Trigger warning: This article contains references to a person’s death and drug addiction.
The Matthew Perry Foundation, established in the US after the late actor passed away on October 28, 2023, has a clear goal: to help people struggling with addiction by providing grants to grassroots organizations.
As the one-year anniversary of Perry’s death approaches, those close to him are focusing on keeping his memory alive through work that embodies his values. The foundation, led by his longtime manager Doug Chapin and publicist Lisa Castellar-Callio, provides support to groups aiming to bridge the gap in addiction recovery.
“One of the reasons it’s hard not to get emotional is because this organization was built out of love for them,” said Chapin, who serves as board chair. “What we all share is this act of love for Him.” The Foundation’s grants are intended to provide resources to those who do not have easy access to recovery programs or support systems.
The foundation has used Matthew Perry’s 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, as a guide. The book, which Perry wrote to share his battle with addiction, now serves as a blueprint for the organization’s mission. “We didn’t have to look for a mission. We had it,” said Castellar-Callio, executive director of the foundation.
“Matthew was very brave to write that book and let people come into the room with him. He left nothing behind, and his motivation was not to become more famous or make more money. The most important thing he wanted to do was help people.”
The foundation operates alongside a similar organization established by Perry’s family in Canada. Together, they work to ensure that their legacy is focused on making a positive impact in the addiction recovery field.
One of the foundation’s primary goals is to reduce the stigma that prevents millions of people from seeking help. Approximately 48 million Americans struggle with addiction, but only one-fifth reach out for help because of feelings of shame.
Chapin said the thing that keeps people from reaching out for help is stigma, and that’s kind of the big kahuna. He said that then helping people travel became kind of project-specific for him.
The foundation has already awarded grants to more than 20 organizations, including The Wall Las Memorias, which supports Latino and LGBTQ+ communities in Los Angeles, and a home for individuals incarcerated at California’s Santa Rita Jail. Telehealth consultation program is also included.
Additionally, the foundation is supporting a fellowship in addiction medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, the first program to bear Perry’s name. Led by Dr. Sarah Wakeman, a pioneer in addiction medicine, the fellowship aims to provide doctors with specialized training in the treatment of addiction.
Disclaimer: If you know someone who is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, please reach out to the authorities and report it. There are many helplines available for this.
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