Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire and empower youth to embrace their authentic selves. We achieve this by providing opportunities, such as but not limited to: hands-on experiences , leadership, community engagement, authentic voice and understanding the importance of discipline.
Through promoting community involvement, we aim to help individuals uncover their truth and thrive despite societal stigmas. Together, we will change the narrative,
#OneLife@ATime.
One Life @ A Time, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Donielle Martin, the CEO & Founder’s son, who was incarcerated at the age of 18. Through this difficult experience, Donielle became the visionary behind transforming pain into purpose, ultimately creating a meaningful mentoring and empowerment program in 2023.
Let’s work together"
Our Founder
Get in trouble, good trouble, necessary trouble
John Lewis~
Request Donielle as a Speaker
“When you see a young man with a good heart, success in his grasp, but challenging choices changes everything and that young man is your son you devote your life to helping other young men understand there is a better way.”
— Donielle
One Life @ A Time, Inc.
Donielle Martin is the heart and face behind One Life @ A Time, Inc.
Her advocacy was not born in a boardroom.
It was born through pain.
It was born through sleepless nights.
It was born through tears that few people ever saw.
At the age of 18, Donielle watched her son enter the prison system. Like many mothers, she carried the weight of unanswered questions.
What happens when a young person's worst decision becomes the defining chapter of their life?
Who fights for them when society has already given up?
Who helps families navigate the heartbreak, confusion, and uncertainty that incarceration leaves behind?
For years, Donielle witnessed firsthand the devastating impact incarceration has not only on the individual, but on mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, and entire communities.
She experienced the emotional toll..
The fear of the unknown.
But she also discovered something powerful.
Pain can either break you or position you to become a voice for change.
Donielle chose to become that voice.
Today, her work is centered on social justice, juvenile justice reform, reentry support, mental health awareness, mentorship, and advocacy. She understands that lasting change begins long before a young person enters a courtroom or prison cell.
It begins with prevention.
It begins with exposure.
It begins with mentorship.
It begins with helping young people recognize their value before the world tells them otherwise.
How many young lives could be changed if someone simply believed in them?
How many families could be restored if support arrived before crisis?
How many futures could be rewritten if we invested in people instead of giving up on them?
Through One Life @ A Time, Inc., Donielle works to amplify authentic voices and connect individuals and families to resources that support healing, restoration, and successful reintegration into society.
The reality is that reentry is not easy.
Many formerly incarcerated individuals return home carrying invisible wounds.
Mental health challenges.
Trauma.
Depression.
Anxiety.
Substance use disorders.
Feelings of hopelessness.
The journey home can be overwhelming.
The question becomes:
Will they have the support they need? Will they accept support provided?
Will someone help them navigate the next chapter?
Will someone remind them that their story is not over?
At One Life @ A Time, Inc., we believe every person deserves the opportunity to rebuild their life.
Every person deserves dignity.
Every person deserves hope.
Every person deserves a second chance.
Most importantly, every person deserves to know that they are more than their mistakes.
They are worthy.
They are capable.
They are valuable.
And they still have purpose.
If your loved one is struggling with mental health challenges, substance abuse, or the complexities of reentry, help is available. The individual must also accept the help.
The first step is often the hardest.
The second step is believing change is possible.
The third step is accepting the support that is being offered.
What would happen if we changed the narrative?
One Life @ A Time.
Resources:
SAMHSA
https://www.samhsa.gov/
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
https://988lifeline.org/
PACE Indy
https://paceindy.org/
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
https://www.nami.org/kids-teens-and-young-adults/
Indy Teen Treatment Center
https://indyteentreatmentcenter.com/
Community Fairbanks Recovery Center
https://www.ecommunity.com/locations/community-fairbanks-recovery-center
#SpeakLife
"We are changing the narrative... One Life @ A Time."
Understanding the Challenges:
1. Mental Health Awareness:
Recognize that long-term incarceration can worsen or contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, emotional withdrawal, hypervigilance, and other behavioral health challenges. Awareness and education surrounding these issues are the first steps toward healing, treatment, and successful reintegration into society.
Formerly incarcerated individuals also face significant substance use challenges during reentry.Research shows that nearly 65% of the incarcerated population has an active substance use disorder, yet fewer than 15% receive treatment while incarcerated. As a result, the risk of overdose during the first weeks after release is substantially higher. Studies also indicate that approximately 68% of drug-involved offenders are rearrested within three years.
These statistics highlight the critical importance of providingmental health support, evidence-based treatment, family education, community resources, accountability, mentorship, and consistent support systems during the reentry process.without support, many individuals struggle silently while trying to adjust to life outside incarceration.
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 unique challenges faced by individuals returning from incarceration. This helps foster understanding, compassion, patience, and reduces stigma. Reentry into society is not always an easy transition. At times, individuals coming home from incarceration may struggle with adjusting to everyday life, rebuilding relationships, trusting others, managing emotions, and feeling “normal” within society again. Support, education, structure, and encouragement are all essential parts of the healing and reintegration process.
Communication: Encourage open, honest, and supportive communication within the family. Being a listening ear without immediate judgment can make a significant difference in a loved one’s healing and recovery journey. This process requires a great deal of patience, understanding, consistency, and grace, especially when a loved one experiences setbacks or relapses. Families must learn how to support accountability while still showing compassion, encouragement, and hope during difficult moments.
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
o Provide information about local social service agencies, victim advocacy groups, and the VictimConnect referral helpline
o (1-855-4-VICTIM).These resources can offer emotional support, legal assistance, and more.
2. Don’t Blame Them
o 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
o Allow them to express their emotions freely. Avoid suggesting how they should feel about their situation; everyone processes trauma differently.
4. Call a Counselor
o 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
Each year, a distinguished group of women is selected through a highly competitive application process to participate in a prestigious nine-month leadership development program designed to cultivate emerging leaders, strengthen civic engagement, and inspire meaningful community impact.
In 2023, Donielle Martin was honored to be selected as a member of this exceptional cohort of women leaders. Throughout the program, she demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advocacy, service, and transformational leadership while collaborating with other accomplished women dedicated to advancing positive change throughout Indiana.
Her selection reflects both her professional accomplishments and her passion for empowering others. The leadership skills, relationships, and experiences gained through the program continue to influence her work as Founder and CEO of One Life @ A Time, Inc., where she remains committed to empowering youth, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities that change lives—one life at a time.
Donielle's participation in this prestigious program further solidified her dedication to servant leadership and her belief that meaningful change is achieved when leaders invest in people, inspire hope, and work collectively to build stronger communities for future generations.
Civic & Community Engagement:
Civic & Community Engagement:
Tupac Shaku
"If you can hold on, there will be a brighter day"
October 28, 1993
“House Bill 1359 “
“Juvenile Law Matters”
One Life @ A Time, played a pivotal role in advocating for youth rights and influencing legislative change through their involvement in House Bill 1359, also known as "Juvenile Law Matters." Donielle, the founder of One Life @ A Time, & Mickey Carothers, founder of Mission Makia Foundation were appointed as the chairs of the advisor committee by Voices Corp’s, leadership team . They were tasked with collaborating with Indiana legislators over a nine-month period. The primary objective was to support youth throughout Indiana in sharing their lived experiences, particularly those related to detention in juvenile facilities, whether for short or long-term stays.
During this time, Donielle helped facilitate discussions and listened to the recommendations of the youth, providing them with a platform to voice their perspectives and concerns. As a result of her advocacy efforts, she was appointed as one of the spokespersons, representing the collective voice of the youth on the Youth Justice Oversight Committee.
Donielle's role as one of the the spokespersons was instrumental in presenting the youth's recommendations to Indiana legislators. Through her passionate advocacy and dedication, she effectively conveyed the importance of implementing policy changes that would address the needs and rights of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Ultimately, the recommendations put forth were approved in House Bill 1359, marking a significant milestone in juvenile law reform. This achievement underscores Donielle's commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and driving meaningful change through legislative advocacy. Her efforts have undoubtedly contributed to improving the juvenile justice system and ensuring better outcomes for youth across Indiana.
https://www.in.gov/youthjustice/meetings/may-10,-2023-meeting/
Donielle Martin, CEO and Founder of One Life @ A Time, Inc., serves as a member and partner with the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy and the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ). Through these prestigious national affiliations, she collaborates with leaders, advocates, policymakers, researchers, and organizations dedicated to improving outcomes for youth and families impacted by the juvenile justice system.
In recognition of her leadership, lived experience, and commitment to youth advocacy, Donielle has been invited to Washington, D.C., to participate in national discussions and strategic initiatives focused on advancing equitable policies, strengthening community-based solutions, and creating opportunities for justice-involved youth.
Her involvement reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that young people are not defined by their circumstances but are provided with the support, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive. Through her work with CJJR, CJJ, and One Life @ A Time, Inc., Donielle continues to be a powerful voice for youth empowerment, family engagement, and meaningful juvenile justice reform at both the local and national levels.
Donielle Martin is one of many dedicated and trained Breast Health Advocates committed to providing compassionate support to individuals and families navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. Through education, encouragement, and advocacy, she helps patients, survivors, and caregivers feel informed, empowered, and supported throughout their journey.
Breast Health Advocates offer guidance every step of the way—from helping individuals prepare for medical appointments and understand treatment options to providing a listening ear and connecting them with valuable community resources and support services.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, celebrating survivorship, or supporting a loved one, compassionate support is available. Connect with a Breast Health Advocate or learn how to become an advocate by completing the interest form and joining a network dedicated to hope, healing, and empowerment.
As Chair, I am honored and excited to lead this important effort. There is no greater investment than ensuring deserving, talented, and ambitious students have access to higher education and the opportunities it creates. Education has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and open doors for future generations.
While we have made meaningful progress and celebrated many successes, our work is far from finished. The mission of UNCF remains as relevant and impactful today as ever. As part of a proud legacy of advancing educational equity and social change, we must continue to create pathways that empower students to achieve their dreams and reach their fullest potential.
Donielle Martin has served in volunteer leadership roles with UNCF since 2014, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to educational advancement, community service, and empowering students through access to higher education. Her dedication to the mission of UNCF continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of scholars and families throughout the community.
Donielle Martin was honored to receive a nomination for the prestigious Serve Indiana Awards for Excellence, a recognition that celebrates individuals across Indiana who exemplify outstanding servant leadership and demonstrate a deep commitment to making a positive impact within their communities.
This nomination reflects Donielle's unwavering dedication to service, advocacy, and community engagement through her professional work, volunteer leadership, and her role as Founder and CEO of One Life @ A Time, Inc. Her passion for empowering youth, supporting families, and creating opportunities for underserved populations continues to inspire meaningful change throughout Indiana.
The Serve Indiana Awards for Excellence recognize individuals whose actions embody the spirit of service, leadership, and community transformation. Donielle's nomination is a testament to her commitment to uplifting others and her belief that lasting change begins with serving one person, one family, and one community at a time.
The Annual Minority Achievers Awards & Scholars Gala is a distinguished celebration hosted by the Center for Leadership Development (CLD), bringing together education, business, corporate, and community leaders to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding minority professionals, community advocates, and CLD scholars.
The Gala honors CLD students who have earned scholarships from colleges and universities across the nation in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to achieving their full intellectual potential.
In 2025, Donielle Martin, CEO and Founder of One Life @ A Time, Inc., was honored to be nominated for this prestigious recognition, reflecting her dedication to community service, youth empowerment, and transformational leadership.
The impact of CLD continues to be extraordinary. In 2025 alone, more than $7 million in full and partial scholarship awards were earned by CLD alumni. Since 2004, CLD students have collectively received more than $52 million in scholarship funding, helping to create pathways to higher education, leadership, and lifelong success.
In 2025, One Life @ A Time, Inc. was honored to receive the "Up and Coming Organization" Award and the "2025 Youth Service Award" from RecZone Indy. This recognition reflects the organization's unwavering commitment to empowering youth, fostering leadership, and creating life-changing opportunities throughout the community.
As CEO and Founder, Donielle Martin proudly accepted the award on behalf of One Life @ A Time, Inc., recognizing the collective efforts of the organization's dedicated youth, families, volunteers, board members, and community partners.
We extend our sincere gratitude to RecZone Indy and our valued partners for believing in our mission and vision. Your support continues to help us change the narrative, inspire hope, and transform lives, one life at a time.
Together, we are building stronger communities, empowering future leaders, and creating lasting impact for generations to come.
