Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Community Relations
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Matthew McFarland is a criminal justice reform advocate and non-profit executive with over 15 years of experience among diverse populations, including people with substance use, mental health, and housing challenges and those who are justice-involved. He is an outspoken advocate for those with records, using his personal and professional experiences to leverage support. He has served in vice president or leadership roles at nonprofits including Lawndale Christian Legal Center, The Bail Project, and Safer Foundation. Matthew has led multi-million-dollar projects and efforts in program development, implementation, and client-centered programming. His work brings resources to those who have been historically excluded and overlooked.

He is a believer in holistic social services, using his personal and professional experience to leverage support. He welcomes sharing his story of a former long-term substance user who achieved sobriety with the assistance of Cook County Drug Court.

Matthew now helps people leave the streets and stay out of the justice system. He always carries naloxone, the opioid-reversal medication, and has successfully administered it many times. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the field and is seen as a true ambassador for policy change in Illinois. He is well known for his personal struggles with addiction and how he overcame those challenges. His story has been highlighted in many media outlets such as the Chicago Tribune, Financial Times, The Times, Chicago Sun-Times, WGN Radio, News Nation, and many others. His demonstrated accomplishments in housing, SUD treatment, and designing and implementing programs for justice-involved individuals will add tremendous value to our executive team