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December 2025/January 2026 | maconmagazine.com 33 heartfelt speeches from former students shared during the program's annual closing ceremony. Witnessing their growth and success has motivated her to keep spreading the word and to play her part in carrying its mission forward. The demand continues to grow, with many families still on the waitlist, hoping for a chance to join. Even more children and families could benefit from these life- changing opportunities, but the organization is limited by funds. The Next Level CDC is currently funded through federal and state grants, along with the generous support of local sponsors across Macon and Bibb County. Take a moment to discover this hidden gem right here in Macon. The work being done at the Next Level CDC is nothing short of inspiring. They are touching lives and strengthening the community as a whole. Their most recent event, the Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, was held on November 20th. In partnership with the Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center, students bring their families and local senior citizens together for a shared Thanksgiving meal. Showcasing the power of community through a celebration of gratitude and togetherness. Exped qui iumqui audam aut et verit volor re eumqui cus, que premqui si conse nese. allows students to earn income for their work. This opportunity further reinforces the value of responsibility and professionalism in the students. What truly sets this program apart is its deep commitment to families. The Next Level CDC believes that when parents are engaged, children thrive, so parental involvement is a cornerstone of its work. Parents are required to take part in quarterly empowerment sessions designed to strengthen families and open the lines of communication at home. These gatherings tackle real-life topics, like recognizing the signs of gang involvement or learning how to navigate tough—but necessary—conversations with their children. Local experts and community leaders are invited to share insights, offer guidance, and remind parents that they're not alone. The success of the Next Level CDC is driven by the dedicated team working behind the scenes to make it all possible. Many of the staff have been with the organization for ten years or more, a testament to their commitment to serving youth. One of the newest members of the team, intern Sandra Njama, joined this past summer and has continued to serve ever since. She says she's been especially inspired by "100% of students in the program graduate from high school, and 92% go on to attend college." Applications for Camp Zion 2026 will open on December 1st. Learn more or donate at www.nextlevelmacon.org This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Next Level Community Development Center's service to the community and there is much to celebrate. Under the leadership of Executive Director Lakesia Toomer, the program has achieved remarkable success through its after school program, Camp Zion summer camp, and ELITE Leadership Academy. The impact speaks for itself: the program maintains an impressive 88% retention rate, with many participants joining as kindergarteners and continuing through high school graduation. Even more notably, 100% of students in the program graduate from high school, and 92% go on to attend college. Many of these youth are first-generation college students, who are now excelling in diverse career fields and giving back to the next generation who follow in their footsteps. The ELITE Leadership Academy, an extension of the Next Level CDC, is designed for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who maintain at least a 3.3 GPA and commit to completing 24 hours of community service. Participants meet monthly for sessions focused on college and career readiness, prevention education, and leadership development. During the summer, students embark on college tours across the country and are paired with community leaders in their chosen fields to gain hands-on experience before entering college. This opportunity not only provides real insight into career paths but also Participants enjoy new opportunities. Photos courtesy of Next Level Community Development Center.