Genesis Martinez has known little stability growing up. She has lived in numerous homes with various family members, in group homes, and a homeless shelter, with several stays in hospital emergency rooms. Genesis has felt unloved and unaccepted for who she is, and alone.
Finally, she found a place to land at The Village’s Alison Gill Lodge, a therapeutic group home for girls. With support from Jennifer Timreck, clinical program director, and the rest of the Alison Gill Lodge staff, Genesis began her journey of hope and healing. “They have been helping me become the independent young woman that I am today,” said Genesis.
In December 2018, Genesis relayed her story with poise and confidence to an audience of 500 at The Village’s Girl Within Luncheon. She told everyone with pride that is attending Manchester Community College, studying to be a social worker, and looking forward to a career where she can help other girls and young women as she was helped.