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Organizations

Across various dioceses, dedicated organizations are making significant strides in fostering inclusive educational environments for students with disabilities. These groups, driven by a profound commitment to accessibility and equity, actively support and develop specialized programming tailored to meet the diverse needs of these learners.

Their efforts span a wide spectrum, from advocating for individualized support services to implementing innovative teaching strategies that promote full participation in Catholic education.

These organizations serve as beacons of hope and models of best practice, demonstrating the transformative power of inclusive education. They often collaborate with diocesan leadership, school administrators, and educators to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as their peers. Their programming might include specialized academic support, social skills development, and vocational training, all grounded in the values of faith and community.

Organization Location Executive/President Contact Email
Fire Foundation Kansas City, Missouri Lynn Hire Lynn Hire lynn@firefoundation.org 
One Classroom St. Louis Anthony and LeeAnn Armitage Colleen Mooney anthonyarmitage@one-classroom.com 
Rising Together Alliance Philadelphia   Susan Schuller/Vicki Szostek smschuller@hotmail.com 
National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion California Beth Foraker   catholicfullinclusion@gmail.com 
Porto Charities Diocese of Arlington Leo Alonso Carmen Chiappetta carmen.chiappetta@portocharities.org 
Catholic Coalition for Special Education Archdiocese of Washington Francesca Pellegino Francesca Pellegino francesca@ccse-maryland.org 
Program for Inclusive Education University of Notre Dame Christi Bonfiglio Christi Bonfiglio cbonfiglio@nd.edu 
Catholic Inclusion Arlington, Virginia Mary Desmarais Mary Desmarais mary@catholicinclusion.com 
St. Margaret of Castello Fund Detroit Paul Mersino Paul Mersino mersino@butzel.com 
Embrace Kansas City, Kansas Kim Hammers   info@embraceks.org 
Shepherd Them All Austin Jennifer Kirsch Jennifer Kirsch jenandpaul.kirsch@gmail.com 
Fire Foundation Denver Denver Kyle Van Frank   kyle@firefoundationdenver.org 
Fire Foundation Northeast Iowa Raymond, Iowa Bruce Schmitz   info@firefoundationneiowa.org 
Fire Foundation New Hampshire Manchester, New Hampshire Christine Duffley (Founder)   firefoundationofnewhampshire@gmail.com 
Fire Foundation Dallas Dallas Carrie Ro (Founder)   carrie@firefoundationdallas.org 
Fire Foundation Northwest Iowa Sioux City, Iowa Ryan Allen   ignite@firefoundationnwiowa.org 
Fire Foundation Central Illinois Normal, Illinois Renée Percell   info@firefoundationcil.org 
Fire Foundation Milwaukee Milwaukee Katie Kasper   katiekasper@firemke.org 
Fire Foundation Northern Kentucky Lakeside Park, Kentucky Missy Hail   info@firefoundationnky.org 
Hand in Hand Options Nashville   Kathryn Sipos kathryn.sipos@dioceseofnashville.com and studentsupport@dioceseofnashville.com