Our Lady of Grace School changes lives and you can be part of that. The impact of Catholic education in our students' lives is evident in simple, yet lasting transformations. Meet our superheroes and the families they help.

Educate my children or feed them?

Imagine having to choose between feeding your children and teaching them how to read, between paying your heating bill and getting school supplies. These are the choices that many families at Our Lady of Grace School (OLG) have to make every day.

Teresa Delgado has four children in OLG. "I would sell my kids' toys to give them a good education. But if we don't have financial assistance, the choice is between paying the tuition and feeding my family," she said. She is not alone. According to a financial aid agency, 33% of OLG families can afford less than $200 a year in tuition. However, families on average ten times that amount.

Delgado is retired and focused on raising her children. Her husband passed away three years ago. Her oldest daughter, 5th grader Dellanara, is happy at OLG. Dellanara has special educational needs that require learning in small groups. Teresa Delgado has seen a great improvement in her daughter.

Delago has high hopes for them and believes that OLG can make her hopes a reality. However, every year, when it's time to apply for aid, she worries about having to pull her kids out.

She is thankful to alumni and friends who donate to the OLG Tuition Assistance Fund because "it would be impossible for us without the financial help and the emotional support we get from the school. I'm very grateful."

"She Feels Like a Superhero"

Marisela Flores transferred her daughter Alicia from a local public school to our first grade. In a week, Alicia had learned her ABCs and was able to count to ten. Alicia was having trouble with her lessons at the other school. Ms. Flores wondered if Alicia had a learning disability. A few days into the semester at OLG, Ms. Flores quickly dismissed the idea. "I can see the difference now, even in her demeanor. Alicia's self-esteem was low, but now she feels like she can do anything, like a superhero."

Every student at Our Lady of Grace School walks a challenging path, just like other thousands of children did in the many years the school has been serving the community. We invite you to walk that path with OLG students and discover that you, too, are a superhero!

>>>Donate to the OLG Annual Fund and become an OLG superhero<<<

 or mail your tax-deductible gift to
Our Lady of Grace School
2446 N. Ridgeway Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647

Sharing the Gift of a Strong Foundation

David Pateros '66 was recently reacquainted with OLG.  He visited the school in January of 2010 after months of thinking about the importance of the education he received throughout his life. "It was at OLG that the foundation of my education was formed and my commitment to success, both professionally and personally, began," he explained. Pateros is also a graduate of the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and is now a managing director at a private bank. 

During his visit in 2010, David met dedicated teachers and motivated students and quickly offered to help. He joined the Board of Directors and is now the chair of the Fundraising Committee. "I am very happy to have joined the OLG Board of Directors last year and to be a donor because I can give back by helping families in need get access to the best education and by supporting the great work that OLG does."

Read More...

"Thank You for All You Do for My Kid"

Second grade parent Mayela García has one thing to say to our donors: "Thank you for all you do for my kid." Her son Raymundo started last August at OLG. She transferred him to OLG because she sees students in her neighborhood public schools get into gangs and drop out. She wants something better for her son. "I want my children to know what's God to them, go on to the next grade, be successful, and learn to respect. I know this school is going to help me get to that point. I've seen a big improvement in Raymundo, and I know I am going to see more."

As a single mom, Mayela worried about not being able to afford the full tuition. When she learned that OLG alumni and friends choose to support the Tuition Assistance Fund, she realized that she was not alone. "Thanks to everyone who makes this possible. If it wasn't for you, I don't know where I would be."

More

• OLG Alumni: Where are they now?
• More testimonials