Did you know that according to the FBI, Minnesota has the 3rd highest trafficking rate in the US? What makes this so heartbreaking is how difficult it is for exploited/trafficking survivors to find the hope and healing they need to find a sustainable path forward.
As human trafficking is a major problem happening everywhere in Minnesota, our focus is on the survivors. Through our Enrichment Program we aim to provide the hope and healing survivors need to find a sustainable path forward. That support happens through mentorship, resources, and care that empowers exploited/trafficking survivors to become strong and resilient so they can achieve a life of independence, purpose, hope, and transformation. We are a 501(c)3 organization with strong community partners who work with trafficking survivors to find the long term care they need.
Vision
We envision a future Minnesota filled with hope and the resources for all to flourish.
Mission
We use an individualized approach to engage, cultivate, and restore our communities by providing resources and support to the most vulnerable.
Values
- Jesus Centric
- Supportive
- Trustworthy
- Intentional
- Transformational
*Though we are a faith-based organization, there are no faith requirements to attend programs and receive services from Minnesota Good Works.
Board
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 Manager at KLC Financial. 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.
I’m originally from Wisconsin but have called the Twin Cities home since 1995. I’m married with three grown children and two grandsons. I enjoy traveling, reading, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new restaurants. Summer and sunshine are my favorites! I’m also deeply connected to my church, Eagle Brook in Woodbury, where my relationship with God has grown. I feel truly blessed and aim to serve God by serving others.
I had the privilege of meeting Donna at a gala and I was immediately inspired by the mission of Minnesota Good Works. Having served on various boards and worked in different capacities, I feel a calling to contribute as a board member for MGW. I’m excited about the organization’s future and the positive impact it can have on so many lives.
In my professional life, I work with an incredible team at a paving company in the west metro.
Operational Team
I’m a Minneapolis resident working in the recovery field with a passion for helping women find freedom and hope. As someone in long-term recovery and a Minnesota Good Works participant, I’ve experienced the power of support firsthand, and I’m grateful to step into a new role within the program. As the Administrative Assistant for MGW’s Enrichment Program, I look forward to working behind the scenes to support mentors and participants on their journey to healing.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and spending time with my husband, children, bonus children, and grand-princesses. I dream of one day owning my own home—and a Springer-Doodle puppy named “Bear.”
Dr. Jessica Stone has been a professional counselor for 25 years, offering biblical counsel for those struggling with anxiety, depression, family and marital issues. In recent years, Jessica has transitioned to consulting work as an advisor to leaders, ministries and non-profits using her many years of experience in helping people find freedom and healing. She is also an author and speaker, living out her God-given assignment to establish Kingdom mindset standards globally. Her website is www.kingdommindset.global, or download the Kingdom Mindset Global mobile app to stay engaged and find all of her resources.
Garth is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, and holds a BA in Secondary Education. While at PLU, he was named the Co-Most Valuable Player of the 1980 NAIA National Championship Football Team and the Most Inspirational Player in 1981. A member of the Pacific Lutheran Athletic Hall of Fame, Garth went on to coach at the collegiate level, including serving as a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Following his undergraduate studies, Garth earned an MAEd in Leadership Administration from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. His leadership training includes the prestigious Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the Covey Principal Centered Leadership Program in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Garth has dedicated his professional career to advancing biblical leadership across homes, workplaces, churches, and communities. With roles including immediate past Chair of the Board at Tyndale Theological Seminary (Europe), Chief Development and Communications Officer for the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA), President of the Northwestern College and Radio Foundation, and Executive Pastor at Christ Church in Lake Forest, Illinois, Garth brings unparalleled organizational and fundraising experience.
Garth founded Barnabas Resources with the conviction that ministries can move from floundering to flourishing with a little bit of focus and encouragement in the necessary disciplines of successful nonprofit work. Barnabas Resources is his answer to God’s call to use his experience, knowledge, and skills to help missional organizations thrive.
Garth has successfully trained for and completed both the Twin Cities and Chicago marathons and is often called upon to speak on the life coaching program he developed called The Five F’s: Faith, Family, Fitness, Finances, and Friendships. His messages are crafted out of the brokenness of his life’s experiences and the transformative power, grace, and mercy of God’s redemptive love.
Garth and his wife Kristy find great joy in one another, their three adult children and grandchildren. Garth and Kristy are actively engaged in service and worship at their local church in Minneapolis.
Donna’s Story
In September 2019, Donna experienced trafficking on her and her neighbor’s doorsteps in a quiet part of Ramsey. Their doorsteps were covered in blood and a young man in his 20s couldn’t even speak his name in English.
While in prayer during February of 2021, Donna kept hearing His Hands, Our Feet. Most people have heard of “being the hands and feet” so she kept asking what this meant. She learned quickly as the Lord spoke a specific mission to her and she drew it out with five pillars of service. Exploitation/Sex Trafficking is the first pillar with four others coming soon!
His Hands, Our Feet was spoken directly to her saying, “You and others will be walking out what I have commissioned ALL to do; love others by meeting their needs while offering hope and opportunity to self-sustaining freedom.” She turned to her Bible and this is the verse she came upon:
“And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” ~ Titus 3:14 NKJV
Donna knew it was time to quit thinking about helping more and take a leap of faith. Minnesota Good Works was incorporated on April 29, 2021.
