July 30, 2022

MGB Inc. (Men Giving Back), a grassroots community-based initiative, in Macon, GA, recently took the lead in advocating for equity in access to education; and, the tools to succeed for the vulnerable families and children in the marginalized Kings Park Community-East Macon.

MGB Inc. developed a collaboration between public, private, and community stakeholders with a vested interested in the health, education and welfare of the vulnerable youth in the Kings Park community. According to the National Retail Federation, parents are expected to spend about $661 to $864 on K-12 school supplies for the 2022-23 academic year which is a 30-year all-time high and increase of over 32%. School clothing prices have also soared over 20% and food prices have soared over a 40-year high which disparately impacts and exacerbates the health, education and well-being of the most vulnerable in our communities. An added cost this school year was the critical need to secure mesh or clear backpacks for all students in our school system in compliance with the Macon Violence Program and school safety mandates. Therefore used backpacks handed down could not be used; and, the availability of clear and mesh in Macon to purchase and also on-line were extremely limited and costly.

Consequently, MGB Inc. utilized its partnerships with the Bibb County Public Schools, Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Linda Harriet Lane Fund and MGB Inc. resources to provide compliant backpacks, school supplies, uniform shirts, shoes and basic necessities for fifty (50) youth in the Kings Park Community Summer and After School Programs.

MGB Inc. works tirelessly to fill the gap in services for the disenfranchised in marginalized communities with its limited resources; and, builds key partnerships to reinvest in our families, communities, and successful incomes for our children.

Bibb County Schools held its annual Back to School Bash drive-thru distributions for families in need on July 30th, at the Ed Defore Sports Complex and Westside High School, however, some Kings Park community residents lacked the transportation and resources to participate in these events. Therefore, MGB Inc. CEO/Founder, Kelvin Middleton, intervened and advocated on behalf of these residents and coordinated equal access and equity in educational tools and supplies with the assistance of Curlanda Whitefoot Smith, Bibb County Schools, District Coordinator.

Note: The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. Since then, the foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants. Our donors make possible the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for the people of Central Georgia. To learn more, visit cfcga.org.