03/14/2026
Black Women’s Roundtable SiSTAR Award Nomination
Marletta Seats is a certified CCAR Recovery Coach and Recovery Coach Trainer devoted to healing individuals and strengthening communities impacted by trauma, incarceration, and substance use. She serves as Program Director of Fresh Start and Outreach Coordinator for Abundant Life Ministries in Benton Harbor, Michigan. A former Berrien County Commissioner and School Board President, Marletta bridges public service, faith leadership, and grassroots recovery work. She trains peer support specialists, mentors justice-impacted individuals, and connects families to resources that promote stability, dignity, and long-term wellness.
Marletta embodies the spirit of the Black Women’s Roundtable theme, United We Win: Freedom, Justice, Democracy, Safety & Opportunity for All. For decades she has served youth, seniors, survivors, and returning citizens—not only advocating for change but building pathways for healing.
Through her recovery leadership, Marletta equips others to serve. She has trained peer support specialists and recovery coaches across the region and works tirelessly in Benton Harbor, a community facing significant economic hardship, ensuring people have access to hope and structure.
At Mothers Of Hope, Marletta facilitated two peer support specialist training cohorts—including the first all-African American class—and currently volunteers twice monthly to lead a Living Recovery Workshop. Her work restores families, reduces stigma, and empowers individuals to move from survival to purpose.
Marletta’s leadership proves that justice includes restoration and safety includes healing. She uplifts communities not only through policy and faith, but through consistent presence, mentorship, and compassion.
“Marletta doesn’t just teach recovery — she models it. She helped us build leaders within our own community and created safe spaces where people learn to live again, not just stay sober.”
