Resilient Georgia Announces Launch of Resilient Metro, Expanding Trauma-Informed Collaboration in Fulton and DeKalb Counties

March 2026

-------------------------

Resilient Georgia proudly announces the launch of Resilient Metro, an expanded regional coalition serving Fulton and DeKalb counties. Formerly operating as the Resilient Georgia coalition for these counties under the leadership of ARCHI, Resilient Metro marks the next evolution of cross-sector collaboration to advance trauma-informed care and promote behavioral health for children, youth, and families ages 0–26.

Resilient Metro builds on ARCHI’s longstanding leadership as a collaborative of more than 150 partners working to address the root causes of health disparities through Community Resource Hubs (CRHs). As part of this expansion, ARCHI is joined by two new co-leaders: the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy (GCCA) and The Confess Project of America, forming a shared leadership model to deepen trauma-informed systems change across the region.

The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy brings nationally recognized expertise in prevention and intervention services for children who have experienced abuse and adversity. The Confess Project contributes its groundbreaking barbershop-based mental health advocacy model, which equips trusted community leaders to destigmatize mental health and create safe spaces for Black boys, men, and families to access support.

“Resilient Metro reflects the power of shared leadership and community voice,” said Emily Anne Vall, Ph.D., Executive Director of Resilient Georgia. “By strengthening partnerships in Fulton and DeKalb counties, this coalition will expand access to trauma-informed care and resiliency supports where they are needed most.”

Through a newly established Trauma-Informed Working Group co-led by ARCHI, GCCA, and The Confess Project, Resilient Metro will embed evidence-based resiliency frameworks such as the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and Connections Matter across healthcare systems, schools, municipalities, and community organizations. The coalition will also elevate lived experience advisors and peer advocates to help shape policy, program design, and implementation.

“Resilient Metro represents our continued commitment to ensuring that individuals and families not only access resources, but encounter systems that are healing-centered, culturally responsive, and grounded in dignity,” said Jeff Smyth, the executive director of the Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement (ARCHI).

The coalition will prioritize prevention and early intervention by integrating trauma-informed training across sectors, strengthening Community Health Worker capacity, and expanding partnerships with local governments and first responders. By aligning health, housing, education, and behavioral health systems, Resilient Metro aims to create measurable improvements in resilience, trust, and long-term health outcomes.

To learn more about Resilient Georgia’s statewide coalitions, visit coalitions.resilientga.org.