FRIENDS of FIRE
Membership
Schools receiving FIRE grants along with the FIRE Board of Directors, request the support of all
parents of children receiving part-time to full time para support to be members of “Friends of FIRE”
to assure the continued partnership of parish schools and foundation.
In addition to parents of children with special needs who directly receive educational support
services partially funded by FIRE parents of children receiving support within resource rooms and
from the special Education teacher are also invited to join. Membership is extended to all educators,
parents of classmates of children with special needs and other interested community members.
Responsibility
Members will support inclusive education within our parish schools by sharing with the group their
gifts of talent, friendship, financial support, life experiences, education resources, medical resources
and more.
Meetings
Members will attend “Friends of FIRE” meetings. Membership will determine meetings for school
year: 2-3 small group meetings at local parishes and 2-3 entire membership meetings to be held at a
designated location. Meetings will provide membership with opportunities to share resources,
experiences, questions and support with each other. Leadership will seek out appropriate speakers
to provide educational presentations in various areas of need determined by membership. Meetings
will also provide FIRE staff the opportunity to request volunteers for events, development support,
etc.
Service
Parents will be asked to sign up for at least two volunteer opportunities in support of events, faculty
appreciation, mailings, auction item acquisitions, etc.
Talents
Members will have opportunity to share resources for other parents through solicitation of effective
speakers, sharing educational and medical resources and by determining other opportunities for
parents and members to support educators, school communities and FIRE board and staff.
Financial Stewardship
The more funds raised by the foundation board and staff, the larger the educational grants will be
for the schools and therefore the children with special needs. Without the assistance of the “Friends
of FIRE” in these efforts, the less opportunity there is to raise funds! Members will determine what
their individual families are able to donate annually. Families unable to donate are encouraged to
contribute with time and talent. All will be dedicated to supporting FIRE events by responding to
the requests of the office staff in securing event sponsors, auction items, etc.
How to Get Involved
Please contact Carol Riesemeyer, Office Administrator for FIRE
Carol will provide your information to the current leadership of Friends of FIRE
criesemeyer@diocesekcsj.org
816.756.1858 x 246