Our CD12 Spotlight shines on Matthew Swearman, one of many key figures at Valley Village, a nonprofit organization that supports and provides opportunities for individuals with developmental and intellectual challenges. In his role as the Senior Director of Development and Donor Relations, Matthew plays a vital role in advancing Valley Village's mission to uplift and empower those in the community who need it most.
With a unique hands-on approach, Swearman is deeply involved in the lives of those in Valley Village's care, fostering a warm and welcoming environment that resonates throughout the Valley Village organization. His connection with clients is evident as they greet each other with smiles and hugs. His personable demeanor fits right in with Valley Village's inclusive, caring, and respectful culture that resonates throughout the organization.
Matthew brings a mission-driven outlook influenced by his life experiences, enabling him to empathize with historically marginalized people and help find impactful solutions. For over five years, his dedication has shone through as he leads Valley Village's development and volunteerism efforts to engage with community members and local businesses who want to get involved and give back. His heartfelt connection to Valley Village's 400-day and residential program clients fuels his passion for sustaining a nurturing environment where each person can thrive.
Through their tireless efforts, Matthew explains that the staff at Valley Village played an essential and pivotal role in supporting Valley Village's day program participants and residents during challenging times, including throughout the pandemic and the organization's ongoing recovery. "Our services are a lifeline for our clients and their families." From semi-independent living to group homes and nursing houses, Valley Village helps people develop their daily living skills, including financial literacy, mobility, communication, and career counseling for those who can and want to work. In some cases, Valley Village helps prevent individuals from ending up on the streets. The resources that Valley Village provides are truly transforming lives.
Matthew continues about Valley Village participants, "Our day program participants attend and receive services Monday through Friday, building meaningful relationships with their peers, our staff, and community members who volunteer. These programs are specifically designed to provide stimulating engagement and therapeutic services for people with developmental and intellectual challenges. After attending the day program, participants return to their homes. Participants who live in Valley Village's residential program (which operates 24/7, 365 days a year) enjoy their evening routines, including home-cooked, family-style meals, with their housemates and care providers. "The people who live in Valley Village's residential program consider our houses to be their homes, and that's the environment our founders envisioned," says Matthew of the over 100 women and men whom the residential program serves every year. "Our founders' vision was to create opportunities for education and lifelong care for their children and future generations of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities."
As a leader in the community, Matthew is Vice Chair on the Valley Industry Commerce Association's (VICA) Executive Committee. He serves as the Chair of the Nonprofit Committee, showcasing his commitment to broader San Fernando Valley community initiatives.
Matthew is proud to be part of an organization that champions care with respect and dignity, personal growth, and self-sufficiency. By driving organized actions that lead to impactful change, he embodies empowerment, compassion, and the positive influence that can come from dedicated community involvement. His presence in the lives of Valley Village's clients, staff, and supporters exemplifies the sentiment that it really does take a village.
