Macon Program for Progress

10/14/2026

❤️ Happy Head Start Awareness Month! ❤️

It takes a team to make a difference, and Head Start wouldn’t be possible without the incredible people who show up every day for our children and families!

From our teachers and classroom assistants to our family advocates, bus drivers, cooks, administrative staff, maintenance, and everyone working behind the scenes, each person plays an important role in creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

This month, we’re celebrating the dedicated individuals who make Head Start more than a program, they make it a community! Thank you for the compassion, hard work, and heart you bring to what you do. 💙

Here’s to the people behind the purpose! 🍎✨

10/07/2026

Holiday Angels Sponsorship Applications are officially open!🎁

If you are interested in sponsoring a child please reach out to Felicia Roberts by calling (828) 524-4471 or emailing [email protected].

10/06/2026

🎓 Celebrating Success! 🎓

Congratulations to Cristina Seawell on earning her Associate Degree in Medical Sonography from Southwestern Community College! 💙

Through MPP’s WIOA program, Cristina received support with registry exam costs and study materials as she prepared for her career in healthcare. We’re proud to celebrate her hard work and wish her continued success! 👏✨

09/29/2026

WIOA Success Story: Jessica S. 🩻🎓
In May 2026, Jessica S. graduated from Southwestern Community College with her Associate Degree in Radiology. But she wasn't finished reaching for her goals!
Following graduation, Jessica was accepted into Emory University School of Medicine, where she is pursuing an accelerated Bachelor's degree in Medical Imaging with a minor in MRI. She began the program in summer 2026 and is on track to graduate in spring 2027.
While taking approximately eight classes each semester, Jessica is also working part-time at Cherokee Indian Hospital and completing her MRI clinical training at Harris Regional Hospital.
Jessica's dedication to education, career development, and serving others in healthcare is an inspiration. Her journey shows how continuing education can build upon one accomplishment and create new opportunities for the future.
Congratulations, Jessica! 🎓🩻💙
WIOA is proud to support career pathways that help participants turn their goals into opportunities.

09/28/2026

Classes 2-7 and 1-5 enjoyed a field trip to the fair! Students explored incredible artwork from the community, visited the animals, and enjoyed activities and materials from the PBS crew. Several of their families joined in on the fun, making it a wonderful day of learning, exploring, and experiencing all that the community has to offer!🎨🐄🎪

09/25/2026

Head Start parents and caregivers know firsthand what helps children and families thrive.

Right now, the federal government is considering changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the rules that help shape how Head Start programs operate and the services families receive.

Parents have an opportunity to speak up about what they want protected. Add your name to the national Parent Sign-On Letter and help make sure family voices are part of this conversation.

Sign by September 30, 2026: https://nhsa.org/nprm-resources/how-to-speak-up-for-head-start/

09/14/2026

Come see us at the Fall Hiring Event! We would love to meet you, answer any questions you might have, and get you an application.

09/09/2026

Help us congratulate Nicole Gretz on becoming a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP)! 🎉

This is a wonderful accomplishment that reflects Nicole’s dedication to serving others and making a difference in our community. We are so proud of you, Nicole, and incredibly grateful for all you do for MPP and the community that we serve!

Congratulations, Nicole! We are so excited to celebrate this achievement with you!

Celebrating North Carolina’s Newest CCAP Professionals! 🎉

NCCAA is proud to celebrate six outstanding professionals from across our state who were honored and inducted as Certified Community Action Professionals (CCAPs) during the recent national Community Action conference!

These leaders represent the depth of talent, dedication, and expertise within North Carolina’s Community Action network:

* Nicole Gretz, NCRI, CCAP – Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Case Manager, Macon Program for Progress
* April J. Beck, CCAP – Housing & Energy Development Director, WAMY Community Action
* Diane M. McMillian, M.A.Ed., NCRI, CCAP – CSBG Manager, Passage Home
* Marcus McIver, B.B.A., NCRI, CCAP – Office Administrator, Sandhills Community Action Program
* Tameika Prince, CCAP – CSBG Director, Eastern Carolina Human Services Agency, Inc.
* Madison Geigle, MSW, CCAP – Family Development Director, WAMY Community Action

The CCAP designation recognizes Community Action professionals who have demonstrated knowledge, leadership, and a strong commitment to the Community Action mission.

Their achievement represents not only an important professional milestone, but also an investment in the continued strength and excellence of North Carolina’s Community Action network.

Please join us in congratulating Nicole, April, Diane, Marcus, Tameika, and Madison on this well-deserved accomplishment! 👏🎓

We are proud to have you representing North Carolina’s Community Action movement!

08/27/2026

Another successful MANNA!

This month, we served 700 individuals across 229 households in our community! A huge thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who helped make the day possible. We are so grateful for each of you!

📅 Our next MANNA Community Market will be Monday, September 14th. See the attached flyer for details!

Interested in volunteering? Contact Felicia Roberts at [email protected] 💙

08/26/2026

After seven wonderful years with MPP, we are celebrate Maria as she begins her well-deserved retirement! ❤️

As a Family Service Advocate, Maria touched the lives of countless children and families, especially through the care and support she provided to our Spanish-speaking families. Her kindness, compassion, and dedication helped families feel supported, connected, and cared for.

We are so grateful for the love, heart, and hard work Maria has poured into MPP and our community over the years. She has truly made a lasting impact, and she will always be a part of the MPP family.

Thank you, Maria, for all you have done! We wish you a beautiful, joyful, and well-deserved retirement! 🌷🎉