Youth Development Inc. reflects on decades of growth with longtime employee Donna Martinez

Donna Martinez joined Youth Development Inc. in 1978 and now serves as its longest‑serving employee and vice president of human resources; YDI has expanded from gang intervention into Head Start, youth shelters, nutrition services and anti-gun-violence work across New Mexico.

Youth Development Inc. has grown from a small network focused on gang intervention to one of New Mexico's larger family service providers. Donna Martinez joined YDI in 1978 as an assistant to the CEO and is now the organization's longest-serving employee and vice president of human resources after 48 years. She remembers starting without computers and with a strong focus on programs for people involved with gangs and those experiencing homelessness. Over the decades YDI added Head Start, opened youth shelters, expanded nutrition services and launched an anti-gun-violence program. Key facts: - Donna Martinez joined YDI in 1978 and has worked there for 48 years, currently serving as vice president of human resources. - YDI began with gang intervention programs and services for people experiencing homelessness. - In 1995 YDI adopted the Head Start program, which the article reports now operates in 17 New Mexico counties. - The organization has opened youth shelters, expanded nutrition services, and started an anti-gun-violence program. - YDI continues to serve families transitioning from homelessness to housing and will operate a new youth shelter at the old San Mateo Inn. Summary: YDI's work has shifted over decades to meet changing community needs, moving from gang intervention to a broader set of family services across the state. Donna Martinez's long tenure highlights continuity as the organization expanded services such as Head Start and shelter operations. YDI plans to operate a new youth shelter at the former San Mateo Inn and continues serving families transitioning from homelessness to housing.