Meet Matthew Hastreiter, CUSA Board Member
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
We are thrilled to welcome Circles USA’s newest board member, Matthew Hastreiter. Our extraordinary board is the governance team that oversees CUSA operations, advises on strategic directions, and contributes to specific projects that enhance what CUSA has to offer to our community of practice.
Get to know Matthew in this Q&A, where he shares details of his family life in Wisconsin and how Circles offers long-term solutions to poverty that “bootstraps” and “benefits” can’t.
Hi, Matthew! What brings you to Circles USA?
I was a Circles coach with a local chapter from 2019-22, and maintained connection with some CUSA contacts who had the opportunity to see me continue to share life on social media. Knowing that I continued to own and grow the person that I am led to them reaching out to me with interest in me joining the board. But why did I originally become a coach? A role opened up at the church I attended, which was the lead organization for the chapter. As a man in long-term recovery who had rebuilt his entire life over several years, the opportunity of bringing hope, community, and leadership development to those who were looking for it was a natural fit.
What are you most looking forward to in your board member role?
Using the experience and wisdom that I have accumulated, while bringing a spirit of learning and humility to steward my responsibility well to serve others. It's an honor to be invited to be a part of something so special and important, both to myself and others, and to reopen a fond memory of my story with fresh eyes.
How does the Circles model of poverty alleviation speak to you, your values, and your experiences with “surviving” & “thriving” in the U.S.?
Money doesn't change everything when you are dealing with poverty. Often, it only puts a temporary cover on the leak. Changed systems change everything. Circles is built on the core relationship between an Ally and a Circle Leader, working together towards a common goal: the Circle Leader lifting themself up out of their situation. Not a paycheck, not a handout, not a short-term solution. But rather a transformative experience between two (or more) people that leads to greater wisdom, impact, and change in life trajectory than a handout could ever do.
Will you share some fun facts about where you come from, who is in your community, and what you love to do?
I live in the Appleton area of Northeast Wisconsin and work in the Green Bay area. I grew up in Kewaunee, which is a very small town in Wisconsin along Lake Michigan. A married man with a 4-year old daughter, my family is my center. My strongest friendships are growing and building alongside other men that I have met in recovery, church, and the workplace. I am a content creator (@matthew.charlesx) and a Sales & Event Manager for a large hotel in the area. I enjoy pursuing and living out my faith in Jesus Christ, the outdoors, exercise, reading, hiking, the occasional (weekly) cigar, and relaxing and spending time with family.
Building Community to End Poverty for 25+ Years
