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.
DEFINITION OF INSANITY FILM
Learn about our feature-length film about successful approaches to decriminalizing mental illness. The film premiered at the Miami Film Festival and you can watch it at www.doifilm.com.
IMMUTABLE FILM
A new documentary follows students participating in the Foundation's summer debate institute and the Washington Urban Debate League, showing the power of debate to uplift students.
To learn more and screen the film, visit immutablefilm.com
