When Matt Pisani was named a 2020 Invest in Others Catalyst Award finalist the world and the work of nonprofit leaders everywhere was facing enormous uncertainty due to the pandemic. For Matt, founder of Clean Slate Living and currently a financial advisor with Lincoln Investment, the recognition came at a pivotal moment.
Almost six years later, that mission hasn’t slowed. In many ways, it has deepened.
What’s Been Happening
Since 2020, Matt and his family have relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, embracing both new beginnings and growing responsibilities. Personally, life has expanded in the best way possible: the Pisani family welcomed another child, becoming a family of five. Professionally, Matt continues to serve hundreds of financial planning clients nationwide while also helping fellow advisors transition into retirement, entrusted to manage their books of business and carry forward relationships built over decades.
But the heart of Matt’s story remains rooted in something bigger.
A Mission That Continues to Reach Thousands
As founder of Clean Slate Living, Matt has spent the years since his Catalyst Award finalist status doing what he does best: meeting people where they are and reminding them of their worth.
Since 2020, Clean Slate Living has reached thousands of individuals in person, from school assemblies to community outreach events across South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. The organization’s message, centered on self-worth, hope, and the belief that it’s never too late to start fresh, resonates across generations.
Two moments stand out for Matt. After a school assembly in Brentwood, New York, a student waited patiently just to say thank you, for reminding her that she is worthy. At another school, a student shared his gratitude for being reminded that he is seen. These simple but powerful words capture the heart of Clean Slate Living’s impact: breaking lies tied to depression, suicide, and self-doubt, and replacing them with truth.
Growth has also come through creativity. Matt and his wife co-authored a children’s rhyming book, Nala the Bulldog, opening new doors to encourage families and young readers nationwide. In Charleston, they launched “Joy Jam” community outreaches, free events in local parks featuring live music, food, and lawn games designed to bring neighbors together and build genuine connection.
Clean Slate Living’s digital presence has expanded as well, with multiple docuseries released on the organization’s YouTube channel, including “HOPE,” featuring World Wrestling legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts. The team is also creating new inspirational music for live presentations, building on songs recorded more than a decade ago that still spark joy, energy, and connection with young audiences today.
Whether through music, storytelling, or in-person engagement, Matt and his team continue to adapt their message to reach people in meaningful ways.
The Lasting Impact of Invest in Others
Looking back, Matt credits Invest in Others with helping Clean Slate Living stay alive during a critical time. The grant provided to Clean Slate Living through Matt’s finalist status support provided stability and momentum, allowing the organization to continue delivering its mission amid the challenges of the pandemic.
Beyond the financial support, the recognition itself made a lasting difference. It helped establish credibility within Matt’s professional community at Lincoln Investment, opening doors to new conversations and opportunities. In 2024, Matt was invited to share Clean Slate Living’s mission at Lincoln’s Wealth Management Forum, where he spoke vulnerably with fellow advisors about mental health, addiction, and the importance of community engagement.
“It was a powerful time of being vulnerable and inspiring others,” Matt shared. He hopes to continue those conversations at additional broker-dealer forums, equipping advisors with strategies to better support clients facing mental health challenges and encouraging them to bring Clean Slate Living into their local schools and communities.
See What Students Have to Say
Challenges, Growth, and Looking Ahead
Like many nonprofits, Clean Slate Living continues to face challenges, particularly in gaining access to schools and building the right volunteer and board leadership. Matt and his team have refined their internal structure and remain committed to strengthening their board as the organization grows.
Looking ahead, the vision is clear.
Over the next two to five years, Clean Slate Living aims to:
- Expand media content, including animated children’s videos focused on self-worth and character development
- Increase school assembly programming nationwide, including planned outreach in Boston
- Engage more financial advisors to serve alongside them by hosting programs in their own communities and at corporate conferences
Funding and marketing remain ongoing needs, especially as the organization balances paid school programs with its desire to remain generous, providing giveaways and merchandise that students love and remember.
Why the Work Continues
What motivates Matt most is simple: the response.
“There’s not one session or school assembly where a teacher doesn’t tell us they needed to hear the message too,” he shared. From educators and parents to students and community members, the feedback continues to affirm the mission’s relevance and necessity.
Matt and his wife carry a deep burden for young people and families, with a vision of freedom from addiction and mental health oppression. “The journey is far from over,” he said. “We have a lot more work to do.”
His advice to fellow nonprofit founders and youth empowerment advocates reflects that same heart: focus less on logistics and more on relationships. Lead with love. Plant seeds. Trust that even reaching one person can change the trajectory of a life, and, eventually, generations.
For Matt Pisani and Clean Slate Living, the message remains as true today as it was in 2020: everyone deserves a clean slate, and the chance to rewrite tomorrow.
