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'A reality check': Bibb County program has kids planning their own funerals

Commissioners Al Tillman and Virgil Watkins have teamed up with Richard B. Robinson Funeral Home

MACON, Ga. — Bibb county commissioners Al Tillman and Virgil Watkins are working with a funeral home to give kids a different perspective on youth violence.

Tillman says he wants kids to know that their decisions can have lasting impacts. 

He says he's been a part of programs to show kids jail cells, courtrooms, and now -- a funeral home.

Writing a eulogy and picking out a casket is something a family member would normally have to do for you.

"This helps our youth here in Macon know the legitimacy of it and the reality of it," said Richard Robinson with Richard R. Robinson Funeral Home.

A new program he's a part of would have kids planning their own death.

It's a drastic step, but one they hope could help kids going down the wrong path to choose a different one. 

"Bring a reality to their situation and some of their behavior to realize this is not where I want to end up, at least not this soon," said Robinson. 

Commissioners Al Tillman and Virgil Watkins partnered with Robinson after working with many programs geared towards helping kids.

"We want this to be a reality check not a scare tactic," said Tillman. 

It's different than showing kids a jail cell or a courthouse because a trip to a funeral home would be the last step in a life of crime and violence.

"Just come through, and see whats happening, bring your children, bring your brother, bring your cousin and let them sit, hear and see the reality and fill out that obituary. Maybe something will change and we can save one -- then we've done our job," said Tillman. 

By looking at their own eulogy, detailing out why their life mattered and what they want to be remembered for, Tillman says he hopes people will try to live a good life. 

The program is just in its early phases. No kids have gone through the program yet. 

Tillman says they plan on hosting groups about twice a month and want to partner with local youth organizations to reach a bigger audience.

You can reach Tillman at 478-951-2409 if you'd like to sign up for the program.

MORE ON YOUTH VIOLENCE

Peacing Together: Pilot program at Bibb schools teaches mindful breathing to boost self-control

Peacing Together: The financial strain youth violence puts on Macon families

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