Paradise Baptist Church is one of Atlanta’s oldest historically Black churches – established in 1865, just after the Civil War. It grew out of a community Sunday School founded by then 12-year-old Dinah Watts Pace. Now, nearly two centuries later, the church is celebrating 160 years of faith, community, education, and economic development. Originally located in Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood and now in Grove Park, Paradise has remained a community cornerstone throughout its history.

For a special audio documentary, “Closer Look” host Rose Scott and the team visited the church, which now sits at the intersection of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and Matilda Place in northwest Atlanta. Scott talks with church leaders about the church’s historical impact, its evolving role in the community, and how its legacy informs a forward-looking mission grounded in service, growth, and faith. Guests included:

Dr. Charles A. Harper III, Paradise’s lead pastor

Rev. S. Tarnace Watkins, Sr., executive pastor of Paradise

Fred Stevens, consultant-in-residence with the Paradise Community Development Center, and

Dr. Arletta Brinson, a lifelong member of the church, executive director of the Paradise Community Development Center, and co-chair of the church’s 160th anniversary

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While economic development in Georgia is steady, the state's economy is facing several crossroads. Economic uncertainty, instability in the job market, and severe immigration policies—plus the high cost of tariffs on consumers, small businesses and the agriculture industry have altered Georgia’s economic landscape. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott spoke to Chris Clark, the president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Clark discussed the state’s economy, the need for Democrats and Republicans to work together amid the federal government shutdown, as well as the Chamber’s ongoing push to reform the visa process for international workers.

Plus, Propel ATL has released its “Voices from the Bus: MARTA Riders Speak Out” report. The bilingual survey aimed to capture the day-to-day experiences of riders on MARTA’s buses. It explored MARTA buses’ service frequency, reliability, accessibility, and equity. Jeremiah Jones, an advocacy manager at Propel ATL, discussed some of the key findings of the report and how the data can be used to drive MARTA’s operational and strategic decision-making to benefit its riders.

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A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania found that trust in U.S. health and science agencies has declined since the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Amid the rapid spread of misinformation about vaccines, budget cuts, and layoffs at agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has public trust in the health care system reached a crisis level? Also, where can Georgians turn for credible medical information? “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott talks with Atlanta area doctors about how they are helping their patients navigate the current political and social climate. The guests also share some of their best practices for finding trusted medical advice.

Guests included:

Dr. Fiona Havers, an infectious disease physician, a vaccine expert, and a former CDC employee

Dr. Cecil Bennett of Newnan Family Medicine

Dr. Dawn Mandeville, an OB-GYN and a managing partner of Atlanta Gynecology & Obstetrics

Dr. Nicholas Church of Somerset Medical

Dr. Dhaval Desai, a board-certified Internist and pediatrician and owner of Direct Primary Care

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Emory University is launching its global Compassion Shift initiative this week. It’s all part of Emory’s “Year of Compassion.” Ryder Delaloye, the associate director of Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning at Emory, talked more about the compassion initiatives, SEE Learning, and compassionate training. He also explained the difference between empathy and compassion, and talked about research that shows compassion is a skill that can be trained.

Additionally, a new report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office reveals that more than $54.2 million in federal and state taxpayer dollars has been spent on administrative costs for the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program. That’s twice as much as what’s being spent on health care costs for Georgians. Margaret Coker, the co-founder and editor in chief at The Current, talks with show host Rose Scott about her coverage of the GOA report, plus the past and present state of health care in Georgia.

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To conclude “Closer Look’s” series for National Suicide Prevention and Awareness series, show host Rose Scott talks with guests about the impact of suicide on Georgia farmers, veterans and service members.

Data from the National Rural Health Association shows that farmers are three to five times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Scott talks with Dr. John McElveen, the director of the Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance, and Natalie Roy, the CEO of AgriSafe Network. They discuss the unique stressors that Georgia growers and producers face and the lack of access to mental health services in rural areas of the state. The guests also shared how their respective organizations are working to address suicide amongst Georgia farmers.

We then hear from Chris Stephens, the founder of #MilesForMike and the creative specialist for Stop Soldier Suicide. He told the story of his brother, Mike Stephens, who served in the U.S. Navy before dying by suicide in 2017. During the conversation, Chris shared details about his efforts to honor his brother’s legacy and spread awareness about suicide prevention.

Lastly, Michael Mullet, the community relations director with Highland Rivers Behavioral Health, talked about free and affordable wrap-around mental health services and resources offered by 22 organizations through the Georgia Association of Community Service Boards.

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According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021 and 2022, people ages 75 and older had the highest suicide rate among all age groups. The data also reveals the rate was largely driven by males. First, for “Closer Look’s” National Suicide Prevention and Awareness series, host Rose Scott talked with Amanda Krisher, the associate director of behavioral health at the National Council on Aging. Krisher dispelled myths about aging and suicide. She also talked about the importance of listening and asking questions to address the mental health needs of older adults.

Plus, data from Moodle and Censuswide shows 66% of employees are experiencing burnout. Scott talks with Georgia Wolfe-Samuel, a longtime CPA, now restaurateur and career burnout prevention specialist. Also part of the conversation, Mayra Richards, the CEO and founder of Remain Connected Counseling. They addressed career burnout and ways to address it. Wolfe-Samuel added her own story about overcoming career burnout, suicidal ideation and using her experiences to help others.

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The National Black Child Development Institute’s work is centered on creating infinite possibilities for Black children, families, and communities. The institute is gearing up for its annual conference on Oct. 24 – 26 in Atlanta. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott talks with Terri-Nichelle Bradley, a conference board member and founder of the Brown Toy Box, about the conference that will include panels, a Toy and Media Awards ceremony and more.

Plus, federal cuts to SNAP benefits combined with immigration raids have added to the problem with food insecurity for some in the Latino community. Santiago Marquez, the CEO of the Latin American Association, and Gilda “Gigi” Pedraza, the executive director of the Latino Community Fund of Georgia, discussed the unfolding situation and how their respective institutions are responding.

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A new report from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities reveals that suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 through 14. Suicide is also the third leading cause of death for Georgians between the ages of 15–24. In 2023, at least 249 people under the age of 24 died by suicide in Georgia. For “Closer Look’s” series focusing on National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, host Rose Scott talked with several guests about the impact of suicide on Georgia’s youth and efforts to raise more emotionally resilient kids, teens, and young adults.

Guests included:

Dr. Chinwé Williams, a nationally recognized licensed therapist and author of the book, "Calm, Courageous, and Connected Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Emotionally Resilient Children

Derrick Matthews, the director of research science for The Trevor Project

Dr. William Procter, the associate director of counseling services at Morehouse College

Marcy Stidum, the assistant vice president of student wellbeing at Kennesaw State University

You can reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also reach counselors with The Trevor Project by phone at 1866-488-7386 or by texting 678-678.

*** Here are several free or low-cost mental health resources in the Atlanta / Fulton & DeKalb areas. Always call ahead to confirm eligibility, costs, and whether there are waiting lists.

*** Hotlines & Statewide Lines (available in Atlanta):

Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) — 24/7 crisis, referral, help connecting to local services. Call 1‑800‑715‑4225

Open Path Collective – Atlanta — For a one‑time membership fee ($65), you can access therapy sessions priced $40‑$70 (or $30 for student/intern sessions).

NAMI Georgia Helpline — Free support, information, and referrals (non‑crisis). (770) 408‑0625

Mental Health Hotline (Atlanta, GA) — Free, confidential support 24/7: 866‑903‑3787

*** Local Clinics & Sliding Scale / Free Options in Atlanta:

Fulton County Adult Behavioral Health Services - Therapy, psychiatric assessment, group counseling, etc. Free or sliding scale for uninsured adults. (For all of Fulton County (including Atlanta)

Grady Behavioral Health Center - Sliding scale fees based on income. - (404) 616‑4444

DeKalb Community Service Board (CSB) - Free or sliding-scale mental health services for low-income / uninsured individuals. - 23 Warren Street SE, Atlanta; (404) 370‑7474

Comprehensive Counseling Solutions - Services on sliding scale, or free for those qualifying. - 2636 MLK Jr Drive SW, Atlanta; (770) 933‑6289

Sage Center – STEP Program - Reduced fees (sliding scale) via supervised counseling interns / residents - Based in Atlanta; apply via their “STEP” process

Samaritan Counseling (Atlanta) - Sliding fee scale based on income & assets - (404) 228‑7777

NAMI Georgia Helpline - Information, peer support, resource referrals (non‑crisis) - (770) 408‑0625

National Depression Hotline (for Georgia) - Free, confidential help for depression/anxiety - 866‑629‑4564

*** Tips & Additional Options

- Universities’ training clinics / psychology programs – Many universities (e.g. Emory, Georgia State) have psychology or counseling training clinics where students provide therapy under supervision, often at reduced cost. (These are often listed under “low cost counseling in GA” overviews)

- Faith-based / community organizations – Some churches or nonprofit groups offer free counseling or support groups. Ask around locally.

- Sliding scale private therapists – Use directories (e.g. Psychology Today, Open Path) and filter by “sliding scale / low cost” to find individual therapists in your ZIP who accept lower fees.

- Use GCAL or NAMI line – These hotlines can often help you find the nearest clinic that fits your income /

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