Matrix was formed in 1983 by three mothers around a kitchen table. Today Matrix empowers families of children with special needs to successfully understand and access the systems that serve them. Matrix is a: Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) designated by the U.S. Department of Education to provide training and information to parents of children with special needs from birth to 26. Family Empowerment Center through the California Department of Education, providing similar services as a PTI for children 3 - 22 who are historically underserved. Family Resource Center, part of the California Early Start network of services for parents of children birth to age 3.