The Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization established in 2005 to continue spreading the message of hope and peace offered by late teen poet Mattie J.T. Stepanek. The Foundation develops educational and recreational programs and outreach activities for children and adults that encourage peacemaking and the hope it brings for our world. 

During Mattie's almost 14 years of life, he penned seven NY Times bestselling books of Heartsongs poetry and peace essays, and served as an ambassador for many peace- and disability-related organizations. You may remember seeing Mattie as a guest on Oprah, Larry King, or Good Morning America, or as a three-term national ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. A resident of King Farm, Mattie died in 2004 due to complications of a rare neuromuscular disease, but his vision of more peaceful world continues to inspire millions.

In 2008, the 26 acre Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park was dedicated in  King Farm, filled with recreational amenities including ball courts and fields, a play ground, jogging paths, green space, and a dog park. Central to the park is a Peace Garden, which serves as a living reminder and tribute to this young hero who inspired us to "Remember to play after every storm!"  In the Peace Garden, visitors can play a game of chess near the life size bronze statues of Mattie and his service dog Micah, listen to Mattie sharing excepts from poetry and speeches on the informational sound post, or explore the mosaic of gift bricks with messages from supporters all over the world.

The Foundation welcomes all donations and support that help continue the mission of spreading hope and peace for all people. For more information, or to learn more about specific programs such as Mattie's Peace Network or Pathways to Peace, please visit www.mattieonline.com or view our General or Partnership Brochures.

Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation

2011 Board of Directors

  Executive Director and Secretary
         Jeni Stepanek, Ph.D.
         Motivational Speaker & "Mattie's mom"
  President
         Andrew Gordon
          Industry Analyst,
          Printing and Publishing Industries
  Vice President
         Christopher Dobbins
          Manager,
          NASA Credit Union
 Treasurer
         W. Thomas Curtis
          Managing Director,
          FSP and Associates, L.L.C.
  Director
         Ann Y. Schmidt
          Director of Music,
          Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church
  Director
         Bridget Hart Shea, J.D.

         Executive Director, 

         Washington Adventist Hospital Foundation

Contact Information:

Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation

PO Box 111

402 King Farm Boulevard, #125

Rockville, MD 20850

www.mattieonline.com