The Matty Ryan Scholarship Fund offers financial support to individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, covering sober living environments, evidence-based treatment services, and peer support connections. This meaningful initiative honors the legacy of Matt Ryan while breaking down financial barriers that prevent people from accessing life-changing recovery resources. Whether you’re transitioning from treatment or seeking a stable foundation for your recovery journey, understanding this scholarship can be your first step toward lasting wellness.
What Is The Matty Ryan Scholarship Fund?
A Legacy of Hope and Healing
In memory of Matt Ryan (November 26, 1989 – November 5, 2022), the scholarship celebrates a creative, kind-hearted individual whose passions included cooking, skateboarding, and music. His family and friends established this fund to ensure his spirit continues inspiring others facing similar struggles.
The fund extends comprehensive financial aid based on the belief that everyone possesses untapped potential and deserves access to recovery support regardless of their financial situation.
Who Does This Scholarship Help?
This recovery scholarship specifically assists individuals who are:
- Battling substance use disorders
- Managing mental health conditions
- Seeking structured support in their recovery journey
- Facing financial barriers to treatment and housing
- Ready to commit to meaningful change
What Does The Matty Ryan Scholarship Cover?
Sober Living Support
The scholarship provides financial assistance for safe and supportive sober living environments, recognizing that transitional periods can be particularly challenging for those in recovery. This stable foundation is crucial for establishing long-term sobriety and rebuilding your life.
Treatment Services
Funds cover access to evidence-based treatment services, ensuring financial limitations don’t prevent individuals from receiving the professional help they need for successful recovery.
Peer Support Services
Recipients can access peer support services, connecting with others who have traveled similar paths and offering hope, understanding, and camaraderie throughout the recovery process.
What’s Included: Coverage Breakdown
| Service Type | Coverage | Duration |
| Sober Living Housing | Full or partial coverage | Minimum 90 days |
| Treatment Services | Evidence-based programs | As needed |
| Peer Support | Group and individual support | Ongoing |
| Recovery Coaching | Professional guidance | Throughout stay |
Who Is Eligible for The Matty Ryan Scholarship?
Basic Requirements
To qualify for this recovery scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria that demonstrate readiness and commitment:
You must be actively working with a substance use disorder treatment professional who can provide guidance and support throughout your recovery journey.
A signed referral letter from your treatment professional is required, affirming your dedication and commitment to recovery.
Commitment Requirements
Applicants must be willing to transition directly from their current program to a recovery residence, symbolizing readiness to embrace a new chapter in life.
You must be willing and able to secure employment within 15 days of intake at the recovery residence, demonstrating determination to create positive change.
A minimum commitment of 90 days in a recovery residence is required, recognizing the importance of a structured environment in the recovery process.
Eligibility Checklist
- ✓ Working with a treatment professional
- ✓ Have a signed referral letter
- ✓ Ready for direct transition to recovery housing
- ✓ Able to obtain employment within 15 days
- ✓ Willing to commit to 90+ days of residence
- ✓ Demonstrate financial need
How Do I Apply for The Matty Ryan Scholarship?
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
Before starting your application, gather these essential materials:
- Referral letter from your current treatment professional
- Personal statement explaining your recovery journey
- Financial information demonstrating need
- Treatment history and current program details
- Recovery goals and plans for the future
Step 2: Share Your Story
The application process includes sharing your journey and explaining how the scholarship would positively impact your life and support your path to wellness.
Your personal narrative should include:
- The challenges you’ve faced with substance use or mental health
- Steps you’ve already taken toward recovery
- How sober living would benefit your specific situation
- Your commitment to long-term wellness
- Goals for employment and independence
Step 3: Complete the Application
Submit your completed application for review, with each application receiving careful consideration and fair, impartial evaluation.
Step 4: Follow Up
For questions or assistance with the application process, contact the team at scholarships@allthewaywell.org.
Application Timeline
| Phase | What Happens | Timeframe |
| Submission | Complete and submit application | Ongoing acceptance |
| Review | Staff evaluates materials | 1-2 weeks |
| Interview | Discuss your situation and goals | As scheduled |
| Decision | Notification of acceptance | Within 3-4 weeks |
| Placement | Transition to recovery residence | Upon acceptance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while receiving the scholarship?
Yes, employment is actually required. You must be able to secure a job within 15 days of entering the recovery residence as part of your commitment to independence and recovery.
How long does the scholarship last?
The minimum commitment is 90 days of recovery residence. This timeframe provides the structured support necessary for establishing stable recovery patterns and life skills.
Do I need insurance to apply?
Insurance is not required. The scholarship is specifically designed to help those facing financial barriers to recovery services, regardless of insurance status.
Can I apply if I’m currently in treatment?
Yes, ideal candidates are those currently engaged with treatment professionals who can provide referrals. The scholarship helps bridge the gap between treatment completion and independent living.
What if I don’t have employment history?
The scholarship recognizes that substance use may have disrupted your work history. What matters is your willingness and ability to find employment within 15 days, not your past employment record.
Is this scholarship only for certain substances?
No. The fund supports individuals struggling with any substance use disorder or mental health condition, recognizing that recovery needs are diverse and personal.
Common Questions from “People Also Ask”
How do I get financial help for addiction treatment?
Financial assistance for addiction treatment comes from multiple sources including recovery scholarships, state-funded programs, Medicaid/Medicare, treatment center financial aid, and nonprofit organizations. Start by contacting treatment centers directly and asking about available scholarships and payment plans.
What do recovery scholarships typically cover?
Recovery scholarships generally cover treatment services, sober living housing, detoxification, counseling, peer support groups, and medications for withdrawal management. Coverage varies by program but typically excludes luxury services like spa treatments or massage therapy.
How long does it take to get approved for a treatment scholarship?
Most recovery scholarship applications are reviewed within 1-4 weeks of submission. The timeline depends on application volume, completeness of your materials, and the specific organization’s review process.
Tips for a Strong Application
Be Honest and Authentic
Recovery programs value genuine commitment over perfect histories. Share your real struggles, setbacks, and determination to change.
Demonstrate Readiness
Show concrete evidence of your commitment through:
- Active participation in current treatment
- Clear understanding of recovery principles
- Realistic goals and action plans
- Willingness to follow program structure
Highlight Your Support System
Even if limited, mention any positive relationships or professional connections supporting your recovery. This shows you understand the importance of community in healing.
Show Financial Need Clearly
Provide honest documentation of your financial situation. Scholarship funds are limited and reserved for those with genuine barriers to affording treatment.
Follow Instructions Carefully
Complete all required sections, submit necessary documents, and meet deadlines. Incomplete applications delay the review process and may affect your chances.
Understanding the Recovery Journey
What Happens After Acceptance?
Once accepted into the scholarship program, you’ll:
- Transition Planning: Coordinate your move from current treatment to recovery residence
- Intake Process: Complete necessary paperwork and orientation
- Job Search Support: Receive assistance finding employment within the 15-day window
- Peer Connections: Join support groups and connect with recovery community
- Treatment Continuation: Access ongoing counseling and evidence-based services
- Life Skills Development: Participate in workshops on budgeting, communication, and wellness
- Recovery Coaching: Work with trained professionals who understand your journey
Building Your Foundation
The 90-day minimum commitment isn’t arbitrary. Research shows this timeframe allows individuals to:
- Establish new routines and healthy habits
- Build meaningful relationships in recovery
- Develop employment stability
- Process underlying issues in treatment
- Create relapse prevention strategies
- Gain confidence in sober living skills
The Importance of Recovery Support
Why Sober Living Matters
Transitioning directly from intensive treatment to independent living can be overwhelming. Sober living provides:
- Structure: Daily routines that support recovery
- Accountability: Regular check-ins and substance-free environment
- Community: Connection with others in similar situations
- Safety: Reduced exposure to triggers and old environments
- Gradual transition: Step-down approach to full independence
The Role of Peer Support
Peer support distinguishes itself from traditional counseling by offering connection with individuals who have lived experience with addiction and recovery. This shared understanding creates:
- Reduced isolation and stigma
- Practical advice from those who’ve been there
- Hope through witnessing others’ success
- Authentic relationships built on mutual experience
- Ongoing encouragement during difficult moments
Making Recovery Accessible
Breaking Down Barriers
Financial challenges shouldn’t determine who gets to recover. The Matty Ryan Scholarship Fund addresses common obstacles:
Housing Instability: Without safe, sober housing, maintaining recovery becomes exponentially harder. Scholarship coverage removes this barrier.
Treatment Gaps: Insurance may not cover all necessary services. This fund fills those gaps with evidence-based care.
Support Access: Peer support and recovery coaching aren’t always covered by traditional insurance, yet they’re crucial for success.
Employment Challenges: The 15-day job requirement balances the need for independence with the reality that finding work takes time and support.
Beyond the Scholarship: Next Steps
Planning for Long-Term Success
The scholarship provides a foundation, but lasting recovery requires ongoing commitment:
- Continue therapy and counseling after scholarship period
- Stay connected to recovery community and support groups
- Develop healthy coping strategies for stress and triggers
- Build a life that includes purpose, relationships, and self-care
- Consider giving back through peer support or mentorship
Resources for Continued Recovery
While the scholarship offers crucial support, additional resources strengthen your journey:
- 12-step programs (AA, NA, etc.)
- SMART Recovery meetings
- Mental health counseling
- Vocational training programs
- Community recovery centers
- Online support communities
Supporting Recovery at All The Way Well
At All The Way Well, we believe that building a strong foundation is essential for lasting wellness and recovery. Our comprehensive approach goes beyond financial assistance to provide holistic support addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing.
Our Peer Recovery Coaching Services
All The Way Well offers personalized, evidence-based, and holistic support through recovery coaching and financial assistance, helping people take the next step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Our peer support groups are facilitated by certified peer recovery coaches who provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to connect with others who understand their challenges. These groups are essential for fostering community and supporting long-term recovery.
Comprehensive Support Services
Our programs include:
- Daily Peer Groups: Focused on connection and skill development
- Wellness Integration: Improving relationships between physical, mental, and spiritual health
- Recovery Lifestyle Community: Living what we practice through active engagement
- Workshops and Education: Training on mental health and substance use topics
- Family Support Services: Helping loved ones navigate challenges and build stronger relationships
- Life Skills Training: Practical tools for maintaining wellness
All The Way Well provides workshops offering education and training on topics related to mental health and substance use, including life skills training, healthy activities, and recreational activities that promote balanced lifestyles.
Why Choose All The Way Well?
We understand the real-life challenges individuals and families face when navigating mental health and substance use disorders. Our mission centers on providing support that nurtures every aspect of recovery, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving.
Whether you’re exploring the Matty Ryan Scholarship or seeking peer recovery coaching, our team walks alongside you with expertise, empathy, and unwavering support. Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.