Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Martinez.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in Taylor, Texas, I was surrounded by the warmth of a small town where community mattered. At the time, I was always aware but never fully understood and appreciated my dad’s dedication to local affairs and nonprofit work, but those early experiences witnessing my family’s involvement within our community quietly shaped who I am today. At the time I didn’t know just how deeply my family’s commitment to service would influence my professional journey.
When I headed off to college, I was still unsure of what direction I wanted to take so I chose a business management degree, thinking it would provide a solid foundation for whatever path I chose to pursue. I mean, every business needs to be managed, right? But life had other plans for me. My first job at the YMCA of Central Texas started as a mere way to earn some income, but it blossomed into a love for nonprofit work and a passion for empowering children.
For over eight years at the YMCA, I had the privilege of mentoring and teaching kids. Working with children always comes with some challenges but those often turn into the lessons you learn along the way – patience, understanding, communication skills, etc. It was during this time that I realized I really appreciated the work I was doing. To this day, I still have my collection of little drawings, letters, and small presents from the kids I served throughout the years; subtle reminders of why the work you do in your community matters.
Then came the pandemic—a time of uncertainty that shook the very foundation of many nonprofits. By what felt like a stroke of luck, I found my way to Sammy’s House in Austin. What began as a teaching role quickly turned into an opportunity on the Development Team. As I grew into the role of Development Director, I dove deep into the intricacies of sustaining vital nonprofit work – fundraising, grant writing, event planning, etc.
At Sammy’s House, we provide essential services for children with and without disabilities in an all-abilities setting. Every day, I see firsthand the challenges our families face, and it drives home just how crucial our work is. It fills me with gratitude to be part of such an incredible team dedicated to making a difference in our community.
My journey has been filled with ups and downs—nonprofit work will always have its flaws and hardships—but it is always worth it to support those in need. The impact we make in people’s lives is immeasurable and deeply fulfilling. It’s funny how life works – here I am, following in my family’s footsteps of community service, just in a way I never expected.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working in the nonprofit world, especially at Sammy’s House, has been a rollercoaster of challenges that’s taught me more about resilience than I ever expected. After COVID hit, we were thrown a lifeline with some government funding, but it was like trying to fill a leaky bucket. Once those funds dried up, they didn’t magically reappear, and suddenly, we found ourselves in the deep end of the fundraising pool.
Increasing our fundraising efforts wasn’t just a small adjustment—it was like going from a leisurely jog to running a marathon overnight. The pressure to keep our programs afloat while scrambling for new funding sources was intense. There were those days where our minds would just race with ideas and worries, wondering how we’d keep supporting the families who relied on us.
But here’s the thing about nonprofit work—it forces you to develop a thick skin and a determined spirit. Resilience isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a survival skill. I had to learn to bounce back from rejections, to find creative solutions when traditional methods fell short, and to keep pushing forward even when it felt like we were taking two steps back for every step forward.
This journey has been tough, no doubt about it. But it’s also shown me the incredible strength of our team and the community we serve. Every small victory, every child’s smile, every grateful parent—they all remind me why we do this work. And while the challenges of nonprofit life might knock us down sometimes, they’ve also taught us how to get right back up, stronger than before.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sammy’s House is a nonprofit center that provides programs that aims to bridge the gaps in services for children with special needs in an all-abilities setting. Programming includes a child development center, respite care, summer camps, and family support services all rolled into one. But it’s so much more than that.
Imagine a place where every child, regardless of their abilities, gets to learn, play, and grow together. That’s Sammy’s House. We believe, deep in our hearts, that all kids have the potential to learn and contribute to our community. It’s not just about providing care; it’s about creating this beautiful, inclusive environment where acceptance and compassion are as natural as breathing.
Before Sammy’s House came along, parents of kids with special needs were often left scrambling, trying to piece together care and support from a patchwork of services. It was exhausting, frustrating, and sometimes felt downright impossible. But with Sammy’s House, we pride ourselves in helping fill this massive hole in specialized childcare that existed in Central Texas. We’re not just babysitting – we’re providing high-quality, specialized care that’s tailored to each child’s needs. From STEM curricula to sign language, we’re helping these kids reach their full potential while teaching everyone the value of diversity.
In a world that can sometimes feel divided, Sammy’s House is this beacon of inclusivity and hope. We’re not just changing lives – we’re shaping the future of our community, one child at a time. And that is why Sammy’s House isn’t just needed – it’s essential.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Sammy’s House wouldn’t be possible without the founder/Executive Director, Isabel Huerta, who transformed a personal challenge into a transformative mission. After struggling to find specialized care for her third child, Sammy, Isabel recognized a critical gap in childcare services for children with unique needs. Driven by her experience and determination, she decided to create the inclusive environment that was missing in Central Texas. Thanks to her dedication and hard work, Sammy’s House recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sammyshouse.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sammyshouseaustin
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-martinez-38099316a/
