The Matthew 19:14 Project supports San Xavier Mission School

By Kathy Johnson and Lisa Fischer, board members of The Matthew 19:14 Project

 

"Ask and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7:7). This is what Principal Minh Solorzano did. She asked The Matthew 19:14 Project (TMP) for help with her incoming students with special learning needs. The soon-to-be reopened San Xavier Mission School in Tucson is the grateful recipient of the $3,285 that was recently donated to TMP.  

 

In January of 2024, TMP provided training to all the elementary school principals and interventionists in the Diocese of Tucson, as well as provided each school with a specialized ToolKit filled with almost $700 worth of equipment, resources, and specialized materials that support efforts inclusive of students with varied learning abilities. Because the Mission School wasn't yet open, they didn't receive a ToolKit at that time. However on July 16, two board members of TMP presented to Mrs. Solorzano, not only this ToolKit but they also raised enough money to present her with a check for $2,600 as well. The check will be used for specialized training for a Mission School teacher in the area of reading disabilities (ex. dyslexia) to include specialized reading materials to meet the needs of any future students with reading challenges.  

 

"There are not enough words to express our gratitude. The teachers and students will benefit greatly from TMP's generosity," exclaimed Solorzano. 

 

Last year, TMP conducted a survey asking the Dioceses of Phoenix and Tucson principals and interventionists what their greatest needs were, with regard to educating and supporting students with exceptional learning needs (ex. students with learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech and language delays, developmental delays, etc.). The overwhelming top three needs identified were specialized training for teachers followed by specialized services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc. as well as the kinds of specialized materials TMP provide in their ToolKits (ex. flexible seating options, visual time timers, items to support sensory regulation and attention challenges, pencil grips and slant boards for handwriting, and so much more). 

 

The Matthew 19:14 Project is a Section 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide Arizona Catholic schools with the resources and support for the success of students with special needs because a Catholic education should be accessible to all children. TMP looks forward to continuing to support Arizona’s Catholic schools. Grants for the upcoming year will soon be available to interested schools in the near future. Please visit their website: https://matthew1914project.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.