The Catholic Herald
Feb 19, 2020
School officials recently gathered at St. Veronica School in Chantilly to receive a check representing a grant that will pay for the part-time employment of an intellectually disabled teacher assistant.
The grant, provided by Porto Charities, based in Arlington, will be used to employ Angela Beltran, who has been volunteering at St. Veronica as an unofficial teacher assistant since last year. She supports several teachers during the school day, including helping with pre-school, resource and library activities. Porto Charities President Leo Alonso and board member Mike Eisenberg were on hand to present the symbolic check for $10,000 to St. Veronica Principal Mike Busekrus, Father Dennis Kleinmann, pastor, and Beltran.“We are thankful for the financial support from Porto Charities that allows us to fulfill the mission of inclusion given to us by Bishop Burbidge,” said Busekrus. “An inclusive environment must also make room for meaningful employment for those with intellectual disabilities. Miss Angela contributes so much to the daily life of the school — we are proud to be able to pay her for her skills.”One of the teachers Beltran assists is the school’s technology teacher and her mom, Sara.
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