Our Family History
Addiction is a 'Family' Disease
In October 2015, Peggie and Paul Shevlin set up a public charity to assist individuals seeking recovery. With 3 of their 7 children afflicted with addiction - they knew personally addiction's devastating effect on the whole family.
Grateful for their own children's recovery, they felt called to specifically serve needy persons transitioning from treatment to recovery housing. Promoting hope in this particularly vulnerable population was their goal.
Today, over 2000 have been helped by the Shevlin Family Foundation. Hundreds of individuals have become recipients of housing scholarships. Many more have received help with food insecurity, clothing needs, transportation issues, legal advocacy. The Foundation also houses five Delaware County men seeking long term recovery in our home and offices in Chester, PA. They are now part of our extended family!
Like any disease, addiction affects the whole family...but recovery & healing is possible!
Our Founders
Peggie and Paul Shevlin
After being faced with addiction in their own family, Peggie and Paul Shevlin wanted to make a difference! Knowing firsthand the devastation addiction causes they and decided to pay it forward and help those who cannot help themselves YET! Stepping in TO BE FAMILY for those struggling is our mission! Providing practical help for those just being discharged from treatment has become the foundation's main priority under their direction - especially for Delaware County residents. Paul Shevlin sits on the Board of Directors.
Christine Rizzo - Executive Director, Chairman of the Board
Christine has served on the Board of Directors since inception in 2015. In 2018, she stepped into the Executive Director role after careers in education, consulting and non-profit administration. Uniquely qualified to walk with family members of those struggling with addiction AND building peer support services for those in early reco
Christine has served on the Board of Directors since inception in 2015. In 2018, she stepped into the Executive Director role after careers in education, consulting and non-profit administration. Uniquely qualified to walk with family members of those struggling with addiction AND building peer support services for those in early recovery has been her greatest accomplishment, but she is most proud of her title 'mom' to three adult children.
Ryan Shevlin - Board Member
Guy Matthews, JD - Board Member
Guy Matthews, JD - Board Member
Ryan P. Shevlin is a financial management professional and is actively engaged in his long-term recovery. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business & Economics from Lehigh University. Ryan worked for Eaton Aerospace as a contracts administrator and sales engineer for close to a decade. He then began to work for a long term recovery program, beginning in admissions and eventually managing the personal finances of all the clients. Prior to relocating to the Philadelphia area in 2021, Ryan was the Operations Manager of a Connecticut company. Ryan resides with his wife Ana and their new baby daughter in Chester County and works for a financial management company.
Guy Matthews, JD - Board Member
Guy Matthews, JD - Board Member
Guy Matthews, JD - Board Member
Guy F. Matthews, Esq. joined the Media Pennsylvania Law firm of Eckell, Sparks in 1989. He received his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Business Administration from Widener University. He earned his Law Degree in 1979 from Temple University School of Law and a LLM in Taxation from Villanova University. Additionally, he has received the CLU and Chartered Financial Consultant designation from the American College. Guy's practice concentrates in the representation and counseling of individual and corporate clients in business, estate, and financial planning matters. His unique leadership and expertise has helped the Foundation grow since inception to better serve individuals and families affected by addiction.