Why We Shine a Light in East Arlington

Hello and welcome! My name is Elizabeth Martinez, though most people call me Liz. I’ve had the privilege of serving in my church for the past 15 years. It’s where I was discipled, grew in my faith, and even met my amazing husband.

For the last 14 years, I’ve also been serving families in East Arlington. This community is dear to my heart. I love my church, and through it I’ve seen and heard the real needs that families here face every day. Those needs are what inspired us to respond.

Shine a Light was founded by our Pastor, Richard Martinez, with a vision to bring hope and care to families in East Arlington. Today, I have the honor of leading this nonprofit, where we walk alongside families through mentorship, creative programs, and community outreach. Our mission is simple: when we care for our community, families are transformed.

A little more about me: I was born in South Philadelphia, PA. Growing up, I experienced both seasons of having little and seasons of having much. Those experiences shaped my heart. They gave me gratitude for every opportunity and a deep desire to help others succeed, just as others once helped me.

Through Shine a Light, I get to live out that calling. My hope is that every family we serve discovers the same care, encouragement, and opportunities that changed my life.

How You Can Join Us

Shine a Light is more than a program. It is a movement of people who believe in the power of hope and community. There are many ways to be part of this journey:

Volunteer your time and talents.

Partner with us by giving toward programs that impact local families.

Share our story so more people in East Arlington know they are not alone.

Together, we can continue to build a community where families are cared for, encouraged, and equipped to thrive.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for shining with us.