Although our non-profit was dissolved in January 2026 after 10 years, our impact endures. My son, Matthew, lost his 12-year battle with the disease of addiction at 32 years old on November 23, 2015. The loss of a child is the most devastating experience, one that has forever altered my life. There are no words to express the depth of this sorrow, and parents should never outlive their children. In response to this tragedy, I decided to channel my grief into something positive in the memory of my son, Matthew, called "Matt’s Mission - End the Stigma of Drug Addiction.”
Our mission is to eliminate the stigma associated with substance use disorders and to provide awareness of addiction as a disease, focusing on treatment, not punishment. We advocate for individuals suffering from substance use disorders to be treated as patients of the healthcare system, not criminals. They must receive the vital treatment they need and deserve, free from shame, stigma, or judgment. For the past ten years, our nonprofit organization dedicated itself to serving individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. Through our programs, outreach efforts, and unwavering support, we provided vital resources, education, and compassionate care to those in need. Our commitment helped hundreds of people find hope, access treatment, and begin the journey toward recovery. Though our organization was dissolved in January 2026, the impact of our work remains. We are proud to have made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many, fostering resilience, connection, and healing within our community. Our legacy lives on in the stories of recovery, the families reunited, and the awareness we helped raise about substance use and recovery. As I sit down to write this, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey of Matt's Mission - End the Stigma of Drug Addiction over the past ten years and recognize the hard work, commitment, and support of those involved in our Mission: our dedicated, hardworking Board Members (past and present), generous donors, our community, Griswold PRIDE, and our partners. Today, I must share that the Board of Directors has made the difficult decision, filled with mixed and strong emotions, to close our non-profit, Matt’s Mission, effective January 2, 2026. Matt’s Mission was founded in January 2016 in memory of Matthew P. Barrett, who suffered from a substance use disorder for over 12 years. Over the last decade, we have held Recovery Events in our community, offering treatment, harm reduction services, prevention, support, and awareness of substance use disorders. Alongside our partner, Griswold PRIDE, we brought numerous resources to our local communities, including Harm Reduction Services and access to medication-assisted treatment, helping to break down the barriers to treatment. We opened Matt’s Mission phone line, held Narcan training sessions, and distributed Narcan to our local communities, ensuring this life-saving drug is readily available to those in need. Additionally, we provided cell phones and backpacks filled with essential care necessities to individuals on their recovery path. We provided transportation to treatment, services, and counseling, funded rental assistance in sober living housing, and offered support to individuals and families affected by addiction. Together, we provided support and resources and fostered hope for countless individuals and families affected by addiction. Watching people reclaim their lives and overcome their struggles has been inspiring and heartbreaking. Each story of recovery and healing was a testament to the strength of the human spirit,
reminding us all that change is possible, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. Though we are closing this chapter, the impact of our work will remain. The relationships we've built and the lives we've touched will continue to have a lasting effect. I am profoundly grateful to every volunteer, donor, and supporter who stood by us and believed in our mission. While this is a bittersweet moment, I carry forward the lessons learned and the love shared. The fight against addiction continues, and I encourage you to advocate for change, understanding, and compassion in your communities. On behalf of Matt’s Mission, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our phenomenal partner, Griswold PRIDE, and our deepest appreciation to our generous donors, supporters, our community, partners, and board members. Because of all of you, many lives were saved. Services were brought to our local
communities, barriers were lifted, and awareness and education were provided on substance use disorders, helping to alleviate some of the stigmas that impede treatment access. Let’s continue to spread the word! Matt’s Mission wishes to thank all of you for making a difference in the lives of countless individuals in Matthew’s memory and for all those we lost to the disease of addiction. We are incredibly grateful! Thank you again from everyone at Matt’s Mission! "If you are suffering from the disease of addiction, please know you are not walking this path alone. Many people are reaching out to you, willing to help you every step of the way. You are worth it!"
