Who We Are?
Our Founder
Demetrice Martin has a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of New Orleans, a Masters of Art in Religious Education, and a Masters of Science in Professional Counseling. Royal Hearts Foundation of America was formed from her personal and professional experiences with abuse. Ms. Martin serves as an inspiration to other women and children of how to pick up the pieces after abuse and become your own hero.
Our Mission
Our mission is to work to prevent abuse, sexual violence, and human trafficking in all its forms through programs, services, public awareness, training and education, advocacy and networking and shall establish and administer proficiency training and certification programs for the purpose of preventing abuse for all and enhancing the quality of life for children and families.
Our Vision
To create a culture where children’s well-being is valued; and they are raised in healthy, safe and nurturing communities.
- Child-Centered Well-being
- Safe and Nurturing Environments
- Cultivating a Culture of Care
Why we exist
Royal Hearts Foundation of America was started because of the personal experience of it’s founder Demetrice Martin. At the age of 5, she was sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend, and continually molested by different men all before the age of 12. Initially, she considered becoming an attorney to prosecute those who did harm, but in her second year of college she had an opportunity to intern at a clinic which led her to embrace her natural talents for helping others move beyond their obstacles and changed her major to Psychology. Demetrice decided to learn the inner workings of the brain to better understand people. After graduation, she began working with kids with behavioral concerns and adults with mental illness. She continued this work receiving two Master’s degrees from Liberty University. Due to life changes, she moved back to Louisiana. In 2012, she began working as a Mental Health Professional and Program Coordinator for a local mental health agency. During her tenure, she encountered several young ladies who were sexually abused in the home. 90% of the clients received no assistance from local agencies or information about their cases. She could no longer stand by quiet and watch as these victims were victimized a second time by those agencies that were meant to help. And so, Royal Hearts Foundation was born to bring about awareness, to stand beside the victims and assist them through the aftermath of abuse.