Lighting the FIRE Maura Nulton and Mary Anne
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Lighting the FIRE Maura Nulton and Mary Anne Hammond FIRE Founders
How our story began…. . • We both had children with special needs – a little about Charlie, a little about Kailey…. . • We had support from professionals that dealt with our kids • We had a desire to send our children to Catholic school • We felt it was in line with our Catholic faith – we felt it was our charge • We had several other passionate parents that came alongside An education in the fullness of humanity should be the defining feature of Catholic schools. An inclusive education finds a place for all and does not select in an elitist way the beneficiaries of its efforts. (Pope Francis)
SEE WHERE IT IS BEING DONE AROUND YOU AND GO THERE! • We travelled to different places within a “road trip range” and saw how it was being done (St. Louis, MO and Wichita, KS) • This helped us decide how we wanted it done, and in some instances what our preferences were • It helped us realize the importance of the buy-in of the leadership of the school. The people in charge have to be passionate as well because obstacles will come. • Perhaps we are one of your places!
BE BOLD AND RESPECTFUL • Express your message with confidence, compassion and respect • Memorize some bible verses/sayings that support your vision I tell you the truth, whenever you did this for the least of these, you did It for me. (Matthew 25: 40) If any member is prevented from active participation, the church community is incomplete. (USCCB) Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest, if you do not give up. (Galatians 6: 9) Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed (Proverbs 15: 22)
TELL YOUR STORY EVERYWHERE • At Church • At School • At Sporting Events • At the Grocery Store • To your Family Members
HAVE A CONSISTENT STORY, MISSION, MESSAGE…. AND PRACTICE TELLING IT • Be able to articulate your story, and make sure if many are telling it, they give the same consistent message • Get help telling your story – a video, well-done social media, a business card with your mission/vision • Have some professional help you in defining that mission/vision – preferably an in-kind donation • Our Mission is to provide children with special needs the opportunity for an inclusive Catholic education in their home parish school.
WRITE LOTS OF THANK YOU NOTES • Thank people/donors/supporters better than anyone else. It takes time and effort and makes a big impact. • Get good stationery with your logo/mission/vision/ return address for donations • In the community, even for those donors that helped us start in the beginning, we still acknowledge them and thank them.
HAVE A GOOD LOGO, WEAR IT, ADVERTISE IT • FIRE FOUNDATION T-Shirts • FIRE FOUNDATION Cups, Coffee Mugs, Christmas Ornaments, Candles, (YOU GET THE PICTURE )
WRITE WELL, OR FIND SOMEONE THAT DOES • Clear, concise communication with correct grammar is so important • Check, re-check before sending something out. Be sure at least 2 -3 people that are good at proofing look at whatever is going out. • Nothing is better than a hand-written note – “thank better” than any organization you know! • Spell check is your friend! • Communicate with numbers! 90 students with significant special needs / 619 students benefit from the support they receive from special educators and para professionals/4, 902 Students at FIRE Partner schools are enriched by the blessings of inclusive learning.
HIGHLIGHTS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS • From a meeting in a family living room to a Foundation that has provided 4 million dollars to Catholic Schools in the Diocese of KC/St. Joseph • Our first event -- a humble and fun start, I think $35 per ticket to our current events that are $100+ per ticket and they SELL OUT. • Our children that have benefitted from going to school alongside their siblings and peers – we have influenced their faith – what better lesson can we teach our children? • The way our typical children have been shaped by the experience, the degrees they have chosen, the ways they have given back • The great gift these special children have been to our faith communities in too many ways to mention. (altar servers, ushers, singers) • When our two children went together to several high school dances
And then they grew up….
Rejoice Always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Thessalonians 5 16: 18