FIRE Foundation of Wichita

06/15/2026

Author Mary O'Callaghan states poignantly: "How often do those with disabilities come to the parish for catechesis, to our Catholic schools, to seminaries, only to be told that they are too costly to accommodate? “We don’t have the resources.” "

We have a responsibility to recognize the treasures in front of us.



https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/the-church-and-the-cost-of-disability/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHtt0oy1j_3VKTLl15AlzwwyHFYCOZmOoqn8nHWMiOaT6skX0CNU81xThtdb4_aem_465DzePl08_cJcZNwlwJAw&fbclid=IwY2xjawSdL7FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsS05KSkJHYjNUcFBVMUJ2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkRQv5BrR9d3kClQM_vUQmpUpY96Fc-jvihw7v5sC0UOx2k0X7Vw30sOhaZr_aem_JwTZCQwO3NSe_W-FzoxDdg

Mary O'Callaghan on cost-effective analysis. 

06/15/2026

🔥🔥 TICKETS WENT UP IN FLAMES! 🔥🔥

In just a few weeks, the excitement for FIRE & Flights 2026 has been nothing short of incredible… and we are officially SOLD OUT! 🎉

We are overwhelmed by the support, enthusiasm, and belief in our mission to ignite a culture of belonging for students with disabilities in Catholic education. ❤️

Didn’t get your ticket? If additional tickets become available, we’d love to keep you in the loop! Join our waitlist by emailing us at [email protected]. Please specify name and number of tickets needed.

Can’t attend but still want to help fuel the mission? Your support helps provide resources, training, and opportunities that make inclusion possible in Catholic schools across Wichita. Please see donation link in comments!

Thank you for your overwhelming support and for helping us keep the flame of belonging burning bright!

06/13/2026

❤️ Celebrating 100 years of a life that changed the world. ❤️

Today, we honor the 100th birthday of Venerable Jérôme Lejeune, the French geneticist who discovered the genetic cause of Down syndrome -the presence of an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.

But his greatest discovery was not only scientific… it was the truth he lived every day: every person is a gift, created with dignity, purpose, and infinite worth.

Dr. Lejeune dedicated his life to advocating for individuals with Down syndrome and all disabilities, reminding the world that a diagnosis never defines a person’s value. He believed every child deserved to be welcomed, loved, and given the opportunity to belong.

At FIRE Foundation of Wichita, we carry that same mission forward; building communities where every student is seen, supported, and included.

Today we celebrate a legacy that reminds us: belonging is not something we earn. It is something every person deserves. ❤️🔥

Venerable Jérôme Lejeune, PRAY FOR US!

06/08/2026

☀️🌊 The work we do in our own communities is critical. But the work we do TOGETHER is transformational.

Last weekend, we had the privilege of gathering with fellow FIRE affiliate leaders from across the country for our annual retreat.

Over a few days of collaboration, prayer, and connection, we exchanged ideas, celebrated successes, tackled challenges, and dreamed about what's possible. Through shared wisdom, mutual support, and a commitment to innovation, we are advancing inclusion not just locally, but nationally.

Together, we are building stronger schools, equipping teachers with the tools they need, and creating more opportunities for students with special needs and their families.

💙 Better together. Stronger together. Creating opportunities for inclusion together.

06/07/2026

❤️‍🔥 We spent the weekend with our people! Strategizing, collaborating, praying, and planning for the future! All for our teachers and students with disabilities! ❤️‍🔥
We call out to the Holy Spirit to bless and further this mission of ours ... where our Catholic schools bravely open their doors to ALL learners! 🕊️🔥

06/02/2026

🔥 What are you waiting for? 🔥

Tickets for FIRE & Flights are selling in blazing fashion, and we don't want you to miss your chance to spark belonging!

Don't wait until the heat is on - Early Bird pricing is available through June 30 only. After that, ticket prices increase!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of community, celebration, and impact as we fuel the future of inclusive Catholic education.

🎟️ Join us to ignite a brighter future for every student!

05/27/2026

It's the moment you've been waiting for! Tickets are on sale NOW!

Event Info and Purchase Here >> https://event.auctria.com/2b6a7ed4-a799-4f51-b76a-92443a8348b7/

🔥 Early Bird Tickets are available now through June 30th - grab them while they’re hot!

🔥 New this year: VIP Reserved Tables for 10 with an elevated experience for your crew.

🔥 Wichita Catholic School teachers can purchase a deeply discounted Spark Ticket created especially for educators.

Trust us… it's the party with a purpose you don't want to miss!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

05/24/2026

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. 🔥

05/08/2026

St. Margaret Mary - you are taking beautiful steps toward inclusion, and it shows! 🔥

Congratulations on your FIRE Inclusion Grant award to support a paraprofessional in the classroom. Your commitment to creating a welcoming, faith-filled environment for ALL learners is making an impact!

Seeing parish families come together and students return from public school to a Catholic school setting speaks volumes about the culture of belonging you are building. We are inspired by your dedication and proud to stand behind your flame! ❤️‍🔥

Pictured is Fr. Ned Blick, Mr. Kylan Collins (Principal), Ms. Sara Radell (Resource Teacher), and FIRE board members Nancy Descarreaux, Natalie Hinkin, and Leigh Elzein.