In this episode of Unseen Atlanta, we hear from Wesley; a father, son, and leader fighting to reclaim the life that addiction nearly stole from him. After years of struggling with substance use and incarceration, Wesley realized the toll it had taken, especially the moments he missed with his son. At the Potter’s House, he found not just recovery, but forgiveness, community, and a renewed relationship with God. Now stepping into leadership and preparing to graduate, Wesley shares his powerful journey from brokenness to restoration – and his vision for a future filled with hope, fatherhood, and purpose. In this episode, we also hear from Adrienne Bumpers, director of the Potter’s House, for expert insights on how recovery programs build community and transform lives. 

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 Quena spent much of her life feeling invisible – giving everything to others and getting nothing in return. In this raw and honest episode, she shares her journey through abandonment, trauma, addiction, and ultimately, transformation. 

From walking the streets to walking into Atlanta Mission, Quena's story is one of courage, healing, and rediscovered purpose. Now, she’s not just seen – she’s shining. 

You’ll also hear from Telicia Maxwell, Director of My Sister’s House, as she offers powerful insight into what it truly takes to rebuild trust, restore dignity, and support women on the path to lasting change

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In this week’s episode of Unseen Atlanta, we hear Teyauna’s moving story. When everything began to fall apart, she found herself pregnant, alone, and with nowhere to turn. What felt like rock bottom led her through the doors of Atlanta Mission.  

Teyauna shares the raw reality of experiencing homelessness while pregnant and navigating mental health challenges. But she also reveals how faith, community, and a safe space helped her find the courage to begin again. 

You’ll also hear again from Dr. Jill Pable, a national expert on trauma-informed design, as she explains why physical spaces matter in healing from trauma, and how Atlanta Mission is leading the way in trauma-informed spaces. 

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In this week’s episode of Unseen Atlanta, we listen to Sean’s powerful story. Sean battled addiction, trauma, and homelessness before finding hope at Atlanta Mission's The Potter’s House in Athens, GA. His journey from self-loathing and isolation to transformation and faith is a testament to resilience and the power of community. We also hear from his mother, Debbie, as she shares her perspective on watching her son struggle and ultimately find a path forward.  

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Thomas A. Shuford, a beloved member of the Atlanta Mission and recovery community. 

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In this deeply moving episode of Unseen Atlanta, Maria tells her story of resilience and strength. As a single mother of six, Maria faced unimaginable hardships, moving from place to place, struggling to provide for her children while keeping hope alive. Through Atlanta Mission’s Restoration House and My Sister’s House, she found not only shelter but a path to healing, self-discovery, and a future full of promise. 

Maria’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the importance of breaking generational cycles of homelessness. Join hosts Rachel Reynolds and Jonathan Miller as they walk through Maria’s experience, shedding light on the unseen struggles of families facing homelessness. This episode also features Dr. Jill Pable, an expert in trauma-informed design, who provides critical insights into how spaces can foster healing and stability for mothers and children. 

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 In this episode, Dexter shares his incredible journey from addiction, homelessness, and incarceration to long-term recovery and purpose. Arrested 52 times, with 17 felonies and six prison sentences, Dexter experienced the darkest depths of addiction. After decades of struggle, he found transformation through faith, community, and Atlanta Mission’s Potter’s House program. Now, as a vocational manager at Atlanta Mission, Dexter dedicates his life to helping others overcome addiction and rebuild their futures. This conversation is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of second chances.  

Joining the discussion are subject matter experts Dan Phelan, a long-term recovery advocate and Atlanta Mission board member, and Emily Riblett, an alumna of My Sister’s House who now works in long-term recovery support. Together, they provide critical insights into addiction, recovery, and the power of lived experience. 

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In this impactful episode of Unseen Atlanta, Alisha shares her journey from homelessness to healing at Atlanta Mission. She recounts the struggles of being unseen and unsafe, the relief of finding shelter, and how faith and community restored her sense of hope and purpose. 

This episode also features Sarah Stein, Senior Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, who touches on the systemic barriers contributing to housing insecurity and what we can do as a community to address them. Together, these stories shed light on both the personal and structural challenges of homelessness and inspire us to take action. 

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In this episode, Ryan tells his powerful story of addiction and recovery. He opens up about the struggles he faced, the moments of despair, and his journey into community. Through his story, you will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of addiction and the impact of compassion, connection, and faith in building a new life. With subject matter expert David Consoli, a PhD neuroscientist, we explore the connections between addiction and the brain. This heartfelt conversation highlights the devastating effects of addiction on morale, community, and the brain. Join us for Ryan’s heartfelt story of the beautiful change recovery brought in his life.  

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In this episode of Unseen Atlanta, Kisha shares her inspiring journey of resilience, faith, and transformation after a devastating medical crisis led to homelessness. Her story highlights the power of community and the support she found at Atlanta Mission. We’re also joined by subject matter expert Breanna Lathrop, CEO of Good Samaritan Health Center, who shares how compassionate healthcare can create pathways to renewal. Tune in for a moving discussion about the intersection of health, homelessness, and hope.

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Welcome to Unseen Atlanta, an Atlanta Mission podcast that brings you into the heart of our city's most pressing challenges—homelessness, addiction, and the human stories behind them. In this special teaser episode, hosts Rachel Reynolds and Jonathan Miller introduce the mission and vision of the podcast.

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