MATTHEW MELVIN
PROGRAM MANAGER (NEWPORT NEWS)
Matthew D. Melvin serves as the Program Manager for the Hope Unity and Freedom Center located in Newport News, Virginia. Matthew is responsible for managing all aspects of the HUF Center’s
Psychosocial Day Support program for adults with severe and chronic mental illnesses.
Born at Scott AFB in Illinois, Matthew is the product of a military family. Living in several locations around the United States has helped him develop the passion he has for people. In the midst of his matriculation through Woodside High School (music magnet), Matthew participated in Boy Scouts of America and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. As a student at North Carolina A&T State University, he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
During his matriculation at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NCATSU), Matthew realized that schools are not only books and grades, but it is more so an opportunity to learn and develop oneself. The success of his academic life comes from the fact that he is the younger of three boys and the first as well as the only one to graduate from the college level. The success he achieved in his extra-curricular activities has been some of the most rewarding successes of his life. Matthew’s college career was filled with many life lessons, most of which he encountered through his years in organizations and activities. He gained insight from all of his experiences as a leader in activities such as: the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Student Government Association(SGA) as Vice President of Internal Affairs, Student Senate Speaker Pro-tempt and Emeritus of the 35th& 36th Legislative Assembly, North Carolina State Association of Student Governments (Delegate), Knights of Pythagoras (Director), Boy Scouts of America Scout Master Troop 29, Council of Presidents (President), Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Chaplin), Air Force ROTC (Public Affairs Officer), Student Fees & Allocation Committee (NCA&T SU) Student Government Elections Committee (Vice Chair), and as a member of the North Carolina A&T SU Student Fee Allocation Committee. Soon after attaining this degree, Matthew began working in the Behavioral Health Field as a Mental Health Counselor for Newport News Behavioral Health Center a sub-company of Universal Health Services.
As a counselor, Matthew cultivated the minds of the youth by facilitating daily activities and mentoring. Matthew was then promoted to Unit Manager. In this capacity, he supervised the unit staff and residents. He correspondingly assumed 24hr responsibility for resident safety. He also participated in the development and implementation of new policies, and procedures based on identified needs of the facility and served as a member of the Staff Council Committee. Matthew oversaw resident care to promote the highest level of physical, mental and psychosocial functioning possible. Matthew was additionally responsible for the leadership of a care team in the facility of up to 108 residents and 60 staff. As a member of the staff, Matthew served on committees geared toward improving staff satisfaction and the overall outlook of the facility.
Matthew became Program Manager of the HUF Center in Newport News in 2010, after joining the HUF Center staff as a Social Worker. In the capacity of Social Worker, Matthew was editor of the HUFCentric client newsletter, ran the Technology Special Interest Group and managed the HUF Center of Newport News Education & Resource Center. During his time as a social worker, Matthew focused on inspiring clients to participate in group in creative ways that made them feel comfortable.
Matthew focuses on teambuilding and empowering staff through effective leadership and creating new venues for communication. In his capacity, Matthew works to continuously develop programs that engage the HUF family participants. As Program Manager, Matthew challenges the staff to not only meet but to exceed the goals set by themselves and the company. The combination of his experiences and his future plans for the HUF Center make for a promising opportunity for growth and development.
Matthew is determined to uphold the legacy of leadership left for him and aims to improve the success of the Hope Unity Freedom Center through dedication to the needs of the clients. With the focus being on the clients’ objectives for personal satisfaction and growth, Matthew knows that the HUF Center will reach its goals as well.