Daily Inspiration: Meet Theresa Marten

Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Marten. 

Hi Theresa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My background has been in community work and housing over the last 8 years. Following college graduation, I moved the first full-time employee of a new nonprofit that was a house of hospitality for first-time mothers and hosted a community garden on-site. Through this experience, I learned how to garden and cook with seasonal produce and I assisted in navigating the complex systems and emotions that come up when unexpected life events unfold. After a year and a half, I found myself wanting to explore and travel. I decided to move to Denver and joined a program similar to Americorps. While in Denver, I committed to living in community with 9 other young adults and working as a case manager at Urban Peak Youth Shelter. Working with youth ignited a deep passion and helped me develop language as well as boundaries around working with individuals who have or are experiencing trauma. 

Since I was just starting out, I needed to find a second job which is how I started working at the cafe. At the cafe, I learned how to make pizza from scratch and returned to working with locally grown produce. Daily I would coordinate volunteers, prepare food, and be present to all of our guests but especially to the guests who were needing social/emotional/financial support. In 2017, I applied to be the Cafe Manager and have been working at SAME ever since. 

Today, I am the Cafe Director and am proud of the team we have built since COVID. The last year has been full of personal growth and reimagining the future of SAME. Over the last year, we have increased community partnerships, doubled our staff size, began the expansion of our original location, and have assisted in the development of another SAME Cafe. I am eager to continue hosting various events at the cafe and offering a space to our community that encourages health, wellness, genuine connection, and generosity. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would love to know if anyone asked this reported having a smooth road. I think working with people inevitably brings up struggles whether you think you’ve worked through it or not. Working at Urban Peak and SAME Cafe has brought up a lot for me personally regarding friends and family members that have struggled with suicide and substance use. While it is always fun to celebrate or see the progress people make, the time in between can be very heavy and draining. It has been really healing growing in understanding of what brings individuals into that space and how to find ways to be supportive rather than harmful as people navigate that for themselves. 

I personally struggle with depression and anxiety and that has been part of me that I have managed better than other times, but this always gives me a perspective when I am working with others. 

Recently during COVID, a few core guests passed away unexpectantly and we almost had about 80% turnover from when COVID started. I think coming from places that were so community-centric and to have the community I have been a part of and a leader in change so quickly was difficult to process. I had a close personal loss in December and it really made me return to basics and creative expression. A way that we have navigated the collective losses in our space was through a community mural project dedicated to the legacy of Bob Luna. This project included over 50 professional and local artists and captures the spirit of our mission and depth of community connections. 

The world will always be complicated and I am not expecting our economy or mental health services to improve overnight, but I do feel empowered to work through difficult moments that may come up because I trust the community, I am a part of. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Right now, I am transitioning from being the manager to the Director. My role now entails fundraising goals along with ensuring the day-to-day operations of the cafe are going smoothly. I specialize in trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and working with folks who are actively experiencing mental health concerns. I am a fairly small individual, only 4’10”, however, I feel respected in our space and feel confident managing intense situations. Working in the front of the house for so many years, my consistency, genuine care, and inviting presence has created a lot of trust within our local community. Trust is fundamental and I am proud to be a significant part in continuing what Brad and Libby started 15 years ago. 

What sets me apart is my ability in having difficult conversations and teaching others how to be present and handle confusing or awkward moments, especially with those with mental health concerns. What sets me apart from others is my ability to be present in horrendous moments while also loving to celebrate any size win. 

Lastly, I am known as a matchmaker. I love matching people for love, a new job, a fun restaurant, a volunteer task, or a writing group. I think my ability to match what makes others great with a current need strengthens my own connections and community overall. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Being self-aware is probably the most important place to start. Once you are aware of what kind of support you are needing in that stage of your life, then you can begin to see where you are needing support vs coaching vs advocate. My advice is don’t be afraid to ask your network. If you know what you are needing to be successful, be ready to pitch that idea so you can take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. 

It was really helpful for me joining professional groups such as the New Leaders Council and attending any festivals or events I could be at. It was so helpful to be in professional spaces with people my age that were also working toward or beginning a major leadership role professionally. This allowed me to ask questions, listen different perspectives, and connect me to ideas I wouldn’t have been introduced to otherwise. 

The other part of networking is showing up. The more you are in spaces that you feel comfortable and activated, the less you will have to go out of the way to network. If I ever start to feel nervous, I remind myself it’s either going to be a great connection or a funny story. 

Contact Info:

• Email: theresa@soallmayeat.org
• Website: www.soallmayeat.org

Image Credits
Karson Halloway