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ALL of God’s children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential
Mission
Porto Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that builds a culture of belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by increasing their educational, employment, and community engagement opportunities in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
Our
Vision
All individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Catholic Diocese of
Arlington will be embraced, valued and included in the life of the Church and in their
communities.
Since our inception, Porto Charities has provided $1,500,000 in grants to more than 40% of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Arlington and the Office of Catholic Schools.
These grants have led to the creation and expansion of special needs programs in all four Catholic high schools and more than fifteen elementary schools.
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In addition, we have been blessed to have been able to advocate and help 20 of our young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities find real and meaningful employment in schools and parishes within the Diocese through our unique employment initiative called PortoWorks.
We are God’s beloved children. This reality is at the heart of the work of Porto Charities. We reaffirm the dignity that belongs to all persons as children of God. We extend compassion and assistance to those who need us the most, including our brothers and sisters with physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities. We seek to provide education and employment for all. In other words, in carrying out its mission, Porto Charities proclaims that all of God’s children without exception are to be loved, treasured, and embraced.
Bishop Michael Burbidge
