Each city has its share of problems: homelessness, drug abuse and crime

Filmmaker and photojournalist Barbara Pyle takes to the streets of the city that she calls home -- Atlanta, Georgia -- to meet unique, determined individuals who are tackling these urban realities.

Leonard Tate is director of Trinity House. Trinity House provides food, clothing, a shelter and support for homeless men, most of whom are former drug addicts. Pyle meeds the residents and attends a meeting where Leonard tells the men “Believe in yourself with all your heart and if you believe in yourself, you’re going to be able to achieve most of the things you set out to do.” Pyle meets Rico, a former crack addict and past resident, who has beaten his drug habit, gotten a job and is pursuing his dream of becoming a champion boxer.  Pyle jumps into the ring for a free boxing lesson. Rico says, “I thought crack loved me.”

Tate also runs a youth empowerment program for boys.  The program's goal is straightforward: if children are confident and have a sense of community, they won't look to a gang for security.

Gang members are just some of the thousands of troubled youth that find themselves in the courtroom of Judge Glenda Jackson.  Pyle spends an afternoon in Judge Jackson’s court and sees the Judge’s  tough, but nurturing sense of justice.  Jackson says, “All a child needs is just one adult who cares about them.”

Unfortunately, many kids fall through the cracks ...  like Gerald, a former gang member.  From behind bars, Gerald discusses his tragic childhood, including the murder of his brother by rival gang members.  Gerald shares his story with a youth group in hopes of steering them away from gang life.