About Minnesota Good Works

Donna Martin is the Founder and Executive Director of Minnesota Good Works. She has been with Anoka County for the past ten years in various roles and currently is in an Eligibility Specialist and Estate Recovery role. She started MGW with a vision as she heard the Lord speak to her, “His Hands, Our Feet”. To learn more about this, go to our history page on the website. “Engage, Cultivate and Restore” is her lifelong passion to do whatever it takes to carry this mission out. She enjoys inspiring collaboration within her board and partners, and believes when we work well together removing stigmas and checklists, we begin to meet people right where they are and are able to make a greater impact.

She has two adult children and is the proud grandma of two grand “littles.” Her heart beats for the community and those who are hidden, overlooked, or unseen. It’s her belief that it’s not someone else’s job to love those in need, but rather, it’s our collective responsibility to make a difference together. She enjoys time with her “littles” and her boxer Thor.

Matthew joined the Minnesota Good Works board as President in July of 2023. Matthew has been following Minnesota Good Works since inception and has wanted to find an applicable way he could leverage his experience and abilities to help the cause. Matthew’s professional experience includes service on multiple for-profit boards as well as helping organizations transition from start-up to growth and maturity stages. As a father, coach, mentor, and Christ follower, Matthew is passionate about finding ways to help those in need. In particular, as he learned more about how trafficking is a local community issue, he felt compelled to serve our mission.

Jake Urton is a founding board member of Minnesota Good Works and works in the Anoka County Economic Assistance Department. Because of his work, he has a great appreciation for the people we support through MGW. He was blessed to grow up in an interracial family as it’s given him an appreciation for people from different cultures and backgrounds.  

Jake joined the board because of  compassion toward the mission and vision of MGW. He is passionate about going beyond temporary fixes for the social issues we address. He believes that solving core issues is crucial to the lifelong success of the people we serve.  

Jake was born with cerebral palsy (CP) and non-verbal learning disorder (NLVD). The doctors stated he would likely never be able to walk. After close to fifty surgical procedures, he has defied all odds! He has brought awareness to CP, NVLD, and people with “disabilities” by speaking to teachers, doctors, social workers, and students. In his spare time, he enjoys writing short stories and making people laugh. Jake is known for his constant smile and the positivity he brings into every situation. 

Mike is a Marketing professional of 16 years who is currently the Marketing Director of YouthWorks, a youth missions organization.  He is passionate about his faith in Jesus and loves to use his talents and experience in marketing to support organizations focused on serving others and making an impact.

Mike enjoys his family time with his wife Jenny and three kids (Leona, Violet, and Isaiah) where they spend time on fun projects and relaxing on their 15 acre hobby farm. As an extreme extrovert, Mike loves the company of others by cherishing a tasty meal and a good conversation.

Kelly joined the Minnesota Good Works (MGW) board as Treasurer in December of 2023. Kelly was invited to attend the 2023 Gala and was inspired through the MGW mission to make a difference by helping in her areas of expertise. Kelly is currently a Controller for a large performance improvement company as well as in the accounting profession for over 20 years. She has also contributed as board presidents and treasurer of other non-profit organizations in the past. Kelly is a Christ follower, wife, and mother of 3 boys. She has a servant heart and enjoys finding new and inventive ways to serve and improve the community.