Board Highlight: Matt Niehaus
Though people sometimes leave the YC community, many find their way back. Matt Niehaus, one of YC’s newest board members and a physician at University Hospitals, is a great example.
“YC is a very special place and holds a very special place in my heart,” Matt said. “I believe YC’s message is important in helping participants realize what they can achieve with the right adaptations, but it’s also important for teen volunteers to see these adaptations can be made and everyone can participate in society regardless of their physical abilities.”
Matt’s journey with YC began in the early 2000s as a student at St. Raphael School, where his sister Beth first introduced him to volunteering. His involvement continued through high school at St. Ignatius when he joined YC as a part-time summer staff member during his senior year. Matt’s commitment deepened as he worked as a full-time summer staff member at YC while attending Fordham University and later during medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
After spending a decade in Pennsylvania completing graduate studies, residency, and fellowship, Matt returned to Cleveland in 2020 to join University Hospitals. Throughout the years, he stayed connected to YC CEO Chris Garr, attending Fordham alumni events and Battle of the Bartenders at Edgewater Park—just a short walk from his home. When Chris invited him to join the board, Matt embraced the opportunity.
“It was fortuitous when Chris reached out to me because I’d been saying to myself for a long time that I needed to get involved again,” Matt said.
Youth Challenge has been formative for Matt over the years. He remembers loading up the vans at Fairview Park and moving into YC’s new building. He also remembers traveling to Kennywood and many other camping trips, including one where he slept on an air mattress in the van. Over the summer, Matt worked part-time as a lifeguard at the pool at Clague Park, so he would teach swimming lessons in the morning and meet up with YC in the afternoon.
“YC teaches you that everybody deserves an opportunity,” Matt said. “Everybody deserves the ability to live a happy life. Just because you have a limitation doesn’t mean that you can’t do something.”
When Matt isn’t at work or YC, he likes spending time with his partner, Justin, his dog, Judy, and his brand-new cat, Nipper. Matt also enjoys traveling and has been to all seven continents. Last year, he got to go to Antarctica! When Matt is home in Cleveland, he enjoys connecting with families, seeing plays in Playhouse Square, and trying new restaurants.
Youth Challenge is very excited to welcome Matt back to YC!
