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Our Mission

• Our mission is to reach all youth and expose them to opportunities that would encourage, nurture and inspire in them, a desire to reach new heights.

Our Vision

• Create an extensive network of information and resources, to meet the spiritual, practical and vocational needs of all youth, particularly those living in urban settings in lower socioeconomic classes.

• Provide a location where youth can be encouraged, nurtured and inspired in areas of their life where they may struggle. 

Our Approach

• Equip our youth with the necessary tools to make a positive difference in their lives, and in their community.

• Establish a foundation for building Christian character, morals, values and behavior for our youth.

• Respond to the social and spiritual needs of youth by providing relative programs, activities, and events that will allow them to build a strong foundation.

• Encourage discussion instead of division in complex or controversial issues.

• Promote systems-thinking approach for youth by educating them on cultural and social systems (school, family, church, media).

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The D.A.N.N.Y. Center Inc. was created in December of 2008. in memory of Luis "Danny" Martinez. 

Danny was a fun loving vibrant young 19-year-old who was full of life and taken from us at an early age in January of 2007.  He was very creative and enjoyed drawing, graphic arts, writing, skate boarding, music, family and friends. He had a heart of gold and enjoyed helping others with their issues and problems. He always sought ways to do more for the youth and at one point asked his father to open a youth center. 
On a trip to San Antonio to visit family and friends, Danny stopped by and stayed at the home of a childhood friend for a few days. An altercation ensued between two other young men who were staying at the home and Danny was shot while he lay sleeping. He was murdered three days after his nineteenth birthday.   

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Lou Martinez-Founder and President/CEO of the D.A.N.N.Y. Center

 

Lou Martinez was born in The Bronx, New York. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17 and served 24 years in the Military. His assignments include: serving as a Paratrooper for the 82d Airborne Division, a New York City U.S. Army Recruiter, First Sergeant for the 1st Infantry Division, First Sergeant for the 38th Postal Company, Operations Sergeant for the 38th Personnel Services Battalion, US Army Liaison for an Army Reserve Brigade, and Human Resources Inspector for the Forces Command Headquarters in Fort McPherson, Georgia.
 

Lou has also owned several small businesses, served as a Missions Pastor/Director of local outreach for a large church in Douglasville GA, and is currently the President/CEO of the Developing And Nurturing Needy Youth Center (D.A.N.N.Y. Center), and Servants Heart Local & Global Ministries.

 

Lou Martinez is a God-fearing man. He has a high level of integrity and dedicates his life to uplifting others. He retired from the military in April 2006 and resides in Villa Rica Georgia, has a 27-year-old son, a lovely daughter age 39 and three lovely grandchildren who reside in Freeport Florida.