Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1544361
April/May 2026 | maconmagazine.com 89 comfortable opening up. "That's my biggest fear, my secrets getting out," she says. "It's a really good feeling to have knowing you have someone there that will be ride or die." Kamitra Stanley, a PACE clinician, adds, "It is confidential, unless you tell me you are going to hurt yourself or hurt someone else. By law, I have to tell about that. Or if there is something I feel like your mom should know, I'll tell you, 'Hey I think your mom should know about this.'" Another participant, Camryn Boyd, joined after being referred by a cousin during eighth grade when she was getting into trouble. "At first I thought they would tell my mom everything," Camryn admits. "But it turned out to be very helpful. I can tell my counselor something and no one would know but her." Programs like Girls Dig Deeper Initiative and PACE Center for Girls demonstrate what is possible when communities invest in mentorship and partnership before violence strikes. Their work is strengthened through collaboration between schools, families, mental health professionals, nonprofit organizations, and local government. Jeremy emphasizes that these partnerships are exactly what the city government designed MVP to support: community-led solutions backed by resources and collaboration. In the future, Najiva envisions creating a dedicated space where Girls Dig Deeper participants can gather for workshops and empowerment events. PACE is exploring initiatives such as "Sponsor a Senior," which would allow community members to support graduating girls with expenses like senior dues, prom costs, or professional services such as hair and makeup. These efforts highlight an important truth: building a safe and thriving community requires everyone working together. By investing in mentorship, mental health, and meaningful relationships for girls that flourish outside of city hall, MVP is helping create pathways for youth to grow and succeed. The work is far from finished, but the partnerships show that real progress can come from a shared purpose. The saying goes that it takes a village to raise a child. Supporting Macon's youth to a safe adulthood is not the responsibility of one organization alone — it is a collective effort. ABOVE Jeremy Grissom directs the MVP Program for Macon-Bibb County. Photo by DSTO Moore. Read more about these programs and other grant recipients at maconviolenceprevention.org