address business will provide support services, including mail forwarding, a dedicated phone number, and virtual receptionist services, which will help small businesses focus on growing their business rather than managing administrative tasks
Counties Served: Baldwin, Bibb, Houston, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Peach, Twiggs, and Wilkinson
About the Project: YouthUp, Inc. will provide an 8-session curriculum of Anger Management/Conflict Resolution to 110 students at 4 Recreation Centers this summer, over a 4-week period. We will partner with Macon-Bibb Parks and Recreation to bring the program to Memorial Park, Bloomfield-Gilead, Frank Johnson, and Rosa Jackson Centers. Sessions include The Anger Meter; Anger Cues; Calm-Down Techniques; Conflict Styles; Violence Triggers; Anger Control Plans; Cyberbullying; the Conflict Resolution Model; Respect for Authority Figures and Dealing with Police Officers. Initial surveys are conducted (for data purposes) as well as final assessments on lessons learned. Students receive framed Certificates of Completion at a graduation ceremony (at one of the Rec Center gyms) to which family is invited. Refreshments are provided to graduation attendees.
Counties Served: Bibb