Nationwide, less than 18% of Catholic school leaders report that they educate students with intellectual disabilities. Porto Charities is actively working to ensure this number continues to climb by opening doors to inclusive education for many children across our diocese.

To highlight some of this incredible progress, we invite you to meet Jack, Claudia, Patrick, and Isaiah by reading our recently published article in the Catholic Herald, which showcases how our Catholic schools are welcoming and supporting students with disabilities.

Art Bennett is a dedicated board member whose faith and decades of expertise have enriched the Diocese of Arlington and strengthened the mission of Porto Charities.

Art is a licensed marriage and family therapist who served as Vice President for International Health at SAIC for 15 years before co-founding and directing the Alpha Omega Clinics across Virginia and Maryland. For a decade, Art served as President & CEO of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Arlington, leading impactful programs across 21 counties. An accomplished author, Art and his wife, Laraine, have co-written six books and give presentations on marriage and family life. He is a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament in Alexandria and is a proud father of four and grandfather of eleven.

Today, Art serves as the Secretary of our Executive Committee and chairs our Special Kids/Special Needs Campaign. Thanks to the deep trust and respect he has built with clergy across the Diocese over the years, parish participation and fundraising for the campaign have reached unprecedented heights under his leadership.

Art’s lifetime of devoted service was formally recognized when Bishop Michael Burbidge awarded him the Papal Benemerenti Medal last year. We are deeply blessed by his vision, advocacy, and active leadership on our board!

As our mission expands, so does our team! Porto Charities is currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Development Director to help us sustain and grow our vital work. If you feel called to use your talents to advance God’s work and create a lasting impact for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we encourage you to apply below.