Celebrating Community Partnerships

Strong community partnerships help make our work possible.

Macon-Bibb Economic Opportunity Council was pleased to welcome Spencer Strickland, Executive Vice President and Georgia Regional President, and Bruce Leicht, President of Huntington’s Middle Georgia Division, from Huntington National Bank as they presented a generous contribution in support of MBEOC’s work in the community.

We are grateful for Huntington’s continued partnership and commitment to helping MBEOC empower children, families and individuals throughout our service area.

MBEOC Steps Up for Joshua’s Wish

MBEOC staff members recently laced up their sneakers for a cause that reaches far beyond the finish line.

Our team participated in the 17th Annual Joshua’s Wish 5K on September 19, joining others from throughout the community in support of Joshua’s Wish and its mission to help find a cure for childhood cancer.

Thank you to our staff members who participated and to everyone who helped support this important cause. We’re proud to be part of a community that shows up for one another.

October is Head Start Awareness Month

October is Head Start Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the difference Head Start programs make for children and families in communities across the country.

For more than 60 years, Head Start has helped prepare children for success in school and beyond by combining early learning with health, nutrition and family support services.

At Macon-Bibb EOC, that work happens every day. Children have opportunities to learn, explore and build important developmental skills while families are connected with resources and encouraged to take an active role in their child’s education.

Head Start Awareness Month also gives us an opportunity to recognize the teachers, staff, families and community partners who make that work possible.

Head Start & Early Head Start Enrollment Continues

There is still time to enroll for the 2026-2027 program year.

Head Start helps children learn, grow and prepare for school while connecting families with resources and support along the way. Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers and expectant mothers, helping families build a strong start from the very beginning.

If you have a young child, or know a family who may benefit, help us spread the word.

To learn more or begin the enrollment process, call 478-738-3240 or visit mbeoc.com.

Did You Know?

At Macon-Bibb EOC Head Start, students receive breakfast, lunch and a snack each day to help fuel their learning and growth.

That adds up to more than 20,000 nutritious meals and snacks served each month to children across our Head Start program.

Make Fire Safety a Family Priority

October is National Fire Prevention Month, making it a good time to check the basics at home.

Home fires can happen quickly, but taking preventive steps and making sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency can help keep families safer.

Start with these simple steps:

• Test smoke alarms and replace batteries when needed.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Keep space heaters away from curtains, furniture and other materials that can burn.
• Make a home fire escape plan and practice it together.
• Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear one.
• Choose a safe outdoor meeting place where everyone knows to go after leaving the home.

A few minutes spent talking about fire safety today can make a difference during an emergency.

October: A Month to Learn, Grow & Stay Safe

October brings several opportunities to focus on healthy habits, learning and safety for the whole family.

• National Book Month: Make reading part of the family routine. Let children choose a favorite book, read together and talk about the story and pictures. Even a few minutes together can help build early literacy skills and encourage a love of reading.
• National Bullying Prevention Month: Kindness starts early. Talk with children about including others, using kind words, respecting differences and telling a trusted adult when someone is being hurt or treated unfairly.
• National Dental Hygiene Month: Healthy smiles start with healthy habits. Encourage children to brush twice a day, help younger children brush properly and make regular dental care part of the family’s health routine.
• National Apple Month: Celebrate one of fall’s favorite fruits! Apples make an easy snack, and trying different varieties together can be a simple way to introduce children to new tastes and healthy food choices.

Halloween Safety: Keep the Fun in Fright Night

Costumes, candy and neighborhood fun make Halloween exciting for children. A few simple precautions can help make sure everyone enjoys the evening safely.

• Choose costumes that fit properly and are easy to see after dark.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks.
• Young children should always trick-or-treat with a responsible adult.
• Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible.
• Remind children never to enter a home or vehicle to receive a treat.
• Have an adult check treats before children enjoy them.
• Drivers should slow down and watch carefully for children in residential areas.

Have a safe and happy Halloween from MBEOC!

Looking Ahead

October reminds us of the many ways Community Action touches the lives of children and families, through education, nutrition, safety, community partnerships and people willing to lend a hand.

Thank you to our families, staff, volunteers and community partners who continue to be part of the work happening throughout Macon-Bibb and Monroe counties.

Together, we are helping people, changing lives and building families.

Macon-Bibb County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc., is in the business of “Helping People, Changing Lives, and Building Families.” With help from our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, local businesses, locally elected officials, and supporters, we tackle the war on poverty. It is our mission to help improve the quality of life for all families and individuals in Macon-Bibb and Monroe counties.

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