The Matthews House

Celebrating National Non-Profit Day!

Today, we extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has supported The Matthews House mission of empowering youth and families through connection, self-efficacy, and independence.

As we look to the future, we are filled with excitement and optimism, knowing that together, we will continue to create impactful opportunities and nurturing environments for our youth and families in our community.

Thank you for being a part of our mission.

At The Matthews House, we are deeply moved by the incredible growth journeys of our program participants.

Seth's* recent transformation within the Parent Café program at Larimer County Jail is a powerful testament to the profound impact of supportive environments. Seth has been part of the Parent Café program for six months and he is now set to co-facilitate a new men's group.

Seth's path from participant to leader inspires us!

Stories like these remind us all that with the proper support and unwavering commitment, resilience is not only possible but also holds the promise of remarkable transformation.

*Name changed to protect privacy

As students head back to school this month, we're highlighting programs within The Matthews House designed to support youth during the school year and beyond. Today, we're sharing the incredible impact of our Learning Hub program.

The journey to graduation may not always follow a straight line, and that's absolutely okay! Tough circumstances, such as shouldering the weight of family responsibilities, navigating challenging home lives, and other factors, can impact a student's success. In the face of academic obstacles, The Learning Hub program offers extra support, understanding, and resources these students need to overcome their challenges and reach the triumphant finish line. 🎓

With the support of our community, programs like this create a profound and lasting impact on the lives of the remarkable youth and families we serve.

Want to witness the transformation of The Landing, our Northern Colorado Regional Youth Shelter, in real-time?

You're invited to join one of our group tour's happening this month at The Landing.

Embark on an inspiring journey as we share The Landing's ongoing progress. 🏠✨ Explore our dreams for the future, witness the impact of our work, and be part of our extraordinary mission to build brighter tomorrows for youth experiencing homelessness in Northern Colorado.

Don't miss this chance to connect with our vision and experience firsthand how we are changing lives.

Email [email protected] to RSVP!

Your generosity can make a huge difference! And, did you know that your donation to The Matthews House may qualify for the Homeless Contribution Tax Credit?

This fantastic initiative offers a state income tax credit of up to 25% to our incredible Colorado supporters who stand with us in our mission to help those experiencing homelessness. The Homeless Contribution Income Tax Credit (HCTC) is a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals like you to contribute to approved nonprofit organizations, fueling essential services at The House, our youth drop-in shelter and supporting The Landing, our upcoming Northern Colorado Homeless Youth Shelter set to open this year.

It's a true win-win situation. Not only are you lending a hand to uplift youth experiencing homelessness, but you'll also receive a little something back come tax time.

To learn more and see if you qualify, visit our website. https://www.thematthewshouse.org/

Back-to-school season is here, and this month, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on the amazing programs we offer for youth in Northern Colorado! One of our most popular programs is ConnectUp.

ConnectUp is a dynamic and engaging afterschool program designed specifically for kids aged 8-14. With ConnectUp, children have the opportunity to participate in diverse enrichment activities that include cooking, arts and crafts, and, of course, homework help.

Plus, here's the best part: ConnectUp is completely free of cost and conveniently offered at multiple sites across Fort Collins! Our mission is to break down barriers and ensure that every child has access to high-quality afterschool enrichment activities.

Interested in learning more about ConnectUp? You can register on our website - https://www.thematthewshouse.org/our-programs/

This summer, the participants of our Experiential Education program embarked on a series of transformative overnight backpacking trips. From spending one night under the stars to conquering four nights of camping and backpacking, they showed incredible endurance and strength, both physically and emotionally.

Adventures like this in the outdoors challenge our youth to rely on each other and themselves. Through shared experiences and mutual support, they discovered the depth of their resilience and the power of collaborative effort. It's truly inspiring to witness our youth embracing the unknown, overcoming obstacles, and evolving into their strongest selves.

This program is a testament to the transformative power of experiential learning and the profound impact it has on the lives of our youth in our community.

Meet Loren, one of the extraordinary volunteers at The Matthews House. Loren has been volunteering with us for the last four years, and when we asked about one of her favorite memories, she shared a heartwarming experience: "One of the shelter youths went to an interview for her very first job and got the job on the spot. She came back to the house so excited and everyone cheered for her!"

In these uplifting moments, our volunteers shine as beacons of hope and encouragement for the youth we serve. It’s the dedication and compassion from people like Loren that create transformative experiences, empowering our community.

You also have the power to uplift and transform the lives of families and youth in our community. By volunteering with us, you become an essential part of a support network. Whether you lend a listening ear, offer mentorship, or contribute your unique skills, your dedication makes a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

To get started as a volunteer, visit our website. https://loom.ly/uxqHIts

Our hearts are with our nonprofit colleagues at Heart J Center for Experiential Learning. Just two weeks ago they opened their land and surrounding areas to our youth for a backpacking trip.❤️

You're invited! Join us for an evening of good music and impact at the Fort Collins Nursery's Rock Garden Concert Series with event sponsors High Country Beverage! 🎶

This special concert supports The Matthews House's mission of empowering youth and families through connection, self-efficacy, and independence. 100% of ticket sales and contributions from wine and beer sales will benefit The Matthews House, supporting our mission to uplift youth and families in need.

Fort Collins Nursery offers a magical backdrop for music from Tony Furtado Trio, John Reischman & Eric Thorin, Erik Lunde & Sweet Virginia. Indulge in the melodies while enjoying treats from Schmickels Hot Dog Cart and refreshments from Odell Brewing Co and High Country Beverage.

Save the date for Friday, September 13, and grab your ticket here 👉 https://fortcollinsnursery.com/event/tony-furtado-2024/

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our second private event in the Summer Concert Series of the season! Your support set the stage for an extraordinary evening.

We thank our extraordinary hosts, Kurt Bear with LoCo Think Tank and John Shaw with DaVinci Sign Systems, for graciously opening their backyard to create a beautiful space where music and community thrived. Plus, thank you to A Brother's Fountain and The Matthews House band Basement Kids for providing the amazing music.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to our event sponsors: Nutrien Ag Solutions, Northern Colorado Unify, High Country Beverage and DaVinci Sign Systems. Your commitment is the driving force behind our impactful work.

We're thrilled to invite you to join us for our next public summer concert event at the Fort Collins Nursery. Save the date for Friday, September 13, and get ready for the Tony Furtado Trio with special guests Erik Lunde & Sweet Virginia. 100% of ticket sales and contributions from wine and beer sales will benefit The Matthews House, supporting our mission to uplift youth and families in need. Grab your tickets 👉 https://loom.ly/ah9Y5Fs

Today, we're shining a light on not just one, but two extraordinary individuals - Henry and Mike.

These dedicated staff members are integral to The Matthews House Experiential Education program, working hand in hand to serve the youth at The House. Henry, as the Experiential Education Coordinator, and Mike, our Music Program Coordinator, bring their unique insights and unwavering dedication to empower youth in Northern Colorado.

Swipe through to delve into their heartfelt experiences, where they share the impact of our programs on the community.

We are thrilled to announce that The Matthews House has been awarded a $15,000 Direct Effect Award from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)!

This generous grant will support our Family to Family program, helping families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in our community. The funds will be used for housing navigation and wrap-around case management services to ensure families can secure and maintain stable housing.

Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) has been a long-time partner of The Matthews House, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity and partnership, which has enabled us to make a meaningful impact in our community. Thank you, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority!

Meet Maya*, an incredible single mom in our Family to Family Program.

When we first met Maya, she had just embraced sobriety, landed a full-time job, and was facing homelessness. Her determination and resilience led her to set meaningful goals, and with our guidance, she crafted a solid plan for success. Recently, Maya proudly signed a lease for her new home and enrolled in GED classes! Together, we created a budget that empowers her to embrace a future of self-sufficiency.

Through our Family to Family program, The Matthews House empowers caregivers and parents like Maya, offering resources and support to help them achieve their goals and transform their lives. We are honored to walk alongside Maya on her inspiring journey toward a brighter future.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

Music has become a powerful healing force for one of The Basement Kids.

Sam, who once felt hopeless and unable to accomplish her goals, embarked on a journey of self-discovery at The Matthews House. With the support of the music program, Sam learned to play the guitar, unlocking the doors to self-expression. 🎸

From initially finding music challenging, Sam's growth in music, leadership, and connection has been remarkable. Today, she focuses on helping others blossom, safeguarding new youth, and ensuring each voice is heard, nurturing the same transformation she experienced.

Her dedication and talent were recently recognized when she received a scholarship to attend a life-changing music camp in Denver during the summer. At the camp, Sam fearlessly explored new instruments, recording techniques, and skills. Her mastery of the electric guitar allowed her to conquer stage fright and transform her presence on stage. We couldn't be prouder of Sam and her incredible journey.

Sam joyfully shared, "After camp, I see endless possibilities with music in my life." Whether pursuing music education, performing with her band, or touring the world, she values teamwork and collaboration, knowing the power of music to connect hearts.

Through the gift of music and The Matthews House music program, we get to witness the strength and resilience of our youth. Together, let's continue to nurture their passions, empowering them to thrive and reach new heights.

We are overflowing with gratitude as we extend our heartfelt thanks to City of Fort Collins - Government for their recent grant award of $20,000 to The Matthews House.

This generous grant, providing Flex Funds for our Family-to-Family Programming, is a beacon of hope for those facing challenges in transportation, housing, and basic needs. With $10,000 allocated to transportation needs, including vouchers, gas cards, and car repairs, $6,000 for housing rental assistance, emergency housing, home maintenance, and repair, and $4,000 for basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and medical supplies, this grant will make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve.

The City of Fort Collins' support not only strengthens our programs but also empowers us to continue providing essential services to youth and families in need. Together, with the collaborative efforts of our community and partners, we can create a more resilient and thriving environment for all.

Thank you, City of Fort Collins!

We are honored to share Kendall's* remarkable journey as part of The Matthews House Early Childhood Navigator program.

As a determined young mother, Kendall faced the challenges of single parenthood and the desire to provide a safe and stable home for her 2-year-old son. These aspirations called for resources beyond her reach at the time. That's when the unwavering support of The Matthews House Early Childhood Navigator program became a guiding light in Kendall's path.

Through ECN, she received the essential support to access programs and grants, which in turn opened doors to higher education and better employment opportunities. With the diligent guidance of her navigators, Kendall has found the extra support she needed to thrive.

Kendall’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of community support and collaboration. Her resilience and determination, combined with the empowering resources provided by The Matthews House, have paved the way for a brighter future for her and her family.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

Let’s give a big hand to the amazing runners from Nutrien who are training for the Wild West Relay! 🙌

The Matthews House is proud to be a partner in this unforgettable relay adventure as a non-profit beneficiary, and we are immensely grateful for the amazing support from Nutrien Ag Solutions. Their dedicated employees are not only running the relay but also raising funds to support our programs and services for youth and families in Northern Colorado.

Hit that like button to cheer them!

We are immensely grateful to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for their generous grant of $7,500 in support of The Matthews House.

The goal with this funding is to cultivate partnerships that advance and balance outdoor recreation and conservation in Colorado, promote Colorado's Outdoor Principles, and support the priority areas identified in our Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

With this grant, our Experiential Education and Summer Zone programs will continue to offer transformative outdoor experiences for youth, fostering growth and resilience.

Thank you, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, for being an essential part of our journey in empowering youth and families in Northern Colorado.

Wishing all our incredible followers and supporters a happy and safe 4th of July filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with friends and family! ❤️💙

Please note that our offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4th allowing our hardworking team time to enjoy the festivities with their loved ones.

Have a wonderful holiday! 🎆

We are thrilled to welcome our new business partners to The Matthews House family!

Through our Business Membership Program, we are set on empowering our community through collaborations with local businesses like yours. Together, we have the power to create a lasting impact on Northern Colorado, uplifting and transforming lives along the way.

Thank you to these amazing organizations for their support and for actively making a difference in our community.

Bachus & Schanker - Fort Collins
NOCO Style
HP
Story On
Chartered Technology
Adolfson & Peterson Construction

Your business can also bring about powerful change in our community! By becoming a Business Member, you're not only amplifying your impact, but also unlocking a world of exclusive benefits. Reach out to
[email protected] or [email protected].

Looking to make a difference this summer?

We have quite a few one-time projects that we could use your support with - whether you'd like to gather your friends, a few people from work or even your church group! Projects include painting, small home projects, organization, yard work, and more!

If you are interested, please fill out this form https://loom.ly/SgTAeFg , or reach out to [email protected] for more information.

The Matthews House is honored to be a partner in the Wild West Relay as a non-profit beneficiary, and this year, we are again incredibly grateful for the support of Nutrien Ag Solutions. Their amazing employees are not only running the relay but also fundraising for our organization.

And that's not all - Nutrien generously matches what their employees raise during the relay! Last year, their team raised an outstanding $40,968 to support our programs and services for youth and families in Northern Colorado. 🙌🌟

If you're interested in creating a relay team, or if you'd like to volunteer at this incredible event, visit https://www.wildwestrelay.com and be a part of this transformative experience. Together, we can create a brighter future for our community. 🏃‍♂️💫

Let's lace up our shoes, hit the trails, and make a positive impact together!

💚Thank you, Protect Our Rivers, for such an incredible experience! Last Thursday was indeed a day to remember for everyone at The Matthews House. The joy, excitement, and learning that our kids and young adults experienced were beyond words. We are deeply grateful to Fort Collins Kia, Fort Collins Nissan, Yampa Sandwich Company, Rocky Mountain Adventures for their support and to everyone who made this day possible. Your efforts have left a lasting impact, and we are excited about the opportunities this program will continue to bring. 💚

Today we want you to meet Tania*, who has recently completed our Family 2 Family Program.

We were able to connect Tania with essential community resources that have helped her enhance and stabilize her family. Her tenacity and hard work have led to a full-time employment opportunity with health insurance, providing her and her family with much-needed security and stability. Tania's commitment has also led to not just one, but two pay raises and opportunities for career advancement.

Furthermore, her son has been paired with a mentor through The Matthews House, opening up possibilities for personal growth and support.

Join us in celebrating Tania's incredible achievements and the transformative effect of our programs in empowering families to create a brighter future.

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.

Become a part of something bigger!

Did you know that by setting up a recurring donation of just $10, you can make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth and families we serve at The Matthews House?

No donation is too small, because every dollar adds up to create real change. When you choose to donate regularly, you become part of something bigger. With every recurring donation helping us maintain our capacity to serve, uplift, and empower the Northern Colorado community.

Join us today by setting up a recurring donation of $10 or more, and become a part of something truly transformative.

https://matthewshouseco-bloom.kindful.com/

Today, meet Brandi, the compassionate heart behind our Parent Café program. Recently, she played a pivotal role in extending the reach of our Parent Café services to the Larimer County Correction Center.

Brandi's dedication to establishing a secure environment where parents can heal, develop, and rediscover their inherent value has the power to change lives.

In her own words, Brandi beautifully captures the essence of the Parent Café program: "We work with parents that sometimes feel like no one is on their side because of a mistake they made. Being able to help our participants realize they are worth our time, worth our support, and fantastic parents, all while being non-judgmental, is something that has truly changed me."

Brandi's words echo the transformative power of our programs, reminding us that every individual has the potential for growth, resilience, and positive change.

Join us in honoring Brandi and swipe through to get to know her a little better.