February 28 | 2026

Dear Friends,

During February, we focus on love and friendship, and we are reminded of a beautiful truth: we are One Body in Christ. We belong to each other. When one of us thrives, the whole body is strengthened.

Since our start in 2009, our logo has always featured a heart because Porto Charities was born out of the love that our founders had for their children and the children of our Diocese who live with disabilities. Even after the 2022 update to our logo, that symbol remained central because our mission is, at its core, a mission of love. To continue spreading this love, we are launching a small new initiative to bring a smile to friends with disabilities in our Diocese by sending cards celebrating their milestones.

I invite you to join us in this mission of charity. Please take a moment to explore this edition to find meaningful ways to show your love, be inspired by the work of Christine Fowler, and discover upcoming events where you and your family can experience fellowship and true belonging.

Make a Gift to Porto Charities

Love in Our Daily Lives

Love becomes real when it is shared in the places we live, work, and pray. Here is how we can live out this "One Body" mission:

In Schools: Look for the student sitting alone and invite them into the group. Inclusion starts with an invitation.

In Workplaces: Recognize the unique talents that individuals with disabilities bring to a team. Advocacy in workplaces creates a culture of dignity.

In Parishes: Ensure our pews and ministries are truly open to everyone. A parish is only complete when every member of the body experiences true belonging.

In the Community: Be present. Taking the time to listen and learn from a neighbor with a disability is a great act of charity.

Are you interested in making your school, workplace, or parish a place of belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but don't know where to start? Please contact us!

I want to build a culture of belonging!

Spreading Love, One Card at a Time

At Porto Charities, we believe every milestone—big or small—is a reason to celebrate. To help our friends feel truly seen and valued, we are launching a new initiative to send cards and birthday wishes to children and young adults with disabilities across the Diocese. These messages are written by our own members and young adults with disabilities.

When should you request a message?

Birthdays: To celebrate the gift of their life.
Academic wins: Graduation or being accepted into a new school.
Career steps: Landing a job or a volunteer role.
Words of encouragement: For those days when they’re feeling down and could use a reminder that they belong to a community that loves them.

Use the link below to send in your request!

Message Request

Board Member Spotlight

Meet Christine Fowler

Few embody this spirit of selfless love like Christine Fowler, Chair of our Employment Committee.

Christine volunteers countless hours meeting with families to learn about the dreams of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking job opportunities. With her genuine passion, she then advocates to employers across the Diocese to help these individuals find meaningful work.

Christine also ensures young adults with disabilities are at the heart of our events. She recruits and mentors these volunteers for our annual Gala and Golf tournaments, focusing on three goals: helping them grow their skills, ensuring guests get to know them and appreciate their unique gifts, and making sure they have fun. By building these bridges of belonging, Christine has earned the love of our youth and everyone who works alongside her.

Christine Fowler was a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Critical Care Nursing. She served on the Parent Education Committee of The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia for 5 years. She is currently a Special Olympics Coach and serves on the Northern Virginia Special Olympics Virginia Council of Area 26. Zach's experience at Paul VI motivated her to become involved with Porto Charities to help ensure the continued expansion of inclusive Catholic education and employment. Zach is currently employed by St. Leo the Great Catholic School.

Experience True Belonging

While many of our gatherings serve as fundraisers, their true heartbeat is "friend-raising." Every event is designed first and foremost to bridge the gap between isolation and belonging.

Please consider joining us at any of the events below.

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Questions?

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Tickets & Sponsorships

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