Meet Bartola Anderson, M.Ed | Founder & CEO of Positive Transition Services, Inc.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bartola Anderson, M.Ed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bartola, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
You will need to rely on your FAITH to become successful in this industry which is tough and taxing on the mind and soul. One’s strength must go beyond being physically and mentally strong, but more importantly, spiritually strong! I say this because it’s a fact, my industry is one of kind. Why? Well, because we don’t have the luxury of shutting our doors for the day, after a 9-5 shift. Our high quality housing and free supportive services are non-stop-it’s– a 24/7 job that requires the fortitude to work with individuals whom feel lost, hopeless and broken. Most have experienced serious childhood trauma, poverty, and injustices. Many suffer from mind battles, also known as mental health issues coupled with serious physical medical conditions. It can truly trouble your emotional well being if you are not grounded in your FAITH in Christ, to give you the strength to keep pressing forward.

Many believe this industry is profitable (and true), but unware of what it says in the bible “to much is given, much is required”. We shouldn’t serve only for revenue, but for the Kingdom of God.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Positive Transition Services is a high quality, certified, supportive housing provider that works closely with the state of Georgia and City of Atlanta to curtail crime, saving tax payers money, and diverting people from being arrested simply because they have a mental health and/or substance abuse issue or homeless. We are different because our doors to serving the most difficult and vulnerable individuals did not stop because of a deadly pandemic and slashed funding. I’m most proud of my ability to have been able to help individuals get emergency medication to quite voices that have tormented them in their heads for months/days/or years. To hear a homeless veteran tell me, “Ms. Anderson it’s because of your program, I’m able to now focus on going back to work because I don’t have to sleep in my car. or in a shelter.” I feel excited to be able to help a parent finally be able to sleep at night because now they have help with getting their child released from jail into a structured, recovery residential program–PTS. I got to where I am today because these are the steps that were ordered by the Lord. No, it’s not easy and nor will it ever be in my opinion. I overcome these challenges by remembering that quote “Nobody said it would be easy, but it will be worth it.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot in the city to take a friend that’s visiting the city would be: 1. Breakfast- Flying Biscuit @ 1001 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309–their grits and gravy is addictive –also great place to eat outside while viewing the downtown area of the city in Midtown

2. Then we would head over to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights @ 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

3. Now you know we can’t leave the Georgia Aquarium out of the mix

4. Ok, we have walked a lot so now it’s time to eat again. We would head over to Spondivits @ 1219 Virginia Ave, East Point, GA 30344 for some finger licking seafood, music, and virgin drinks

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give Dr. Adika Trimble a shoutout for sticking by my side professionally and as a person. He has helped shape my organization into the successful model it is today. Dr. Trimble has allowed this to take form by developing the necessary policies and procedures that allowed our organization to be taken seriously with many governmental entities within the City of Atlanta and Fulton County. His impeccable past experiences as a Parole officer, author, Director with the State of Georgia and graduate from Morehouse School of Medicine and the University of Georgia prepared and led him to who he is today. I’m truly blessed and honored to have him as a friend and colleague.

Website: www.ptsga.org

Instagram: @ptsatlorg

Twitter: @pts_serves

Facebook: @Positive Transition Services Inc