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Conway Education Center Groundbreaking Gallery

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Construction of the Conway Education Center officially kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by about 90 partners involved in the project, education and government officials, Catholic Charities

employees, and students from the Kennedy School. Photos by Chris Williams/Zoeica Images

 

“The project we kick off with today’s groundbreaking represents the promise of a future where our children thrive in an environment purpose-built for them and their needs. When we return next year for a grand opening, we will see a beautiful structure — a center for learning excellence — that equals those we serve and those of us who serve here.” — Jim Malloy, president and CEO

 

“Catholic Charities has a deeply held and enduring commitment and mission to care for children and, particularly, for children and young adults with developmental differences,” President and CEO Jim Malloy said. “And I’ve learned that we have successful longstanding relationships — government, non-government and private donors — that support this mission — for which we are very grateful.”
“This is an appropriate time to reflect on Jesus’ message in the Gospel of Luke where he says, ‘Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to them.’” — David DiLuigi, chairman, Board of Directors
The Conway Education Center will open in late 2025 on property adjacent to the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Institute School on Buchanan Street in northeast D.C.
Longtime supporter Bill Conway referenced St. Luke’s gospel and the parable of the Good Samaritan. “The very interesting part of the parable to me comes at the very end when the scribe says to Jesus, ‘Who is my neighbor?’” Conway said. “I guess we answered that today.”
“Today we’re not only celebrating this groundbreaking and an investment in a learning facility that will be state of the art, but we are celebrating a commitment to our city’s children and to our city’s future,” said D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb.
Among the guests was Sister Dolores Wilson (center) who taught at Holy Spirit School in the building before it became the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Institute School.
“Our teachers and staff have been deeply involved in this process, contributing their insights and ideas to shape a space that truly meets the needs of our students,” Matthew Putu, executive director of Developmental Disabilities Services, told guests.
Adenrele Davis described how her son has grown and advanced while at the Child Development Center. “I’ve had the privilege of watching my son grown up in a thriving environment, and I’m forever grateful. … I know the Conway Education Center will bring forth so many opportunities and different programs for our youth and young adults to take advantage of.”
Msgr. John Enzler, mission advocate and former president and CEO, brought the education center to life over many years with his vision and drive.
Years of financial planning and coordination with the District of Columbia and Ward 5 neighborhood by Catholic Charities’ Chief Financial Officer MJ Morrow (center) led to the groundbreaking.
Cardinal Wilton Gregory blessed the property.
Barbara Lankster, a longtime employee of the Child Development Center, takes her turn at breaking ground for the long-awaited education center.
School students painted shovels used during the groundbreaking. Many of the shovels included special messages.
“Catholic Charities has a deeply held and enduring commitment and mission to care for children and, particularly, for children and young adults with developmental differences,” President and CEO Jim Malloy said. “And I’ve learned that we have successful longstanding relationships — government, non-government and private donors — that support this mission — for which we are very grateful.”
“This is an appropriate time to reflect on Jesus’ message in the Gospel of Luke where he says, ‘Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to them.’” — David DiLuigi, chairman, Board of Directors
The Conway Education Center will open in late 2025 on property adjacent to the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Institute School on Buchanan Street in northeast D.C.
Longtime supporter Bill Conway referenced St. Luke’s gospel and the parable of the Good Samaritan. “The very interesting part of the parable to me comes at the very end when the scribe says to Jesus, ‘Who is my neighbor?’” Conway said. “I guess we answered that today.”
“Today we’re not only celebrating this groundbreaking and an investment in a learning facility that will be state of the art, but we are celebrating a commitment to our city’s children and to our city’s future,” said D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb.
Among the guests was Sister Dolores Wilson (center) who taught at Holy Spirit School in the building before it became the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Institute School.
“Our teachers and staff have been deeply involved in this process, contributing their insights and ideas to shape a space that truly meets the needs of our students,” Matthew Putu, executive director of Developmental Disabilities Services, told guests.
Adenrele Davis described how her son has grown and advanced while at the Child Development Center. “I’ve had the privilege of watching my son grown up in a thriving environment, and I’m forever grateful. … I know the Conway Education Center will bring forth so many opportunities and different programs for our youth and young adults to take advantage of.”
Msgr. John Enzler, mission advocate and former president and CEO, brought the education center to life over many years with his vision and drive.
Years of financial planning and coordination with the District of Columbia and Ward 5 neighborhood by Catholic Charities’ Chief Financial Officer MJ Morrow (center) led to the groundbreaking.
Cardinal Wilton Gregory blessed the property.
Barbara Lankster, a longtime employee of the Child Development Center, takes her turn at breaking ground for the long-awaited education center.
School students painted shovels used during the groundbreaking. Many of the shovels included special messages.
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