St. Coletta's CEO To Deliver Commencement Address At Trinity Washington

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharon B. Raimo, CEO of St. Coletta of Greater Washington, will receive an honorary doctor of letters and deliver the commencement address at Trinity Washington University's graduation ceremony this Saturday, May 18.  Ms. Raimo received both her bachelor's degree in 1969 and a master's degree in 1994 from Trinity.

Ms. Raimo was hired by St. Coletta in 1993 and tasked with closing the struggling Catholic school that operated out of a church basement.  Instead, Ms. Raimo grew the institution, purchasing a permanent home for the program in Alexandria and expanding its programming to serve adults with disabilities. 

Today, St. Coletta is a nonsectarian beacon, serving nearly 500 children and adults with intellectual and multiple disabilities in three facilities, including its state-of-the-art headquarters, designed by Michael Graves, and built with no city funds.

Ms. Raimo's first exposure to this under-represented population was in 1981, working with former Mayor Vincent Gray (then the executive director of the DC ARC), Ms. Raimo was legally appointed as "surrogate parent" to 21-year old Vondale Hamptom, a 17-year resident of Forrest Haven, the District of Columbia's institution for those with intellectual disabilities. After seeing the deplorable conditions at Forrest Haven, Ms. Raimo helped sue the District of Columbia for failure to provide appropriate public education for the student.

For parents and families of people with disabilities, St. Coletta of Greater Washington is a stabilizing force.  Starting in pre-school, St. Coletta offers families a lifetime continuum of care.  Parent and Charter School Board member Josh Lewis said, "Each day I can send my 8-year old disabled daughter to a school where I know she has a team of teachers, therapists, nurses, and one-on-one aides working tirelessly with her to realize her potential ...whatever that potential ends up being.  Raising a child with significant disabilities is often challenging, and we appreciate that we have the team at St. Coletta to help us."

Sharon started the adult program at St. Coletta in 1997.  Wilhemina Swendholt, whose sister, Jamie, is a student at St. Coletta, said, "Sharon's vision, commitment, and dedication to the special needs of children and adults in the DC metropolitan area has had an important impact on the lives of countless people.  She has created active and cheerful environments for a population of individuals that are often overlooked and marginalized.  Her efforts have brought joy and a sense of purpose to the clients and so much relief to families that know their loved ones are experiencing a full life.  Her devotion, enthusiasm, and tireless work is nothing short of amazing!"

Contact:
Rebecca Hill
202-350-8680
[email protected]

SOURCE St. Coletta of Greater Washington

Related Links

http://www.stcoletta.org