Continuing a Legacy

Martia's NDMV Journey with the RESPECT Program
By: Cora Davis 

In the heart of Youngstown, Ohio, an inspiring transformation is taking place—one led by a dedicated NDMV member named Martia. Initially comfortable serving behind the scenes, Martia has stepped boldly into the frontlines during her service year. Her journey has been anything but ordinary, deeply intertwined with the community, particularly the youth she is committed to supporting

Martia volunteers with the RESPECT program, an initiative designed to help young people foster positive interactions with peers and adults alike. This program serves as a sanctuary for many students living with the harsh realities of gang violence and unstable home environments. For these kids, RESPECT isn’t just a program; it’s a lifeline.

Martia began her journey in an office supporting William Miller, affectionately known as "Shimmie," the founder of RESPECT. Her responsibilities included checking students’ academic progress, communicating with teachers, and coordinating with probation officers. Shimmie valued Martia's contributions, but financial constraints prevented him from paying her for her work.

However, things took a sudden and tragic turn. On the same day Martia was set to onboard with NDMV—a connection that could make a way for her to continue with RESPECT and receive a living stipend—she received devastating news. Shimmie had been murdered just a mile from her home. This loss left a lasting mark on Martia, but it also ignited a fire within her. She realized she couldn’t let the RESPECT program fall apart in the wake of Shimmie’s death. “It was either let the organization go or take over,” she reflected, understanding the importance of continuing his legacy.

Today, as a part of Martia’s year of service with NDMV, she leads the RESPECT program alongside Randy Triplet, who has been with it since its beginning. Together, they work hard to engage with students and ensure they receive the guidance they need at a crucial time in their lives. 

Martia and Randy

The transition hasn’t been easy. "It's been very challenging," Martia admits, particularly when it comes to communication between students and their teachers. Focusing on middle school students (grades 5-8) during the week and students from middle and high school on Sundays, Martia emphasizes the importance of providing children with an outlet—a safe space where they can be themselves, play, and engage in activities like bowling, skating, and even basketball leagues. 

At the beginning of the school year, the principals of the schools partnered with the program to select 10 students from each school. They are asked to choose students who they believe are coachable but may struggle with behavior and academics. Martia assists in registering the students. 

Many students come from homes where their parents aren't very active in their lives. Some have to assume parenting roles for their siblings. “They don't have time to be a kid”, Martia explained. If the students’ parents can’t sign the permission forms, the principals are authorized to sign on behalf of the students to ensure they can get the support they need. 

One pressing issue Martia faces is teaching the students to respect one another. The RESPECT curriculum includes topics such as conflict resolution and learning how to agree or disagree positively. “We’re teaching them how to interact in a way they're not used to, “Marita said. 

Group dynamics can be complicated, particularly with new gang influences emerging in the community. Just last week, some of Martia’s students were suspended for fighting, showcasing the everyday challenges that the program confronts.

"We have parents who would drive kids to fights or even provide them with weapons,” she reveals, indicating the uphill battle the community faces in fostering a peaceful environment. 

Yet, amidst these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Martia recalls a recent community clean-up day, where students actively and joyfully participated. Their attitudes were encouraging to Martia because she could see the impact the love and care towards the students had on them. The students responded to the praise and felt valued for their efforts—something they’re often not accustomed to.

Martia's passion for working with youth has always been her guiding light, and her recent experiences, while heart-wrenching, have only deepened her commitment. “I could have a story similar to theirs,” she reflects, understanding that every encounter is a new learning experience for her and the kids because she did not grow up under the same circumstances as her students.

As the program progresses, Martia remains motivated to continue her work. She is determined to honor Shimmie’s legacy and positively impact the lives of the youth in Youngstown. 

“These kids are our future,” Martia stated confidently.

She understands that investing in the students' holistic education will have a lasting effect on the community for years.