I am Teresa Courtemanche, President of the Matt Garcia Foundation and the mother of Matt Garcia, who was shot and murdered. I also co-facilitate our Homicide Survivors Support Group (HSSG) alongside another courageous mother, Rita Edmonds-Norris, the mother of Chad Norris, who was also shot and murdered.
Our tagline captures the heart of our group:
“We are the group that nobody wants to belong to, but we are so grateful to have it.”
HSSG exists because the loss of a loved one to homicide is unlike any other. Rita and I lead from lived experience, creating a space of trust, understanding, and compassion for those navigating this complex and lifelong grief.
We are deeply grateful to Andy Ramirez, Vice President of the Matt Garcia Foundation, and his wife Katrina, for their generous $1,000 donation to HSSG.
Their support makes a meaningful difference and helps sustain our group as the only homicide survivors support group in Solano County with a licensed clinical social worker present each month.
The Ramirez family’s commitment to the Foundation spans many years. Andy’s steady leadership, Katrina’s generosity, and their daughter Isabella’s hands-on involvement—including helping with monthly PAL pizza deliveries—reflect a family devoted to service and community.
Thank you, Andy, Katrina, and Isabella, for standing with us and for supporting healing, hope, and connection for those who need it most.
Teresa Courtemanche
President
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