The Matthew 19:14 Project Seeks to Help More Arizona Catholic Schools

By Dr. Lisa Colangelo, founder of The Matthew 19:14 Project

One local nonprofit is working to break down the financial barriers that Arizona’s Catholic Schools face when it comes to getting the much-needed equipment, training and resources that would ensure that any family that desires a Catholic education for their children can get one.

The Matthew 19:14 Project (TMP) was founded by Dr. Lisa Fischer after meeting with the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools superintendent to address the need for special education services in the Valley’s Catholic schools. Fischer, who is deaf, is aware of the impact inaccessibility in education can create after being turned away from Catholic school as a child due to lack of accommodations.

The organization is working to bring funding to Tucson’s Catholic schools, but support from the community will be vital in making that goal a reality. TMP’s programs are funded through like-minded community partners and individuals who believe in the importance of a quality Catholic education.

TMP primarily provides assistance to Arizona’s Catholic schools through two yearly grant cycles, providing grants of up to $1,000 per teacher and a maximum of $5,000 per school in each cycle. Funding from these cycles can be used to support exceptional learners in our communities through professional development opportunities, consulting and support staff funding, classroom materials, adaptive technology and more.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School is one of many schools that have benefitted from the TMP mini-grant program since the organization’s inception in 2014.

Instructional Interventionist and Learning Lab Instructor Karen Wuestenfeld received $1,000 to directly support intervention programs through professional development, building knowledge and skills to better meet the needs of exceptional learners in her school.

“As a teacher of early student intervention, I want to offer students opportunity, hope, and success, while being in their classroom environment. I want to truly transform lives while keeping Christ at the forefront,” Wuestenfeld said. “The Matthew 19:14 grant will provide this opportunity to the most vulnerable students here at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton school. With the partnership of this grant this grant will expedite the necessary tools for closing the educational gaps found amongst our students.”

Like TMP, the mission at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School is to foster and create a learning environment that helps all students to be successful in their educational journey. Wuestenfeld’s professional development opportunities include conferences that focus on research-based practices for facilitating student education.

“I want to thank the board and its members for reading my request and considering funding Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton school and I for this opportunity for growth and professional development,” She shared.

You can support the mission of The Matthew 19:14 Project and all learners in the Diocese of Tucson schools when you give directly to TMP, allowing the organization to offer expanded funding opportunities and mini-grant cycles.

To learn more, visit matthew1914project.org. To keep up with the latest news and upcoming grant opportunities, follow TMP on Facebook and Instagram.