Macon AIM is a care team of non-profit services, partner agencies focused on a self-sufficiency program to help families make measureable progress toward economic and personal success.
History
Macon AIM is the product of a long-term capacity-building effort to strengthen the region's nonprofits and public agencies as they serve their communities. The project was funded by the Peyton Anderson Foundation and facilitated by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits.
In 2013, the Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN) launched a research effort to better understand Macon-Bibb County's most critical needs. By mapping out the existing community resources and comparing that data to the demand for services, service gaps were identified. Among the most critical gaps was early childhood success—the complex factors empowering children from birth to five years old and preparing them for the future.
Upon completion of Phase 1 and after two townhall-style meetings among local nonprofit leaders, 16 organizations were peer-selected to participate in an 18-month training and development program called Momentum, administered by GCN. Trainings ranged from strategic planning and resource development to marketing and technology. Throughout the program, participating nonprofits worked on key organizational documents: theories of change, strategic and implementation plans, fundraising strategies and collateral, and board development plans. Importantly, organizations were learning about one another and deepening relationships. This individual and inter-organizational capacity-building paved the way for action.
In 2016, collaboration-building began in earnest. A core group of community leaders, representing various agencies and expertise, have worked tirelessly to conceptualize, build, and implement a new approach to service delivery in Macon-Bibb County. Having established a formal partnership, standardized operating procedures, and developed a shared data system, Macon AIM participants are now jointly serving families with children prenatal to five years old.
Ashley Williams joined Macon AIM in September 2023. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Albany State University and is a certified addiction counselor. She has worked in social services for the past 14 years, mostly in Macon and middle Georgia. She is passionate about helping families access the care they need to make life better. She is eager to collaborate with other like-minded community members to grow Macon AIM and help the families of Macon-Bibb.
