“Mentoring with a Mission”
CALL US: (719) 501-6116
ABOUT
We offer a social skills development and mentoring program including basic life skills education for children with special needs, disadvantaged and underserved children, and all children who can benefit by following our four-step path in a safe, structured, and positive environment.

“Jace’s Place” LLC was founded in 2021. We continue to change and enrich the lives of children with special needs, disadvantaged and underserved children, and all children who can benefit from our social skills development and mentoring program 7 years old to young adults by following our four step path in a safe, structured and positive environment.
​
We work in small groups for a blocked amount of time. As this will create an opportunity to provide peer to peer collaboration, mentorship and basic life skills coaching to help build their independence and confidence in order to effectively self advocate. We will also be participating in community outreach projects and peer mentorship.
Give us a call:
(719) 501-6116
OUR STORY
July 2,1997 Jace Anthony Martinez was born 5lbs 12oz !! He’s perfect! Our family is growing. Our hearts are filled!
August 14, 1997 baby Jace is very sick and has dropped weight to 4lbs 8oz …”failure to thrive” his pediatrician said. But why?... He put him through so many tests…..our little baby was poked and prodded so many times. Doctor finally said he didn't know so he sent him to the “experts”. He was baptized in the hospital and flown flight for life to Children’s Hospital in Denver.
​
Jace battled for the next two months. The doctors eventually learned that Jace suffered from a rare metabolic genetic disorder “Methylmalonic Acidemia Cobalamin C (MMA Cbl C) We learned that his body was unable to produce Vitamin B12. Without vitamin B12 Jace’s body was unable to regulate it’s acids instead turning the acids into toxins.
​
MMA Cbl C is so rare (back in 1997) that Jace was one of only two children in Colorado to be diagnosed with it. Because of it’s rarity, doctors were unsure of all the complications that could arise from this disorder.
Jace had special needs that entailed scheduled G Tube feedings with minimal food intake; and anything he ate orally had to be measured because he was only allowed a certain amount of protein. He received vision and occupational therapies weekly and weekly blood draws to keep track of his acid levels.
​
Jace was progressing well and gained weight like you couldn’t believe August 4 lbs 8 oz and 9 months later (May) he weighed 25lbs! He was crawling,pulling himself up on furniture and eating solid foods. His smile and giggle were so contagious. Who knew that such a unique little boy could possess such a gift that would change lives, save lives and enrich lives. We were so proud of how strong he became and what he had accomplished
​
December 9, 1998 Jace developed a “cold”. What started as a runny nose developed into 108-degree fever and seizures that sent him to “Children’s” via Flight for Life. Jace spent the next 21 days in a coma in intensive care as doctors tried to stabilize his body.
​
On January 1,1999 Jace died.
​
Jace is our “WHY”.
J · Jumpstart
Is the initial stage where an intake is conducted with the child and caregiver to assess...
A · Advocate
Where they learn how to advocate for themselves and others in a positive way. They are taught essential skills to effectively...
C · Community
Jace’s Place actively engages in community outreach to improve the lives of others. This gives them the opportunity to give back to the community and...
E · Empowering
The empowering step provides them with an opportunity to become peer mentors. They develop...
OUR TEAM
MONICA MARTINEZ
Monica is a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA/L). She graduated from Pueblo Community College with an Associates Degree in 2012 and has been working with children with special needs for the past 11 years.
​
She has been a board member of a local organization for the past 30 years that raises money and collects toys for Christmas for less fortunate children in the Pueblo, Colorado community.
​
She has organized an annual food drive to support local agencies in Pueblo with their “summer kids sack program” and those that work with families who suffer from food insecurities.
​
She also has Certifications/Training in:
-
Member NBCOT - Nat'l board for Certification in Occupational Therapy since 2012
-
Introduction to Trauma and It's Impact on the Brain -D.Grebenik Trauma Training Institute 2021
-
The Impact of Trauma --D.Grebenik Trauma Training Institute 2018
-
Mental Health First Aid USA - Nat'l Council for Mental Wellbeing 2021
-
Training for Colorado's Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect -Co. Child Welfare Training System on behalf of Co Dept of Human Services
-
Autism, Asperger's, Sensory and ADHD - Summit Professional Education 2016
-
Interactive Metronome for pediatrics and adults - Clinical Edu Dept of Interactive Metronome, Inc 2013
MARK MARTINEZ
Mark has been a board member of a local organization for the past 30 years that raises money and collects toys for Christmas for less fortunate children in the Pueblo community.
​
He has organized an annual food drive to support local agencies in Pueblo with their “summer kids sack program” and those that work with families who suffer from food insecurities.
He has also participated in many local organizations and causes:
-
2 years of experience at Catholic Charities teaching “Options to change” and “Options for Change” classes focusing on participants struggling to gain employment and keep employment.
-
1 year of experience with the “Re-Hire” program working with individuals with the most difficult and challenging backgrounds.
-
3 years of experience as “Section 3 coordinator” with the Housing Authority of the city of Pueblo working with low and very low income individuals providing job training and employment options.
-
1 year of experience as the “”Family Self Sufficiency” (F.S.S) Coordinator working with individuals to build equity for home ownership and independent living.
-
3 years of experience as a “504 Coordinator” with the Housing authority of the city of Pueblo providing elderly and handicapped individuals with accommodations for safe and independent living.