Restoring Lives.
Rebuilding Futures.
A Houston-based foundation helping individuals move from crisis toward stability, dignity, and renewed possibility.
Built to remove barriers to recovery.
The Mattern Foundation helps gay men access high-quality, LGBTQ+-affirming rehabilitation programs with dignity, discretion, and financial support.
Through trusted partnerships and thoughtful placement, we create a pathway between a vulnerable moment and the care needed to begin again.
Practical support for the path forward.
We help individuals navigate access to affirming treatment through a confidential application, careful review, trusted placement support, and financial assistance when cost stands in the way.
Personalized support changes how recovery feels.
Application Process
The process is designed to be clear, confidential, and grounded in care.
Submit an Application
Begin with a confidential application so the foundation can better understand the individual’s situation, needs, and request for support.
We Review
The foundation reviews each request with discretion, care, and attention to fit, urgency, treatment needs, and available pathways forward.
We Connect You
Approved applicants are connected with vetted, affirming treatment programs that are equipped to support recovery with dignity.
Financial Support
When cost is a barrier, The Mattern Foundation helps cover or subsidize approved treatment-related expenses.
Real support. No red tape.
Recovery is deeply personal — for many gay men it means healing from years of rejection while rebuilding self-worth. Here is exactly what working with us looks like.
Who we serve
Gay men seeking recovery from substance use — in Houston and beyond — regardless of financial means.
What we cover
When cost is the barrier, we help cover or subsidize approved treatment-related expenses at vetted, LGBTQ+-affirming programs.
How fast we respond
Every confidential application receives a personal response within one business day — discreetly and without judgment.
Beyond treatment
We advocate to reduce stigma and build a culture where asking for help is seen as strength, not weakness.
The people behind the mission.
The Mattern Foundation is guided by founders, executives, clinicians, and community leaders committed to restoring dignity, expanding access, and building pathways forward.
Jeremy Mattern
Jeremy Mattern founded The Mattern Foundation with a deep commitment to transforming the lives of gay men in recovery. Driven by a vision for meaningful community impact, Jeremy has dedicated himself to creating pathways for those who are too often overlooked.
Every life has value. Every story deserves a second chance.
Cedric Mattern
Cedric Mattern co-founded The Mattern Foundation, bringing valuable perspective, steadfast support, and a shared commitment to serving gay men in recovery.
Jeremy Tatum, LMSW
Jeremy is the President of The Mattern Foundation, which provides support and resources for gay men overcoming challenges with substance abuse and addiction.
Before joining the Foundation, he founded Ed Fusion Strategies, a consulting firm dedicated to helping school systems develop and implement program strategy to increase postsecondary outcomes.
He also served as Program Officer at Houston Endowment, where he led a portfolio of education grants and mission-driven initiatives. He is a Licensed Social Worker who has spent much of his career helping individuals and organizations overcome barriers to success.
A board of proven leaders.
Our directors bring decades of expertise in medicine, behavioral health, education, business, and law — and a shared commitment to the people we serve.
The next chapter can begin here.
Whether you are seeking support, exploring partnership, or ready to help expand access to care, we would be honored to hear from you.
I’m looking for help.
Tell us a little about your situation. A member of our team will reach out personally, discreetly, and with care.
Send Message →We want to partner.
If your organization shares our commitment to dignity, access, and long-term recovery, let’s explore what we can build together.
Start the Conversation →“Every recovery story begins with someone believing a better future is possible.”