Porto Charities in the News

Schools Welcoming Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Students with intellectual disabilities are part of the student body thanks to the tireless efforts of parents, teachers, aides and administrators working together to overcome barriers. Last year, 14 elementary and all four diocesan high schools had students with intellectual disabilities enrolled.

Groups host disability inclusive Valentine celebrations

Love was in the air as Porto Charities teamed up with two local American Heritage Girls troops to host disability inclusive, Valentine’s Day-themed celebrations Feb. 10-11.

From inclusion to belonging, a conference on ministry to those with intellectual disabilities

Nancy Emanuel was teaching a catechetics class to children with intellectual disabilities. She practiced the Sign of the Cross with them and receiving Communion with unconsecrated...

St. Mary of Sorrows Preschool celebrates 25 years

Elena Quartuccio taught at three different Protestant preschools before she learned that her parish, St. Mary of Sorrows in Fairfax, wanted to open its own. In June 1997, after...

Inclusive employment at Catholic schools

If Zach Fowler’s coworkers were to give the instructional assistant a grade, he’d likely get an A. “He’s our shining light,” said Elizabeth Kappes, school nurse at St. Leo the Great School...

Diocesan conference looks at welcoming students with intellectual disabilities

Students with intellectual disabilities need more than to be included in Catholic schools — they need to feel they are welcomed, wanted and truly belong, said Beth Foraker, a...

The sacraments and people with disabilities

St. Augustine said, “the sacraments are visible signs of an invisible reality.” The church, the body of Christ, is a living reality encompassing a variety of people, including children and...

Annual Mass for Disabilities

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the annual Mass for People with Disabilities at Holy Spirit Church in Annandale Sept. 26.

Press Release: Porto Charities Announces 2021 Grant Recipients

Porto Charities, Inc. has provided grants of over $75,000 to ten Catholic Schools and the Diocese of Arlington to support inclusive education efforts. Schools submitted applications in March of 2021 and were chosen for their commitment to inclusive Catholic education for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Porto Charities Names First Executive Director

Porto Charities recently appointed its first executive director, Lawrence M. Rzepka, a development and fundraising veteran with 35 years of experience and deep roots to Catholic schools. Mr. Rzepka has been part of the non-profit sector for more than three decades specializing in nonprofit management

Granting Employment

School officials recently gathered at St. Veronica School in Chantilly to receive a check representing a grant that will pay for the part-time employment of an intellectually disabled teacher assistant.

Mission accomplished for special needs

A mission has been accomplished — all four diocesan high schools have a program allowing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to receive a Catholic education. 

Porto Charities wins NCEA Seton Award

The National Catholic Educational Association awarded Porto Charities the Seton Award as part of its annual gala at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington Oct. 1. Porto Charities

Helping others is all that matters

Leo Alonso, known as “Coach Leo,” has led his teams to victory many times in the 28 years he’s been involved in Special Olympics in Northern Virginia. Many gold and silver medals