We Remember
“All it takes to turn a kid’s life around sometimes is one small success. Just winning a trophy in a tournament or learning to shoot a basketball can make all the difference in the world. Kids need to know they can accomplish something positive, and that somebody cares.”
— Matt Congdon
May 8, 1959— June 13, 2019
Matt Congdon was a selfless man with an unwavering spirit and an indomitable will. He spent 36 of his 60 years on this Earth trying to make an impact on the lives of the children in this community. There is no doubt that he succeeded.
Similar to many of our members, he did not have an easy childhood. Matt came from a single-parent household. At the age of five he was diagnosed with a chronic, incurable illness: type 1 diabetes. He was poor. He knew what it meant to be hungry. His last name didn’t carry any clout within the school system. He didn’t have the best clothes or the coolest shoes. He wanted for everything. But he never used any of these obstacles as an excuse. Instead, he channeled his struggles into something positive.
From a young age he had two main goals in life: To make an impact on the lives of children who needed it most, and to always have a full fridge. Both goals were achieved.
After graduating from Springfield College Matt worked at a local gym as a fitness trainer. And then he saw an opening at the Glens Falls Area Youth Center for a temporary position while the Executive Director was on maternity leave. He thought it would be a great opportunity to help kids, so he jumped at the chance to gain some experience.
The first few locations of the Youth Center were anything but ideal. The spaces were cramped, dirty, and dismal. Cold and damp during the long Upstate winter, and sweltering hot in the steamy summer. The children in this community deserved better, much better.
The more time Matt spent at the center with the kids, the more he loved it and the more they loved him. In fact, all the kids petitioned to have Matt remain the Executive Director. In the end, it all worked out: the former director ended up staying home with her child and Matt officially took over. This changed the course of the Youth Center forever. He advocated and fought for our kids with all his might. For you see he had a dream that one day there would be a building just for the youngsters in this area, a place they could call home—a sanctuary.
It was then that Matt did the impossible. He raised one million dollars in eight months to make this building, which was once a mere pipe dream, a reality. In April 2000, the doors opened and crowds of kids, wide-eyed and smiling, walked inside. That day is one that will never be forgotten.
For 36 years Matt ran this organization, despite undergoing quadruple bypass heart surgery, hundreds of eye surgeries, a broken hip, congestive heart failure, stage 4 kidney failure, and having both legs amputated. He never stopped working hard for our cause. Sadly after years of battling health complications, we lost our leader on June 13, 2019.
Matt would be the first to tell you that he lived a spectacular life surrounded by loving family and dear friends. Despite all of his hardships health-wise, he trusted in God and took on each new challenge with optimism and a fabulous sense of humor. He always managed to find light within the darkness, and that never ceased to inspire everyone around him.
He worked his entire adult life to enhance the existence of young people in this area because he felt that every single one of their lives was precious and meaningful— and they are!
We wish that Matt could still be here with us to make us laugh with his sarcasm, inspire us with his words of encouragement or even to hear him say, “Everybody come here!” and give one of his trademark talks. Try to remember all those great moments. We hope that they bring a smile to your face and happiness to your heart. He will never truly be gone as long as the Youth Center is here and the people who loved him preserve his memory.
Matt’s strength, spirit and selflessness will never be forgotten. Words cannot describe how thankful we are for his years of sweat, struggle and determination. He brought love to the lives of so many, and he was a blessing to every life that he touched.
Thank you, Matt, for this beautiful organization. Thank you for helping so many kids feel loved and wanted. Thank you for helping us find our way. Thank you for serving as our inspiration. You are missed and always will be!
