Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1479628
54 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 An advanced, state-of-the-art, accredited surgery center providing patients with superlative comfort, privacy and safety Start the festive season at our annual holiday open house. Thursday, November 18 3-8p.m. Door prizes, demonstrations and delectables 6326 PEAKE ROAD | 478.246.7474 | GEORGIAPLASTICCENTER.COM include direct program support. The Rosa Jackson Center Advisory Board is eligible to, and has applied for grants." The Urban CEO also has worked to provide forums, panels and pop-up events that focus on mental health awareness, education, hygiene, vaccinations, clinical expertise and more. The organization serves as a coordinator of no-cost emergency mental health care access for the underinsured and uninsured in partnership with a diverse network of mental health providers. "We have helped more people in our urban community shift to a more positive perspective of mental health by observing mental health practices and overcome the stigma of therapy by providing no-cost access to a client-centered appointment process," Johnson said. The Urban CEO has addressed the specific needs posed by a global pandemic over the past two years as well. The organization has served as a hub of coordination and distribution of food, clothing and personal hygiene items to serve residents who faced homelessness prior to and during the pandemic. "We have strengthened community partnerships to achieve the goals of one Macon that embraces and thrives in diversity, equity and inclusion," Smith said. Looking toward the future, Johnson anticipates good, organic growth of the organization in capacity and maturity to foster community-led sustainable solutions to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equity-conscious environment. In the past 10 years, Smith and Johnson have been co- creators of a grassroots movement in social transformation to restore the pride of the east side and "a Macon that thrives," Smith said. "We have led and joined efforts to mitigate the food desert crisis and homelessness. We have implemented sustainable solutions to keep the community in community centers, developed signature programs to engage, educate, equip and empower in the areas of mental health and wellness, financial literacy and civics." Johnson added, "I hope we'll join with more partners to amplify the impact of a unified community, provide civic ambassador programs to help citizens engage in community civics from an informed perspective, and do whatever it takes to meet the changing needs of our audience." HOW TO GET INVOLVED Join Urban CEO's outreach notification list for volunteer opportunities. Text 'volunteer' to 478-254-7774. Donations may be made to: $TheUrbanCEOINC Paypal.me/theurbanceo To learn more about partner and sponsorship opportunities email admin@theurbanceo.org.