MATTERbox
50 new hires recently packed 800 Snack Packs and 100 Hope Packs.
Volunteering is more than a kind gesture. It builds connection, sparks purpose, and reminds us that each of us has something valuable to give. For companies, it’s also a meaningful way to invest in both employees and the communities they call home. When businesses create opportunities for their teams to serve together, they strengthen culture, deepen engagement, and make a real difference where it matters most.
At MATTER, we see that impact every day through our MATTERbox packing events. These hands-on experiences give employees a simple, tangible way to come together, give back, and help deliver hope to communities across the country. It’s more than packing a box. It’s a chance to turn compassion into action.
This National Volunteer Month, we encourage you to consider how your company can step in, serve well, and be part of something bigger. Because when people are given the opportunity to act, good things happen. And when companies lead the way, communities feel it.
Ready to get your team together to do good? Let us help you create the right MATTERbox packing event during National Volunteer Month, or anytime that works for you!
Education
Through the MATTER Career Readiness Institute, young leaders are gaining the skills, confidence, and experience to step into careers and help shape the future. That impact is now taking root at Mains’l, where MCRI graduates are growing into meaningful roles and helping build something bigger than themselves.
Coletor Ncube, a graduate of MCRI Cohort 2, joined Mains’l as a Junior Business Analyst Intern and, after six months, was hired into the role full time. A few months ago, she was promoted into a dual role as Junior Business Analyst and Zimbabwe Office Lead. Today, she supports business analysis work, manages day-to-day administrative functions in the Zimbabwe office, and serves as a bridge for communication and collaboration.
Coletor, along with fellow MCRI graduates and Mains’l employees Gerald “G” Kaseke, and VJ (Victo-Jorge) Chitowomombe, is working on an exciting new endeavor: the MCRI Hub. This Hub will serve as a central place where MCRI cohorts, facilitators, and internship partners can access important information, updates, training materials, curriculum resources, and more. The team is preparing for a soft launch and show-and-tell on Friday, May 9, 2026, at MCRI. Mains’l Founder and CEO Terri Williams will be there to help introduce the Hub and mark this important milestone.
When young people are given opportunity, they do more than succeed. They build. They lead. They create what comes next.
And that matters.
Africa Stories Live! Reserve Your Spot Now!
We’re thrilled to announce the return of Africa Stories Live! Now in its fourth year in Minneapolis and in its inaugural year in Chicago, this powerful evening will immerse you in the stories and impact of the projects you’ve helped bring to life.
Join us for an inspiring gathering where you’ll hear firsthand from our partners on the ground—leaders who are transforming lives and communities through innovation, resilience, and hope.
This night is also a call to generosity. You’ll be invited to give boldly to MATTER’s Generosity Fund, which fuels our ability to launch projects that improve communities across the globe. Your generosity ensures that when our partners are ready to scale sustainable solutions, MATTER is ready to meet the moment.
Minneapolis
MATTER • April 28th at 5pm
7005 Oxford Street, St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Chicago
The Social Loft • April 30th at 6pm
2011 Tower Drive, Glenview, IL 60026
The Chaya Project
On February 24, 2026, over 500 students, teachers, and farmers gathered in Sidinda Ward for a hands-on Chaya Workshop, one of the largest community education events to date. Ruth and Silent led participants through the full Chaya program, including the nutritional and climate-smart benefits of this drought-resistant leafy vegetable, practical planting and pruning demonstrations, and even a cooking and tasting session that brought it all to life.
The Agritex Extension Officer was present and committed to integrating Chaya into both school agriculture projects and community gardens.
Over 90% of the participants left with a clear understanding of how to grow and use Chaya safely, and every single student and community member went home with cuttings to plant. The excitement was palpable — students were already talking about starting school gardens before the day was done!
MATTER 360
MATTER 360 diverted 7.7 million pounds of medical surplus from landfills in 2025 through its MATTER 360 initiative — up from 7.2 million pounds the year prior and bringing the program’s cumulative total to 32 million pounds since 2019.
Recipients in 2025 included communities across Africa, South America, Mexico, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean, with items supporting everything from hurricane relief to war zone hospitals.
MATTER 360 works by making it simple for healthcare organizations to donate surplus inventory that would otherwise go to waste.
Hospitals, clinics, and suppliers interested in reducing waste while extending the life of their medical supplies and equipment are encouraged to explore a partnership.
Learn more at the MATTER 360 website.