Our story
Hello! My name is Larissa Martinez, founder of Circle of Arms 501c3 has been a vision of mine for awhile now and earlier this year I decided to make it happen. I have known close people that have struggled with mental health disorders and I myself was exposed to childhood/teen trauma. Which included neglect, abandonment, and sexual abuse. While serving in the military I had a military sexual trauma happen to me as well. After reaching a low point about 10 years ago, I realized the suppressed emotions I had carried over the years were emerging and causing a lot of my unhealthy behaviors. With the help of therapy and therapeutic practices I started on my own journey of recovery. I hit many brick walls and frustration with care and resources during my mental health journey and decided I wanted to be an advocate to help others. I know that we need to change cycles when it comes to mental health and we need to fill gaps in the community. I’ve seen both sides of the spectrum as a caregiver and as a patient so I understand. I created Circle of Arms to focus on advocacy and support for individuals affected by mental health disorders. The plan is to create unique resources to assist individuals or families that deal with a disorder daily and to recognize not everyone reacts the same way to therapy. We will also utilize resources already in place to help the community. By creating “out side the box’ resources per individual not a one size fits all mentality can help change current cycles in the community. Circle of Arms will also focus on PTSD from sexual trauma and abuse by having more therapeutic resources available. I am certified in Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Adults and I’m also an Instructor. I have gone through Peer Support training which allows me to advocate and become a peer to someone who needs guidance and wants someone that can relate because of their “lived experience”. This will make a huge impact on the community because I will be able to certify others to look out for signs and symptoms and how to help. Stamped with Love by Circle of Arms is a mini project where we send an encouragement or birthday card to anyone who may need some uplifting of spirits or just to put a smile on their face. We send cards free of charge to anyone across the globe. Just send a message here on the page or an email circleofarms19@gmail.com to request a card for yourself or someone else. Thank you for your support. Be kind to yourself and each other.
