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Porto Charities Presents Check for Expanded Services

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Bishop O’Connell High School’s expanded services for students with intellectual disabilities got a boost yesterday when Leo Alonso and Bill Dalgetty presented a $20,000 check from Porto Charities. On hand to accept the generous gift were members of the administration and classroom teachers.

 “I’m happy to see this day at Bishop O’Connell, and I can’t wait to watch this program grow,” said Alonso. “There is a great need for these services in our area, and I am proud that O’Connell is helping fulfill those needs.” Alonso has been supporting programs for the disabled for more than 30 years, through his work with organizations such as Special Olympics, the International Order of Alhambra and Porto Charities. He is also a Bishop O’Connell alumnus from the class of 1969.

“Our goal is ensure that every student in the diocese can have access to a quality Catholic education,” said Dalgetty. “In the end, everyone involved in these services benefits in ways that can’t be measured.”

“As a school we are seeking to provide an environment in which students with intellectual or cognitive disabilities may thrive,” said Susan Rinaldi, director of expanded services at Bishop O’Connell. “We seek to meet each student's individual learning needs while also drawing them fully into the O'Connell school community. This is accomplished not only through the work of our dedicated special education teacher, Mary Desmarais, but also through the support of multiple teachers with whom we have the benefit of working collaboratively for inclusive class opportunities. Additionally, we have a group of fantastic peer mentors who have demonstrated great kindness, initiative, innovation, and enthusiasm in mentoring students we serve. "

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Porto Charities,” said Head of School Joseph Vorbach. “This grant helps us build a strong instructional and programmatic foundation to better serve our community both today and in the future.”

Porto Charities is dedicated to actively assisting people with developmental or intellectual disabilities; their community and their environment. Their mission is to raise and provide funds, resources, assistance, education, residences and overall improved quality of life for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities; and promote education, awareness, friendship and social forums among members, their families and the community.

Read more about Expanded Services at Bishop O'Connell...

Pictured above (l to r): Mary Desmarais, Susan Rinaldi, Bill Dalgetty, Joseph Vorbach, Leo Alonso, Paul Hines (parent), Carl Patton (assistant head of school), Erin O'Malley (dean of student services), Adam Hines (O'Connell student), Janet Hines (parent), and Rev. Gregory Thompson (Chaplain).

 


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