Café Spanglish
WINTER 2017
DR . JOHNNIE MARTIN
Improving People ’ s Lives
By Sunny Gonzalez-Cepero Photography : Chris Reynolds
support group for victims of domestic violence in the area .
Domestic violence is rampant in Rutherford County , highly underreported , and on the rise . It is also no respecter of persons ; women of all ethnic and financial backgrounds attend the group . Using an excellent curriculum and incorporating activities such as journaling , hosting speakers , and doing hands-on projects , Dr . Martin is empowering women with the knowledge , resources , and support they need to say , “ No More !” and change their circumstances . Group leaders provide the women with useful information about local resources such as the PATH Shelter , the Sheriff ’ s Department , and the Clerk of the Superior Court . They are making valiant steps towards eradicating the stigma and misinformation surrounding domestic violence .
Dr . Johnnie Martin , the co-founder and facilitator of the local domestic violence education and support group , has a heart for helping change women ’ s lives for the better . Every month , she leads a group of women of all ages who come together to learn more about the dangers of domestic violence , improve their selfesteem , build friendships , and find solace .
While working as a professor at Gardner-Webb University , a position she held for 25 years , Dr . Martin volunteered to help at an abuse prevention program . She found that she enjoyed getting to know the women , hearing their stories , and giving them the hope and encouragement they desperately needed . Drawn to the cause , Dr . Martin and her friend Sally Claroni , Resident Advocate for the Forest City Housing Authority ( FCHA ), decided to form an education and
Each year , the support group chooses a theme upon which to focus their projects and talks . For the 2017 theme , Stepping Stones to Healing , the participants will create and care for a community garden and create stepping stones for the garden depicting their healing journey . They are currently writing their stories to be included in a book , and continue to work on projects that empower and uplift them .
In addition to her work with domestic violence victims , Dr . Martin also facilitates parenting classes , teaches Adult High School at the ICC Polk County Campus , and volunteers for the Stephen Ministry Program through First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton . As a wife , mother of five adult children and stepchildren , grandmother of nine , voracious reader , and avid traveler , it is hard to believe she has the time and energy to do all that she does . To prevent burnout , Dr . Martin refuels herself through encouraging books and prayer .
“ The older I get the more I seem to enjoy
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