BEYOND DIPLOMAS:
A Legacy of Education & Impact
“Change Lives Through Faith and Education”
Our Foundation's motto, "Change Lives Through Faith and Education," isn't just a slogan; it's a living testament to the transformative power of education, a power deeply rooted in our family's story. My father, a second-generation immigrant from Czechoslovakia, never completed high school and joined the military at 17, where he learned the trade of a cook. Despite challenges, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family. My mother, the valedictorian of her high school class, dreamed of college but was denied the opportunity due to financial constraints. Her determination fueled her to ensure her children would never face the same limitations. She instilled in our family the belief that education was the key to unlocking a better future and the only key that is yours for life.
With a focused commitment to educational initiatives, our Foundation's philanthropy has grown, with more than 73% of our grants specifically supporting education—a tribute to our parents' sacrifices and our mother's unfulfilled dream. We are particularly proud to partner with Uplift Education, an organization that aligns perfectly with our vision and values. Uplift understands that successful students require not only motivation and excellent teachers but also strong family support. They foster a nurturing environment through extended school days and years, a crucial Road to College Office, and a focus on the vital student-teacher bond. We believe that together, we can create a pathway to success for countless scholars.
The Matejek Family Foundation was established in 2005 to support organizations that offer educational assistance or provide faith-based initiatives focused on serving those in need. Privately funded by the family, the Foundation's goal is to "help secure bright futures through faith and education."
The board works diligently every year to ensure the organization's choices align with guidelines regarding overhead expenses and their impact on the communities or individuals they serve. United in our belief that knowledge has the power to transform lives, we become champions of education. The legacy of our parents, the dream of our mother, and the unwavering dedication of our Foundation will continue to inspire future generations, proving that education is not just about diplomas but about shaping the lives of individuals and communities.