Fearfully & Wonderfully Made is a support group for parents and caregivers of family members with special needs. Our group provides a safe place to discuss struggles, celebrate joys, learn together, and build fellowship in our parish. We meet the 3rd Sunday of each month at Church of the Ascension in the St. Luke's Room at 6:30pm.

FIRE was founded in 1996 by a group of parents who shared a common dream; for their children with special needs to attend their parish schools with siblings and friends. Since that time, through the efforts of parents, a dedicated board of directors, many talented volunteers and community members who embrace inclusive Catholic education, more than $5 million has been granted to partner schools in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph (MO) to support inclusive Catholic education. The FIRE Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 organization, makes it possible for partner Catholic schools to hire special educators and paraprofessionals and to acquire learning materials and technology that create successful learning experiences for all children. Without grants from FIRE, most schools would not be able to welcome students with Down syndrome, significant learning disabilities, many who are on the Autism spectrum and students who face other special learning challenges. In inclusive learning environments, children grow up knowing and appreciating each other’s unique gifts.

The St. Joseph Cupertino program: • improves access to education for students with disabilities in the Catholic community. • engages students with disabilities who might not otherwise find access to a college experience

Parents are encouraged to access the resources below to gain a better understanding of their unique learners and their educational needs. Teachers can use the resources below to equip themselves to be more effective teachers and learn how to EMBRACE learners of all types.

Fearfully & Wonderfully Made is a support group for parents and caregivers of family members with special needs. Our group provides a safe place to discuss struggles, celebrate joys, learn together, and build fellowship. This is provided through Church of the Ascension.