Martinez Brings Familiar Face, Community Ties to YMCA

by Eric

eric-martinez-ymcaIn the little time that has passed since Eric Martinez was announced as the new Branch Director of Brownfield’s YMCA, he has already been hard at work. His responsibilities include overseeing all YMCA youth and adult sports programs, as well as the 24 hour fitness center.

“The main focus has just been getting the facility ready. We are now fully stocked with top of the line, commercial equipment and open 24/7,” Martinez said.

When former Branch Director Richard Porter was promoted and the position became available in Brownfield, leaders within the YMCA organization knew that Martinez would be a good fit.

“They were really looking for someone local with good relationships within the community, especially with key people that can help get more community involvement. They wanted an established community member that knows Brownfield and its needs. Living here my whole life and pastoring here has given me a good ground for knowing what the community needs,” Martinez explained.

Martinez was born and raised in Brownfield, and graduated from Brownfield High School in 1998. He went on to work for Thriftway and United Supermarkets, and eventually pastored his first church in the small community of Welch for three-and-a-half years. From there, his family moved to Corpus Christi for five years and eventually made their way back to Brownfield.

Upon coming back home, Martinez began a small home church that has grown over the years into an established congregation, now called Faith Family Fellowship. He also worked at Town Talk Radio for five years, handling the sports division.

Now Martinez has his sights on his next big task, reestablishing the YMCA as a strong, committed part of the community.

“We are excited to be offering many new programs in the near future, for youth and adults, as well as morning and evening fitness classes. We are also trying to find new ways to get benefits for members, and make it feasible for families with kids,” Martinez said. “The YMCA is a big, nonprofit organization, and being in a small town allows us to really be a large, active part of the community.”

Martinez is married to Kasee, wife of 17 years and special education teacher at Bright Beginnings Academic Center. The couple have four children, Adrian, who is a junior at BHS, Caleb, 8th grade, Kamryn, 7th grade, and Samuel who is in pre-kindergarten.

To get in touch with Eric Martinez or find out more about what the YMCA offers, call (806) 637-8876, email brownfieldymcaem@gmail.com, or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/YMCA-of-Brownfield.

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