Carlos Martinez

Executive Director

Carlos Martinez is an Ordained Minister, Certified Recovery Specialist, and NAMI trained leader.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Carlos moved to New York as a teenager. In the 90’s, Carlos attended Way Out Ministries for substance use disorder rehabilitation, and then worked as an Associate Pastor in various ministries like rehabilitation, food banks, and radio. From a young age, Carlos loved education, learning, and connecting with others.

As the decades went on, Carlos and his family experienced the ups and downs of substance use disorder. They recovered as a family by relying on faith, love, and their ability to learn and grow. Carlos sought a formal education in substance abuse disorder and theology. Carlos’ education and work with local organizations and faith groups let him see gaps and barriers between community resources that can be enriched when working together.

One of Carlos’ many sayings is such: “Christ never saw humanity as an irremediable evil; instead He always had the security that it was worth the fight for humanity to the point that He offers his life for ours in sacrifice, so we can obtain eternal life.” This same idea is the philosophy that inspires Carlos to work with the community. He believes that Roots Living Ministry can create an environment with such principles, like empathy, sympathy, forgiveness, mercy, knowledge, understanding, action and above all, love. If people manage to display such behaviors consistently, that environment can be created and life can be improved in all aspects – spiritually, emotionally, and physically.