Board Spotlight - Matt Clark

This month we are going to shine a light on our Board President, Matt Clark. We are so grateful for the time, dedication, and leadership that Matt provides. Thank you for volunteering your time to our mission.

How long have you been serving on the Board at ICPYAS and what is your role?

4yrs - Current Board of Directors President

How did you learn about ICPYAS and become involved?

Met Rich Taylor at Mickey's Camp.  My wife and I were investigating starting our own non-profit and he connected me with Chaucie's Place (ICPYAS).  We quickly learned that the ICPYAS's mission and our vision for what we wanted were very closely aligned.  Instead of creating something new, we joined a great organization already serving the need that we were/are so passionate about.

 What do you do for a living?

Civil Engineer - Heavy Industrial Construction

What is your proudest ICPYAS moment?

I wouldn't just choose one moment but what I am most proud of is our staff.  They work tirelessly and deal with very difficult topics but they do it with pride, joy, and a true sense of purpose.  I truly am proud to be a part of an organization that does not cater to politics or outside influences but focuses on our mission of helping each and every child that we can.

What motivates you the most to serve others?

While we work to prevent and educate on issues dealing directly with children.  This is not a child's problem to solve.  It is an adult problem to address.  As a parent and adult member of this community it is our/my responsibility get involved, be engaged and protect all of the children in Indiana (and beyond).

What is your favorite quote?

"You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes." - Walter M. Schirra, Sr.

What about ICPYAS’s mission and work really motivates you?

Working through prevention and education to help stop evil before horrific events occur to our youth.  So many organizations help individuals and families after something horrible has occurred and that work is absolutely needed. But the ability of working to prevent it from ever happening in the first place is so critically important.

What would you most like people to know about ICPYAS?

By taking just a fraction of time to educate yourself, to put abuse and suicide awareness on your radar you can and will save a child's life.  ICPYAS has multiple resources and trainings for adults and it takes so little time to educate yourself and look at things in a different light.  Many parents may not even realize that ICPYAS is already providing abuse and suicide education/prevention in most schools in central Indiana currently.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Spending time with my family and friends, going to my boys sporting events, boating, swimming in the lake, hunting and tinkering around the house. My wife Jainie and I live in Noblesville with our two boys and our golden retriever. We spend as much time as we can, as a family, cheering on our favorite youth sports stars, jumping off the dock and swimming in the lake, spending time in the woods exploring, hunting, camping and all around trying to do our best to raise happy and healthy boys.