“My mission is to provide a light where there is none and to awaken the awareness in those that “have” in the hope that they will contribute to help the “have nots.” My goal is to be a servant to those who desperately need a true human touch.” ~Rose Martin

Rose Martin, has been helping the homeless, those recently released from prison, recovering addicts, and the unemployed for over 40 years. Those currently receiving her help, as well as those now returning the favor, assist Rose on her mission to fight for those struggling against insurmountable odds to regain their lives.

Below is Rose Martin in 492 Words. It is only an “appetizer” to a “full course dinner” filled with inspirational as well as delectable stories of how Rose Martin nourishes souls and spirits.

Spend the day with her behind the stove or under a bridge, in the woods, on the dance floor, in a hospital emergency room or at the Governor’s office. Witness Rose and her “good company” spreading love, hope and inspiration and stirring the hearts of the hard-hearted as they serve a community starving to succeed.

Once you meet Rose, once you’ve tasted Rose’s Good Company’s irresistible recipes for real food and real success, you will be bursting at the seams with stories you can’t wait to share!

Enjoy!

Marcia Golder Alter

Rose Martin in 492 Words

For more than 40 years, Rose Martin has led an unrelenting crusade on behalf of her community and beyond. Using unique approaches to overcoming obstacles, Rose is a dynamic force of example, committed to inspiring and teaching others how to care.

In the 70s, working in Project Change, Rose’s unconventional delivery of services taught educated professionals how to truly give. These enlightened community leaders convinced the Governor to award a social worker license to Rose, despite her lack of a college degree.

In 1976, Rose inspired a neighborhood, concerned about the influx of low-income housing, into building bridges of communication and ultimately building the still flourishing community center for low-income families, Peace Neighborhood Center. As Director of PNC, Rose gained the respect and support of all facets of the community. In 1982 PNC, was awarded a certificate of merit as an exemplary Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Program by the U.S. Office of Criminal Justice.

In 2006, Rose formed Roses Good Company where volunteer ex-convicts, (former clients) are guided to mentor those who have lost all hope. With a 92% success rate, the downtrodden become healthy, working, caring members of society.

The effect of Rose’s efforts over the years are profound and the ripple effect is incalculable. The great-grandchildren of her early clients are now becoming doctors, lawyers, professors, and, most of all, caring, contributing leaders in their communities. The “graduates” of Project Change, Peace Neighborhood Center and of Rose’s Good Company feel like family to one another. Rose’s influence brings out the best in people. Through Rose’s example, and her commitment to the well-being of others, one learns how to give from the heart. She teaches both the “haves” and the “have nots.” And then they teach others.

Orphaned at age 7, Rose had to fend for herself through an odyssey of loveless, abusive and frightening foster care homes. As a teen, Rose decided she would forever treat people the way Jesus treated people; which was taught to her in Sunday School.

From then on, Rose has tirelessly given of her time, personal resources and her heart to anyone who needed a helping hand, regardless of their social standing. Rich or poor, educated or not, neither color, creed nor deed has stood in the way of Rose extending her love and faith to the well-being of others.

Rose is wise, loving and firm. Rose recognizes the smallest infraction and teaches you how to do better. Rose offers hope that eradicates despair. Rose teaches people to do the next RIGHT THING even if it hurts. Rose fiercely defends her clients freedom of choice.

When Rose is with you, she’s with you for the long haul. Rose routinely does things no one else would risk doing or make the effort to do. She inspires others to be of service to one another. By example, Rose teaches to lead with compassion. At least 35, now grown, “children” call her “Mama.”