Our History
How Matthew’s legacy became a mission of hope and action
The Matthew Lane Hobby Foundation, Inc. was established to transform a deeply personal loss into meaningful action. What began as a family’s desire to honor Matthew’s life has grown into a mission-driven organization focused on awareness, education, and connection around mental health.
This page reflects the Foundation’s journey — from early acts of purpose to the formal establishment of a nonprofit committed to supporting individuals, families, and communities.
Where It Began
In the years following Matthew’s death, his family sought meaningful ways to honor his life while supporting others impacted by suicide and mental health challenges. These early efforts were informal, personal, and rooted in a desire to turn grief into purpose.
What began as small, mission-driven acts —including fundraising efforts tied to community support organizations — reflected a growing commitment to awareness, education, and connection. These initial steps laid the groundwork for what would later become a more structured and sustainable mission.
“Even small acts, done with purpose, can crate lasting impact.”
Early Acts of Purpose
In the years following Matthew’s passing, earl fundraising efforts were undertaken to support suicide prevention and youth mental health initiatives. These efforts, though modest in scale, were driven by a belief that awareness, compassion, and action could save lives.
Between 2011 and 2013, proceeds from these initiatives were donated to established mental health organizations, helping support education and prevention programs aimed at reducing stigma and supporting young people and families in crisis.
These early acts of purpose affirmed a lasting truth: meaningful impact does not require formal structure — only intention, commitment, and heart.
Deepening Commitment Through Education and Prevention
As the mission continued to grow, efforts expanded beyond fundraising alone to include education and prevention initiatives grounded in evidence-based practices. Support was directed toward national and community organizations focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness, reinforcing a belief that meaningful change requires both compassion and action.
During this period, emphasis was also placed on equipping individuals with tools to recognize risk and respond with care. Support for evidence-based prevention training, including LivingWorks safeTALK and ASIST workshops, reflected a commitment to support prevent-first approaches — programs designed to foster open conversations, increate awareness, and empower people to connect others to life-saving support.
These efforts marked an important evolution: a shift from acts of remembrance toward building knowledge, capacity, and long-term impact — while remaining rooted in the same values that guided the earliest steps forward.
From Informal Efforts to a Formal Foundation
As the impact of these early efforts became clear, it was evident that something lasting was taking shape. What began as informal, personal acts of purpose grew into a broader commitment to education, awareness, and support for those affected by mental health challenges and suicide loss. Over time, the vision expanded beyond individual fundraising efforts toward the creation of a formal organization — one designed to operate with intention, transparency, and long-term impact. This evolution allowed the mission to grow responsibly, ensuring that the work honoring Matthew’s life could continue reaching individuals, families, and communities in meaningful ways.
The establishment of the Matthew Lane Hobby Foundation, Inc. represented a turning point — transforming heartfelt action into sustainable purpose while remaining rooted in the same values that inspired the earliest efforts: compassion, connection, and hope.
“Structure allowed the mission to grow — without losing it heart.”
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Today, The Matthew Lane Hobby Foundation, Inc. exists to carry forward a mission shaped by love, loss, and learning. While the structure has evolved, the heart of the work remains the same — honoring Matthew’s life by supporting connection, education, and hope for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.
The Foundation’s history is not a closed chapter, but a living commitment — one that continues to guide thoughtful action, responsible growth, and a commitment to helping people make life happen.