Introducing Common Ground Teens
Friends who get it.
A private online community for teens ages 13 to 17 whose lives have been impacted by chronic pain, hosted by Matt Endres.
Video coming soon: Matt talking about why he’s building this
Video coming soon: Matt talking about his journey
Who is Matt Endres?
I’m 25, and I lived with chronic pain all through my teen years. Before the pain, my favorite things in the world were playing ping pong and golfing. Then suddenly I was spending most of my time at home on home hospital, missing school, missing friends, and feeling like nobody understood what my life was like. Gaming became one of the few ways I could still connect with friends, but even that was hard. Toxic players, getting kicked from games when I had to leave because of a flare, and knowing my friends were hanging out without me.
Online connection ended up changing my life though. I met my girlfriend, Grace, through a gaming community. During COVID we were both in online college and spent a year getting to know each other, and eventually I moved to Washington to be with her. The only downside of leaving Southern California? Way fewer months of golf. But I love Washington because of the gorgeous view of trees and nature, the abundance of coffee shops, and of course my loving partner Grace.
At Washington State University, I started rebuilding the life pain had taken from me. I founded the WSU ping pong club, getting back to the game I loved. I worked in the admissions office running events for high schoolers checking out WSU, and I loved helping students figure out their next step. I completed two internships at a top-ten accounting firm, then I earned my business degree, and graduated in December 2025. My plan was a master’s in accounting and becoming a CPA.
I was volunteering and helping to build an online community for a nonprofit. As I worked on it, I kept thinking: this is what I needed when I was 15. A place where I didn’t have to explain myself. Where leaving a game because of a flare wasn’t a big deal. Where I could just hang out with people who got it.
So I’m building it. Common Ground Teens is the place I wish I’d had, and I’ll be here running events, hosting hangouts, and making sure it stays fun and a supportive atmosphere for you.
“I would have given anything for him to have a place where other kids just got it.”
Video coming soon: Dr. Jill talking about her journey
What You’ll Find at Common Ground
Spaces for what you love: gaming, TV shows, music, art, and more, plus a place to share your experiences with teens who understand your pain.
Live events: in the Common Ground Teens app and our private, members-only Discord. Matt, an experienced gamer, hosts private game sessions in League, Minecraft, and more, chosen by the community. No toxic players, and no judgment if you have to leave mid-game. Someone’s always ready to jump in. There are also craft livestreams, book club, movie night watch parties, at your pace movement livestreams and guest speakers.
The best part? The friendships. You’ll connect with teens like you through group chats, fun polls, games, challenges, and live hangouts, where you can talk with people who understand without having to explain anything.
A Private Community
I built Common Ground Teens, an online community, so teens have a private, supportive space to belong to instead of on public social media apps.
- Invitation only. Nobody can find or join Common Ground Teens without being personally accepted by Matt, after a conversation with the parent and teen.
- Privacy built in. Members use their first name and last initial only, with a photo or an avatar, whatever feels comfortable. Profiles and posts are never visible outside the community.
- No ads, no algorithms. Nothing is pushing content at your teen or selling their attention.
- Watched over by real people. Matt runs and moderates the community and the conversations that happen in group spaces.
- A private, members-only community for gaming, live events, connecting with friends who get it and more, monitored by Matt.
Become a Founding Member
Who it’s for: Teens ages 13 to 17 in the United States living with chronic pain.
We’re looking for 25 founding members to help launch Common Ground Teens. Be part of something that will make a real difference in the lives of teens just like you.
- Help build it. Share your ideas for events, spaces, and activities you’d love to see.
- Your voice matters. Your experience and what would support you will shape a community made by teens with chronic pain, for teens with chronic pain.
- Be one of the first 25 to join and help set the tone for everyone who comes after.
- Lock in your price. Founding members keep their membership rate for as long as they stay members.
Membership
$48/monthor$480/year(two months free)
Scholarships are available for families who need them. Just ask during your call.
Fill out the interest form