By her own admission, Inez Richards spent four decades struggling with addiction. “I grew up in jail. I grew up in the streets,” she said. “I was in a place that was so dark, so lonely… The pain got great enough that I wanted to change, but I didn’t know how.” Now, Richards said, she […]
About Matt's Mission
Matt’s Mission is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The growing epidemic of addiction is no secret and it is time to start making some changes. Matt’s Mission is not only a tribute to Matthew P. Barrett, our loved one, but also in memory of all who lost their lives to addiction.
We seek to connect individuals battling addiction to medical care, treatment and services without shame, blame or arrest. It is an effort to help end the stigma of drug addiction and to raise awareness of addiction as a disease focusing on treatment not punishment. Our current attitude, our current way of dealing with this issue is obviously not working in light of the rising drug-related deaths.
Matt's Mission exists to end the stigma and shame of drug addiction. The organization seeks to educate people on the disease of addiction focusing on treatment not punishment, to assist with policy changes creating new paths to treatment, and to unite law enforcement, community and treatment facilities together with individuals suffering from substance use disorders.
The specific objectives and purposes of this organization is:
- To provide awareness of addiction as a disease focusing on treatment not punishment.
- To provide pathways into treatment and services for individuals suffering from addiction without shame, blame or arrest.
"No child's dream is to become an addict. No parent intends to raise an addict. It can happen to anyone. No one is immune to the disease of addiction. So when someone judges or says it is their "choice" think again!"
"This song was written for my friend Kathy who has suffered the unimaginable loss of her son Matt to addiction. There are so many people and families that have been affected by this growing problem and it has truly changed their lives, things are never the same again. Kathy has transformed her grief into a positive message by creating "Matt's Mission” whose goal it is to bring education, encouragement, and support to those in need. She has worked tirelessly in her efforts to bring awareness to those who can make a difference, attended counseling seminars, and worked hard to secure placement for those who have come to her for help.
The goal is to let everyone know that they are never alone. The problems we face today may prove to be insurmountable but through efforts like hers it can make a difference. My hope for Kathy is that she may once again find peace in her life and know that the things she is doing to honor Matt will surely save someone's life."
- Dave Drobiak
Watch the Full Live Stream From The 2019 Matt's Mission Celebrates Recovery Event in Jewett City (filmed 9/7/19)
"I choose new beginnings, self-love, forgiveness, possibilities, change, strength, RECOVERY, because I'm worth it!"
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Matt’s Mission Event Offers Info, Hope For Recovery
It wasn’t the usual festive carnival atmosphere at Veterans Memorial Park in Jewett City on Sept. 8, despite the array of tables, tents, and decorations. It was a celebration of a different sort. “We want to celebrate and give hope to recovery [from drug addiction],” said organizer Kathleen Dufficy. Her organization, Matt’s Mission, hosted the […]
Mother’s mission to end addiction stigma continues Saturday in Griswold
Griswold — Kathleen Dufficy has thought about her son Matthew Barrett every day since he died on Nov. 23, 2015, of injuries he suffered in a drug-related car crash. Though Barrett, 32, lost his life as a result of an addiction he’d struggled with for 12 years, Dufficy is passionate in her belief that there is hope for others. She formed a group called Matt’s Mission, which is seeking […]
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