Congratulations to Citizen of the Week: Matt Newcome!

Matt Newcome, a Peachtree City native, has spent the past decade quietly reshaping the conversation around mental health and recovery in Fayette County.

After overcoming his own struggles with substance use, Newcome has remained committed to helping others find the support they need. He’s maintained over ten years of sobriety—a journey that not only transformed his life, but also shaped his desire to serve the community where he grew up.

Recognizing the barriers many families face when seeking behavioral health care, Newcome began working to create solutions closer to home. His latest effort—a treatment facility, Imagine Wellness, opening this month—aims to address long-standing gaps in local access to mental health and substance use recovery services.

Those who know him describe Newcome as deeply empathetic and steadfast in his commitment to others. “Matt understands what it’s like to be in crisis,” said one colleague. “He leads with compassion, not ego. That’s what makes people trust him.”

In addition to his work in health care, Newcome is a mentor to others in recovery and an advocate for reducing stigma around mental illness. His story is one of quiet perseverance—proof that personal healing can lead to community transformation.

Do you know a Citizen like Matt? We’d love for you to nominate them for a future Citizen of the Week.

Anyone in Fayette or Coweta County can nominate a local resident to be featured. Submissions must include between 100 and 500 words explaining why your nominee deserves the spotlight and a photo of them. (Submissions without a photo cannot be accepted.) Fill out the nomination form here:
👉 https://thecitizen.com/nominate-a-citizen-of-the-week/

Each week, one honoree is celebrated in The Citizen, giving us all a chance to recognize the people who enrich our community with their character and care.

The Citizen of the Week is proudly sponsored by City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta, a national leader in cancer research and treatment. With expertise across all cancer types and a commitment to whole-person care, City of Hope honors those who strengthen our communities through service, compassion, and resilience.
Learn more at cityofhope.org/atlanta