Never Give up Foundation

2011-11-15T09:56:00.002-07:00

FAILURE?

You come to wonder is failure really a bad thing in life? For myself growing up with a learning disability I found out very quickly that failure was just a part of life. My disability was something that helped me understand that at a young age. All my imperfections and insecurities came true, but they were never as bad as I feared they would be. As I grew up and became older I found out quickly that there was nothing else to hide when it came to the social norms of education and that it was up to me to show persistence to get things done. I constantly struggled in school and in my personal life. My struggles are with a moderate processing disorder and attention deficit. Basically this means I have difficulties seeing written words, decoding them, and connecting them to their meaning. My attention deficit makes it difficult for me to focus on reading and decoding. Even now at this moment I struggle with these things constantly and it's like having an elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about. I've learned to befriend my elephant and named him George. He's not going away but I can choose how to feel about him. I know that as I gain confidence in myself that learning to ask for help is not a sign of weakness. I look around me and I know I am blessed to live in such a talented world. I know I don't always have to do everything, I just need to inspire others to help them understand their potential. If your elephants start to get you down and you are working against yourself, always remember to never give up. Failure is a matter of learning what does not work so when you pick yourself up and try again success is closer. Look for what is right within you. What are your strengths and talents? Take the "dis"out of the disability and embrace your elephant for who he (or she) is!

Life Coach Matt

From: Life coach Matt

2011-10-21T20:45:00.005-06:00

Hello everyone, I hope you are all living your Never Give Up story's. I wanted to update you on what's going on with my Never Give Up story and the foundation. I'm been in Las Vegas setting up home bases for the foundation. We are getting ready to take it to the next level:) I'm so happy that we are working hard to bring more and more. We also have the Never Give Up Radio Show(www.nevergiveupfoundation.org) on live in Las Vegas on 1230am. We are hitting the road once again. My goal this year is to up date up more. Here is are first stops.
Take care and always remember to Never Give Up:)

Matthew l. Cox /Life coach

California Sacramento
November 3-4, 2011

California League of Schools K-12 Annual Conference South
December 1-3, 2011, San Diego, CA

Rediscovering Superman
Matthew Cox, Never Give Up Foundation
Do you remember being a little kid and wanting to grow up to be a superhero? How many adults retain that belief in themselves? Life has a way of beating the superhero out of you...especially when you are faced with the challenges of having a learning disability. Matthew Cox will share his story of growing up with a learning disability and how, by reconnnecting with his inner superhero, he graduated college with an advanced degree. Administrators, teachers and parents need to hear this inspiring story. Grade Level: K-12

Thank you to Oklahoma City

2010-12-07T12:34:00.001-07:00

Dr. Kelly King and I would like to thank you for attending my presentation yesterday. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to meet all of you and I thank you for listening to my story.

As I mentioned yesterday it was finding my purpose that helped get me through the tough times in life. "George," the elephant that sits in the corner of my life, will always be with me and as I said yesterday George is now my friend. My disability is a challenge but it has helped make me the man that I am today.I truly believe that I was meant to grow up with a learning disability, feel the bumps and pains that a disability brings with it, and ride the roller coaster of highs and lows in my life. I was meant to face these challenges and come out the other side successfully so that I can help inspire others who might be walking in my shoes.

The Never Give Up Foundation is dedicated to address the emotional needs of students and their parents as they learn to:
• embrace their disability,
• recognize their strengths, and
• accept their educational needs so that they may advocate for their future.
The Never Give Up Foundation also works with educators and businesses so that they understand the many gifts that students and employees with learning disabilities have to share. The Foundation’s mission is to bridge the gap between children with learning disabilities, their parents, and the schools by showing them how to let go of their fears and the stigma associated with learning disabilities so that they have hope for the future. This is accomplished by working closely with students, parents, educators, businesses, and the community.

Talking to all of you yesterday is yet another confirmation that the work we do with the Never Give Up Foundation is important. I have felt so welcomed here in Oklahoma and it is my wish to return to your wonderful State soon and often. If you would like to have me work with your school teachers and staff, your students, and/or your families please email me and Dr. King and I will work with you to make it happen. If you would like Dr. King to work with your teacher and staff or your families we can make that happen as well.

I've attached an informational flyer regarding the services that the Never Give Up Foundation provides to schools, students, and families. I truly hope that our paths cross in the future and I applaud each and every one of you for the incredible work you do with students who have special needs. Remember, never give up on them and teach them to dream, because it through the act of dreaming that they will discover their sense of purpose.

Please contact me to share your stories, ask questions, and if you would like to have me come back out to Oklahoma! I look forward to hearing from you in the future.

Thank you

2010-12-07T12:19:00.001-07:00

Listen to The Never Give Up Show with Matthew Cox today 4:00-5:00pm PST at www.klav1230am.com Click on "Listen Live!" to tune into the show online! Matt will be interviewing one of his "idols," Dr. John Lewis Lund, the author of How to Hug a Porcupine and How to Hug a Teenage Porcupine! Dr. Lund has also produced a series of workshops available on dvd on Bringing Love Home which discusses how to be a content communicator in the home and many other important concepts to strengthen your relationships with your spouse or significant other, your children, and anyone with whom you interact!

Coming up next week on The Never Give Up Show with Matthew Cox the guest speaker will be Jay Fitter, author of Respect Your Children.

2009-07-14T00:43:00.006-06:00

Hi everybody, it's been awhile since we posted. We are still here and working hard! We just wanted to update you on what's going on with the foundation. Dr. King and I have been working diligently putting together our first book to help all of us continue on our journey. We're very excited but also nervous hoping that we can gather the information and deliver it to you soon. We hope that you all will take part in this project with us and help share your stories. We hope this book will give you hope and remind all of us to never give up on our dreams. I'm excited to write the book along with Dr. King. Our goal is to help bridge the gap between education and the parents of special needs children. We will be posting, hopefully weekly, on our progress so that you all can take part in it and help us. If you have any questions or needs let us know. This book is for you as parents. I will be telling my story growing up as an LD child and all the hardships I faced and still face personally. I will also share what my parents and family went through along with me and how they helped me. Dr. King will respond to each phase of my life with her thoughts and suggestions for how to work with the schools during that phase of your child's life. Please help us by posting on the blog. I'll also post podcasts regularly to update you on what's going on.

Matthew L. Cox

Thank You

2009-03-22T14:32:00.002-06:00

Matt and I really want to thank the parents who participated in the March 21st workshop in Glendale, California. Your energy was so incredible and the overall experience was truly special. We hope that the bonds you began to forge with each other grow stronger and that you continue to connect with your new friends. You are not alone and your children are truly blessed to have such caring and supportive parents. Thank you for the honor of working with you.
- Dr. Kelly King

2009-03-22T12:17:00.002-06:00

“Parenting for Children With Special Needs”

Participant Feedback

March 21, 2009

* Absolutely amazing presentation! I wish there was something like this 15 years ago! Best of luck to you in the future.

* We have been to many seminars and parent courses. This has been byfar one of the most informative and sensitive seminars we’ve been to. The mixture of special needs and communication aspects of parents are very much needed. Please educate other schools, specifically teachers, so they can be more compassionate towards children with learning disabilities.

* It helped to know we’re not alone. It helped us to be more conscious about how we parent. It reinforced what we’re doing right, and gave direction about what to try next.

* Wonderful presentation. Helped validate and reinforce lot of my learnings/experiences and taught me several new ones too. Parenting special needs kids is never easy, so these types of presentations are invaluable.

* The presentation was excellent. Matt was an excellent, empathetic, and sympathetic presenter. It was inspiring to listen to a successful person with a disability. He was funny, sweet, and down-to-earth. The GUSD needs more people with his qualities. My hearing-impaired 7th grade daughter is in a Catholic school. I urge the GUSD to better outreach to its local private schools to reach students with the local disabilities. Is this course offered to private schools???

* Thanks for the invitation. Very educational, uplifting and inspirational. Can you have some for the kids?

* Excellent, very helpful. I am a therapist and help people with their problems. But I lack some skills in dealing with my child who has special needs.

* I found this workshop very beneficial. My daughter is a preteen with ADHD and I found what Matt said about himself was very helpful. I also found the communication information instructive – not to criticize so much and to step back when she needs it. P.S. My daughter goes to Toll and wants to go to Glendale High for cosmetology. But could you come and talk to Toll Resource kids? I thin it would be great for the kids there.

* I felt that the children with special needs at Edison Elementary School are fortunate because Dr. King is involved in this. Is Dr. King talking to the teachers in La Crescenta about this Foundation?

* Questions: Autism and more about special needs.

* Very helpful in understanding my feelings and communication towards my children and family.

* Great workshop. Should also have this for teachers and parents with “normal but difficult” children. It would have been of great benefit to know how to determine what type of communicator I am and my children are.

* I really enjoyed the presentation. Very informative, resourceful. It will help me on communication over all. It gave me a better understanding of my son’s learning disability and move on from fear to hope.

* It was very helpful. Excellent presentation.

* Communication strategies will be very helpful. I’ve not really thought about it this way before. Very positive information. We are blessed to have these children in our lives. Good luck with your work and I’ll follow up with the website and look forward to future presentations.

* It is very important to hear other people’s stories. Getting together in a group allows us to gain perspectives that would take months or years in the course of everyday life. Parents like us are not overwhelmed with free time. This type of thing does help.

* Need more specific tactics to stop making assumptions, stop dropping hints, stop criticizing. But in general, Matt is very open, likable, and treats people with much kindness.

* This is a wonderful, inspiring workshop for parents to network and learn together. There are many families out there that need help – no matter how much or how little. This is a great way to start and to find other ways of assistance. Thanks again.

* Thank you for having this kind of meeting. It helps us have a better relationship with our children and understand their disability. Hope to have another meeting soon.

* Great talk. I get a lot from it. Didn’t expect it to bring so many emotions.

* Very helpful. We should do this with kids too. Thank you very much.

* I am a single parent of two boys, a 16 year old and 13 year old. This presentation was extremely beneficial for me for both boys. My younger one is the child with a learning disability but I feel any parent would benefit from the tools of communication.

The Foundation's trip to San Diego

2008-11-26T22:00:00.011-07:00

Dr. Kelly King and Matthew L. Cox/ Co-Founders of the Never Give Up Foundation on the USS Midway.

On the USS Midway.

Picture of the USS Midway.

Dr. Kelly King/Co-Founder of the Never Give Up Foundation

I like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to everyone who visits our Never Give Up Foundation blog. My name is Dr. Kelly King and I am currently an elementary school principal in the Glendale Unified School District. I am so incredibly proud of the work that Matt and I have done with children with learning disabilities and their parents. It has been very rewarding to see the hope come alive in their eyes as they reclaim their dreams for the future. This is why Matt and I began this Foundation and it is for this reason that we are committed to bringing this message of hope and dreams to more children, more parents, more schools, in more states. We’ve had the opportunity to work in Glendale and La Crescenta, California. Next month we begin our work in Utah. 2008 has been full of surprises and I can hardly wait to see what 2009 brings for the Foundation.

Recently Matt and I had the privilege of presenting at the annual Leadership Conference for the Association of California School Administrators in San Diego, California. This conference gave us the opportunity to network with hundreds of school administrators from around the State of California. We were able to share some of the core concepts that Matt teaches in our parent workshops and explain how the work we’ve done has had a positive impact on my elementary school. We met some incredibly dedicated administrators and are hoping to schedule workshops in Palm Springs (my home town), Orange County, San Diego County, and Northern California. What was most rewarding were the administrators who are parents of children with learning disabilities and how receptive they were of the Foundation and our message to “Never Give Up!”

I know that I’m biased because I’ve had many opportunities to watch Matt in action with students, parents, and educators – but he did a terrific job with the administrators who attended our conference session. Matt has the ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level and without exception those students, parents, and educators walk away from the sessions comforted, refreshed, validated, and inspired.

What’s next on the Foundation’s travel itinerary? We are off to a December parent workshop in Washington, Utah and then another large conference in Monterey, California again for the Association of California School Administrators at their annual Special Education Symposium in January. Only 48 more states before we reach our goal of taking the Never Give Up message to every state in this incredible country! Word is spreading, connections are being made, and most importantly – lives are being touched and changed. Thank you for your support. This is really a word-of-mouth endeavor so please share this blog with everyone! We are actively seeking opportunities to present educator and parent workshops, work with students in roundtables, and do keynote speaking.

Up Coming Event

2008-11-22T19:24:00.001-07:00

Never Give Up Foundation
1921 North Artesia Dr., St. George, UT 84770
9588 Sunland Place, Shadow Hills, CA 91040
(435) 215-8458
(818) 679-8069

Dear Parents,

We are having a very special parenting meeting “Parenting for Children with Special Needs.” Matt Cox from the Never Give Up Foundation will be speaking to you about how best to support your child with special learning needs. Matt Cox was in the Resource Program in elementary, middle and high school and has a learning disability. While learning was not easy for him and school was a challenge, he is a college graduate, currently working on his Masters degree and has an amazing story to share with you. He will review some of the concepts he presented in June and present new material.

This parent meeting will be held in the gymnasium of Washington Elementary, Saturday, December 13th, from 9:30am-2:30pm. Washington Elementary School is located at 300 North 300 East, Washington, Utah. Space is limited to 50 participants. There is no cost to parents but the Foundation is asking for donations to help offset the costs of presenting this workshop.

If you would like to reserve seats at the Parenting Workshop you may do so by:
Emailing the Foundation at nevergiveupfoundation@gmail.com; or
Calling Matthew L. Cox at (435) 215-8458.
Turning in the attached slip to Washington Elementary.

Please indicate the number of seats you would like to reserve and the name(s) of the participants. Again, space is limited to 50 parents so it is important that you get your reservation in as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Matthew L. Cox and Dr. Kelly King
Co-Founders, Never Give Up Foundation

Please reserve your spaces as soon as possible.
Spaces will be given in the order that these reservations are received.

“Parenting for Children with Special Needs”

YES! Please reserve me space(s) at the Saturday, December 13th
“Parenting for Children with Special Needs” parent meeting.

Parent’s Name:

Child’s Name:

Phone Number:

Child’s School:

Letters from my friends in room 18:)

2008-10-24T23:53:00.005-06:00

Here are some letters from my dear friends in room 18. Thank you so much for your words of kindness and hope. Keep moving forward and Remember in the great words of Winston Churchill, "never never never give up".

Life Coach Matt,

June 18, 2008

Dear Matthew Cox
Thank you for coming to Room 18 to talk to us about RSP. It was a little different when you were in it. One thing, that I really enjoyed hearing was you have the cool software, that all you do is put on a headset on your head and you talk into it and it types for you. I found that really cool. If I had that I wouldn't ever have to type again. I really appreciate that you came to Rome 18 and talked to us about how you grew up and you had a learning disability. I felt that I could do anything even if I am in RSP. I think that you are a successful man even though you have a learning disability. That's what I think of you. Thank you so much! I hope that you can come to our school when I'm in sixth grade.

Your friend, In Room 18

Dear Matthew Cox

I thank you for taking your time with us. I really liked your speech. It was just as important to me as Dr. Martin Luther King's speech! I really liked it. It was quite fun. I have trouble in reading and writing. I think that it is very cool to have the same disability as you! Thank you, again.

Love, Room 18

Dear Mr. Cox

Thank you for all the time you have put in for us and we appreciate all you say to us. Thank you for driving all the way for us. No we know what to do when someone makes fun of us. Thank you for all the hard work you have done for us.

Sincerely, Room 18

Dear Matthew Cox

Thank you for coming in our room in talking to us. That was the best speech I've ever heard. It was really cool about college. You really encouraged me to be more than a firefighter you helped me to want to serve my country.

Sincerely, Room 18

Dear Mr. Cox

Thank you for your speech. Thanks.

Love, Room 18

Dear Mr. Cox

Thank you for the speech. It was cool to learn about your life. I hope I can be just like you have a job a dog and a happy life! Thank you very much for telling us about yourself.
Your friend, in Room 18

Dear Matthew Cox

Thank you for telling us how you grew up when you were young. I like when you want we want to be when you grow up. I want to make cars. I hope you get this letter. I hope you right back. Have a good summer.

Sincerely, Room 18

Dear Mr. Cox

Thank you so much for the speech. I was inspiring to hear you talk about your disabilities. I especially like caring about the computer that types why you speak. Good luck getting your master's degree.

Your friend, in Room 18

Dear Mr. Cox

I so appreciated your Conversation, time, and encouragement you gave my students. The work you do for children in need who do not believe in themselves is phenomenal.

Thank you and bless you,
Room 18

My Trip to Los Angeles

2008-10-24T23:26:00.001-06:00

Hello everybody,

I felt inspired to write on the blog today to tell you a little about my trip. I just recently got back from Glendale which is the Los Angeles area. I was able to visit several schools and I wanted to write and share my feelings about my travels. This trip was very inspiring. I enjoyed meeting all the kids and young adults. I was very impressed by the teachers and what they do for these young kids.

If I can take a moment to talk to you about helping these young ones to never give up. As I went into classrooms and as I talked to parents I've learned that all it takes is bridging the gap between the parents and the teachers. Helping the kids understand what their abilities are and what their strengths are. Knowing that you can adapt to their situations and bringing out their strengths and highlighting them. I've seen so much going around to the schools. These teachers do such a great job in bringing out the hopes and dreams of these children. Thank you so much teachers. Thank you so much parents. Thank you for being willing to always sacrifice and do the things you can.

I was very touched by a lot of the personal stories I heard both from parents and
from teachers. I was touched by teachers that chose to teach because they personally
struggled with a learning disability. Their mission is to inspire and help those that struggle. There are so many untold stories of success, of not giving up, of moving forward through the struggles you may have in the world. Understand this as you continue to believe in your purpose, understand why you are doing
what you're doing, and know who you are and where you came from - you are setting the stage for success. We all come from different places, different experiences, and different circumstances. We might not have a great home life, we might not have support from home.we have to get that support from wonderful teachers and those
around us. It might be the opposite and you don't get the support you need outside of the home and you're always faced with teasing or tormenting even if you don't
have a learning disability. You want to be able to respond with strong self-esteem and confidence no matter what it might be that you struggle with. Remember not to give up on yourself.

I've been inspired with this trip. I appreciate the teachers who let me come into their classrooms. I appreciate the parents and also the kids. Visiting with the kids reminds me so much of me and I appreciate when they opened their hearts
and shared their stories with me.. They shared how it feels to struggle when it comes to learning. They shared that it's tough no matter what their disability may be physically or intellectually. The feelings are the same, the frustration and anxiety and tension are the same. The sense at times of not knowing why you feel the way you feel, of being frustrated with the worldaround you. They reminded me of why we started the Never Give Up Foundation. Our mission is to never have a kid feel that frustration or anxiety.

To all of these kids, their parents, and the teachers - keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing you all again. Thank you for the experience. I loved it and it helps me to keep moving forward and never give up. Remember who you are and what you stand for and where you're going. Always live your life with purpose. I love you
all. Thank you for sharing a moment of your life with me.

Parenting for Children with Special Needs October 11,2008

2008-10-24T11:05:00.003-06:00

Parenting for Children with Special Needs

October 11, 2008

I just want to thank you for all that you do for our children. I am leaving very satisfied with this meeting. It was my first time here and I have more to learn.
Thank you for your time. I learned a little more to be able to help my daughter and family. I would like to know more about autism.
I just wan to thank you for the great help that I received today. I feel more calm/at peace now because I know that I’ll be able to help my son to realize his dreams, but more than anything that he have confidence and a sense of security in himself.
The meeting helps the parents a lot how to understand our kids with learning disability. Thank you for having this kind of meeting it really helps us.
The presentation was great. Lots of information. Very informative. Thank you.
I just have to thank you for all the support.
I love coming to talk to Matt. This is my 4^th class. I think I really understand all about FEAR and the effect and how I need to change some of my ways and I always go hopeful after seeing Matt and Dr. King.
That was an outstanding presentation. I feel like I’m complete to work with my child. Thanks so much.
Thank you for your invitation. The meeting was very efficient and very informative. The presentations were very good. I hope these continue. Especially impressed by presenter, Matthew.
It was my first experience in that kind of meeting. It was really helpful and interesting.
Good. I loved it. I want to come again!

Jack Dancing with MOM!

2008-09-26T01:08:00.001-06:00

Robyn and Jack Dancing.

2008-09-26T01:03:00.001-06:00

Jack Dancing and having fun....:) Go Jack

Matthew Sean

2008-09-26T00:16:00.006-06:00

Matthew Sean and his Dad playing together.

Matthew Sean

2008-09-26T00:16:00.004-06:00

Matthew Sean
Playing for the Kids. Thank you so much Matthew Sean.

From the Never Give Up foundation, kids and parents.

Foundation Podcast

2008-09-18T18:14:00.001-06:00

Check out the foundation Podcast @ www.nevergiveup.mypodcast.com

Parents testimonials about the workshop:)

2008-09-10T02:07:00.000-06:00

Parenting for Children with Special Needs
June 16, 2008

Thank you. I learned that I am doing many things right, but still have years of work, love and hope ahead. Looking forward to the next one.

Great presentation! Thank you.

The fear/hope a new message which I hope will bring a lot of change (positive) for families. What if you have the love/hope going but spouse is caught up in fear/anxiety?

Great lecture and need more upcoming session to learn more for special needs children. I wish there is a cd selling this very educational lecture.

My son is this happy-go-lucky kind of kid, popular, goes to all IEPs, but is mostly concerned about getting on the computer while there. His “life” goal is to work with robots and race cars. I need help getting him focused on school work; getting organized, remembering assignments, remembering school tools.

Well presented, not enough time to cover the material. Will the next class be available to parents at Mountain Ave? I didn’t hear about this until Friday.

It was just great!

Nice presentation! Very therapeutic! Good ideas!

It was a really nice meeting, it help me a lot to understand my son disability. It gave me hope for my son education.

Fear vs. hope – always a powerful reminder, and one I’ve been doing a lot of work on. I really feel like I’ve made a shift, really attending and connecting with Jack – facing the fear of rejection and just loving him.

It was very helpful and I feel that I am not alone.

Parents testimonials about the WorkShop:)

2008-09-10T01:53:00.000-06:00

Parenting for Children with Special Needs
August 23, 2008

I learn a lot from this class. I hope you have another class soon.

Thank you for your wonderful presentation. Help me a lot about how to work with my feelings and my son’s feelings. I believe my dreams and my son’s dreams can be true.

Excellent presentation. I hope we can get you to present in San Marino.

Thank you. Benefitted from having my husband attend with me – hearing about his experience and the information about parent’s rights I did not know.

Great job Matt and Kelly. I really like the changes you’ve made, and how the famous people with disabilities were scattered throughout, rather than the closing. I’m still a fan!

More please! Thank you very much.

I feel my eyes have been opened more about embracing what my child’s needs are and how I can assist and understand more fully. Thank you! P.S. I especially enjoyed the parent collaboration component.

Great job! Good luck with the foundation.

It was right on. Thank you for bringing the children’s point of view into focus for those who do not naturally see it.