By: Maria Williams
As the owner of the House of Oliver, Matthew Oliver had already established a legacy of giving back to his community. Alongside his wife Siobhan Oliver, he wanted to make an even more profound difference in the life of another. It all began when the husband and wife decided to adopt their eldest son, Auston Oliver. Together, they began a story of community service, family, and redemption to continue their greater mission of giving back.
Auston’s Life Before Adoption
Matthew adopted Auston when he was already a teenager, at a time when his birth father realized that the life he was leading would not be good for his son, potentially encouraging him down a dark path. Trusting that Matthew would take care of his child, Auston became a part of a new family. Until that point, he didn’t have a bed of his own, lived out of a suitcase, and stopped attending school after the 6th grade. When Auston entered Matthew and Siobhan’s life, they already had three little children, but they instantly fell in love with Auston and his heart.
A Family History of Community Support
For more than 20 years, Matthew and Siobhan have operated a teen center in Orangevale, California. They have always cared deeply for the region and its community, and Club Retro is one of their impactful contributions. Matthew envisioned a place where teens could get tutored, be celebrated, and have a safe place to participate in their community. Matthew fell in love with helping his community, devoting time and energy to see others succeed. Their passion for youth outreach extends to local inner-city children through the House of Oliver and the creation of four additional Club Retro locations across the state.
A Campaign for City Council
Now, Matthew embarks on a campaign to become a part of the Rocklin City Council, aiming to continue his mission of selflessly serving the community. In this position, he believes that he can more directly make a difference in the lives of those who look to him for leadership. He aims to lead with his family’s core values in mind, the same ideals that create community spaces and invite new members into a shared community.
Painkiller’s Pub & Grub
Despite cultural barriers and educational gaps, Auston himself has also found success as a part of the wider community. He sees his achievements as proof of the power of family support and perseverance, and the restaurant he opened continues the family legacy. Painkiller’s Pub & Grub serves the community in the same way as the House of Oliver, giving back to the people through quality food and enjoyable experiences.
Continuing to Build Community
Matthew is proud of his son’s success in his community, an extension of his vision to make Rocklin a better place for everyone. As he seeks a position on the Rocklin City Council, he aims to continue his wider legacy of giving back through his family and business ventures. He has never been one to wait for someone else to step up and do what is right, recognizing that he can be the one to make a difference here and now.
Published by: Khy Talara
