The Matthews House: Building a Legacy in Northern Colorado

The Matthews House started in 2006 when Jerri Schmitz, Founder and Executive Director, saw a need in Larimer County and decided to do something about the lack of resources for kids aging out of the foster care system. After she teamed up with a friend who was a licensed social worker The Matthews House was born. They dreamed of creating a safe place where at-risk youth could escape poverty and abuse. Soon they were fulfilling their mission of empowering at-risk youth and families by building trusting relationships and providing resources to disrupt the cycles of poverty and abuse.

Now, 14 years later, Schmitz is retiring and plans to travel around in her fifth-wheel with her husband visiting grandchildren, but she is leaving behind a legacy. In 2020, Kelly Schramm will take the reins as Executive Director. He has more than 18 years of experience in community development and project management and is the perfect person for the job.

The Matthews House staff uses a holistic and trauma-informed approach when working with their clients. They help people get to the root cause of their current situation rather than just address the symptoms. In all of their programs they focus on five main areas: 1) Physical/Mental Health 2) Housing 3) Education 4) Employment 5) Life Skills.

To honor the 14 years Schmitz has dedicated to the youth and families in our community The Matthews House is launching a two-week campaign with the goal of raising $150,000 to help continue the great work being done. The Matthews House is a crucial resource for Larimer County, so they are asking community to support community. Follow along December 3-16 on their social media to hear and read stories over the last 14 years and visit TheMatthewsHouse.org to learn more. Please consider being a part of disrupting cycles of poverty and abuse in Northern Colorado by contributing to the Building a Legacy Campaign.

Quote from a client: “Without The Matthews House I would probably be living in a car, addicted to drugs, without my children or a future to look forward to. Instead we live as a family in a loving home and have an amazing future ahead of us. I am a survivor.” – Parent Participant

Picture included: One of The Matthews House Transition Facilitators going into the Youth and Family Center with a youth he works with