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November 24, 2023By Lindsay Hansing
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.
Ed Fischer and Kathy Johnson, The Matthew 19:14 Project board members recently attended the Santa Catalina Knights of Columbus Council 12345 in Tucson meeting to discuss the work they do to support inclusion of children with disabilities in Catholic Schools throughout Phoenix and Tucson. Several weeks later, The Grand Knight, Carlos Sanchez presented The Matthew 19:14 Project with a check for $8,000 to fund disabled students in the Diocese of Tucson Catholic schools.
"I am delighted that our check is now in the hands of The Matthew 19:14 Project as it will obviously enhance your support for those Catholic students in need in Tucson," said Tom Ford, Chancellor for the Santa Catalina Knights of Columbus Council 12345. "I have been the administrator of our funds dedicated to exceptional needs for the past six years and we applaud their work ethnic defined by our Lord to care for those most in need."
The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by Father Michael McGivney by the principals of charity, unity and fraternity. Their intent is to bring financial assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families.
Ed Fisher said, "It's great to see the local Tucson community supporting our mission. We want to expand our reach in Southern Tucson and groups like the Santa Catalina Knights of Columbus Council 12345 are helping us achieve our goals. We want more children with disabilities to have access to resources in their classrooms."
You can support the mission of The Matthew 19:14 Project and all learners in 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.