Our Founder

Donielle Martin is the face behind One Life @ A Time, INC, and her profound commitment and lived experiences as she watched her son go to prison at the age of 18 and the lasting effects on his life while being incarcerated, makes her a formidable advocate for social justice. Her leadership is crucial in advancing initiatives that support survivors, victims, and those impacted by the justice system, pre-incarceration, during incarceration, post-incarceration, driving meaningful, systemic change. Recognizing that lasting reform begins with the younger generation, Donielle is dedicated to addressing issues at the root by engaging with youth to prevent their future involvement with a broken justice system.

Donielle’s work is centered on amplifying authentic voices and spearheading impactful advocacy, particularly in reforming the justice system.

"One Life @ A Time" is tackling a critical and often overlooked issue —educating individuals who have been incarcerated and are dealing with mental illness reintegrate into society. Navigating mental health challenges after being in prison can be incredibly complex, and advocacy in this area can make a significant difference. Here’s a framework for how family and advocates can help:

Understanding the Challenges:

1. Mental Health Awareness: Recognize that long-term incarceration can exacerbate or contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other conditions. Awareness of these issues is the first step in addressing them.

2. Trauma-Informed Approach: Understand that many individuals coming out of incarceration have experienced significant trauma, both during their time in prison and prior to it. A trauma-informed approach ensures that interactions and interventions are sensitive to these experiences.

Support Strategies

1. Access to Mental Health Services:

• Identify Resources: Help them connect with mental health professionals, including counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists. Look for organizations that specialize in supporting formerly incarcerated individuals.

• Navigating Systems: Assist in navigating the often-complicated systems of healthcare and mental health services.

2. Family Involvement:

• Education: Educate family members about mental health issues and the specific challenges faced by individuals who have been incarcerated. This helps in fostering understanding and reducing stigma.

• Communication: Encourage open and supportive communication within the family. Being a listening ear can make a significant difference.

3. Skill Building:

• Life Skills: Help them build skills that may have been diminished or neglected during incarceration, such as job readiness, financial management, and interpersonal skills.

• Coping Mechanisms: Support the development of healthy coping strategies for managing mental health symptoms and stress.

4. Advocacy and Legal Support:

• Know Your Rights: Advocate for their rights in accessing mental health services and navigating reentry programs. Legal aid organizations can provide support in this area.

• Policy Advocacy: Engage in advocacy for policy changes that support mental health care and successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Building a Support Network

1. Community Resources: Connect with local support groups, nonprofits, and community organizations that offer resources and support for people in their situation.

2. Peer Support: Encourage involvement in peer support groups where individuals can share experiences and strategies for managing mental health and reintegration.

Long-Term Considerations

1. Ongoing Support: Recognize that reintegration and managing mental illness is a long-term process. Continuous support and check-ins can help maintain stability and progress.

2. Celebrating Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate milestones and progress. Positive reinforcement can build self-esteem and motivation.

By focusing on these areas, we can change the narrative “One Life @ A Time” , to help create a more supportive environment for individuals transitioning out of incarceration and dealing with mental health challenges.

 Donielle Martin’s dedication to these areas underscores her commitment to fostering a more just and equitable society. Her commitment to driving meaningful change remains unwavering.

Victims:

Victims deserve attention, support, and resources just as much as those who are incarcerated. One Life @ A Time, recognizes the impact of crime on victims is essential for fostering healing and promoting justice. Supporting victims helps create a more compassionate and equitable society, where everyone’s experiences and needs are valued.

How to Support Victims Effectively

1. Connect Them with Resources

• Provide information about local social service agencies, victim advocacy groups, and the VictimConnect referral helpline (1-855-4-VICTIM). These resources can offer emotional support, legal assistance, and more.

2. Don’t Blame Them

• Refrain from questioning their actions or decisions. Focus on listening and validating their feelings rather than assessing blame.

3. Don’t Tell Them How to Feel

• Allow them to express their emotions freely. Avoid suggesting how they should feel about their situation; everyone processes trauma differently.

4. Call a Counselor

• Encourage them to speak with a counselor or mental health professional. You can help by providing contact information for local counseling services that specialize in trauma and victim support.

Remember

Your support can make a significant difference. Listening and providing a safe space for them to share their experiences is crucial

Get in trouble, good trouble, necessary trouble, John Lewis~

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