# Education & Schools — EMBRACE

Kim Hammers, Executive Director of [EMBRACE](https://embraceks.org/about/). Shared her vision for Embrace in the coming years and answered our questions. — *[Kim Hammers, Sep 2022](/sessions/20220911_Kim_Hammers_EMBRACE/notes.md)*

- EMBRACE (Enriching Many By Reaching All In Catholic Education) is an independent nonprofit that supports students with disabilities and learning differences in Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

- Financial Grants: Since 2018, they've distributed nearly $2.2 million in grants to 27 Catholic schools, funding special education teachers, board certified behavior analysts, occupational therapists, speech therapists, reading specialists, and enrichment coordinators.

- Teacher Development: A partnership with Benedictine College offers a Master's in Special Education for teachers already employed in Catholic schools — nearly $500,000 in scholarships has supported 56 teachers as of 2025.

- Paraprofessional Training: Professional development programs for support staff working with students who have learning differences — 56 paraprofessionals from 20 schools have been trained.

- Mission: To ensure every child receives a Catholic education suited to their abilities by providing inclusive education support, staffing, and resources to participating schools.

- 2 annual fundraisers:
    - [EMBRACE The Brew](https://embraceks.org/embrace-the-brew/) is a casual dinner and auction held in October.  In 2025 they had close to 500 participants at Fiorella's event space in Overland Park.  [A Night To Remember](https://embraceks.org/embrace-the-brew-a-night-to-remember/)
    - [EMBRACE The Movies](https://embraceks.org/embrace-the-movies/) is a held in May at The Boulevard Drive-In Theatre.  There are bounce houses, food, entertainment for the kids, and a movie!  I have gone every year.  Its a great time!

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