Stand Up. Be The ONE started with a vision Kenny and Nikki Matias had for their youngest son to be accepted and included regardless of his disability and difference. They have 2 sons and at the birth of their second son, Quinn, they were launched into a whirlwind adventure they hadn’t planned for. Quinn was born with a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, a chromosome disorder, later diagnosed with sever autism, and non verbal. Everyday life was a challenge and being accepted by the public and on lookers was very discouraging.
They soon found themselves becoming isolated from the public. “It just becomes easier to stay in and avoid peoples stares, looks, and comments” Nikki said. But isolation was not the answer and they knew they would be limiting their opportunities for themselves, their children, and others. Kenny and Nikki went forward to develop a support group through their church for families with special needs. The goal was to draw families out of isolation and provide them opportunities to educate others, themselves, and integrate into the community.
As the program grew and grant funding was secured to enable further support group growth, Stand Up. Be The ONE. was developed. “What better way to spread a message of acceptance, inclusion, and kindness then at the school level with our youth. They are our future, they teach our adult community, and they are the ones that ultimately will spur change” Nikki stated.
Stand Up. Be The ONE has since then been a catalyst for change in communities and schools, using youth as the center piece of cultural change. It is Nikki and Kenny’s sincere hope and prayer that schools, communities, and individuals will be transformed and challenged to be a leader, be a difference maker, be a positive role model, accept and Value others…in other words… Stand Up. BE THE ONE!