MATTHEW ORNSTEIN
MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
In honor of the values, passions, and life of
Matthew Harris Ornstein
July 28, 1980 - January 3, 2015
I tell people that when a family experiences tragedy, the most important thing they can do is to turn their grief into purpose.
-Joe Biden
ABOUT US
“We’re all here for a time, to learn, or love, or learn to love, in all the seemingly infinite ways that can happen.”
-Letter from Matthew, 2005
The Matthew Harris Ornstein Memorial Foundation was established in 2015 in honor of Matthew who died on January 3, 2015 as the result of a tragic accident. Prior to his death, Matthew had led a full and impactful life. He was a national champion debater, Princeton graduate and hollywood writer. But, perhaps most importantly he was a devoted friend and family member.
After his death, his friends and family gathered to come up with a way to honor Matthew’s life. From those conversations, the foundation was born. The foundation started as a small initiative in 2015, but thanks to the generosity of its donors has grown into a formidable force advocating for mental illness and urban debate.
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
Click below to learn more about our major programs and initiatives.
DEBATE CAMP
Almost 200 DC middle and high school students come together each summer for a free annual training in policy debate that gives them a head start for the school year.
DOCUMENTARY
Learn about our feature-length film about successful approaches to decriminalizing mental illness. The film premiered at the Miami Film Festival and is still streaming on PBS.
LEAP TRAININGS
Each year, the Foundation sponsors training sessions with noted psychologist Xavier Amador on the LEAP method for engaging with people with anosognosia.
GET INVOLVED
Whether it's through a small donation, sharing a recollection about Matthew, or volunteering for one of our projects, we encourage you to reach out and get involved.