1. Maura Nulton and Mary Anne Hammond FIRE Founders
Lighting the FIRE
Maura Nulton and Mary Anne Hammond
FIRE Founders

2. 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)

5. 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!

6. 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)

7. TELL YOUR STORY EVERYWHERE
At Church
At School
At Sporting Events
At the Grocery Store
To your Family Members

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. HAVE A GOOD LOGO, WEAR IT, ADVERTISE IT
FIRE FOUNDATION T-Shirts
FIRE FOUNDATION Cups, Coffee Mugs, Christmas Ornaments, Candles, (YOU GET THE PICTURE )

11. 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.

12. 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

13. And then they grew up….

15. 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