We learn, beginning in our Blue Lodges, that charity along with making good men better are among the primary foundation stones of being a Mason. As Scottish Rite brothers we build on that foundation, and in Oregon one of the cornerstones of charity is the Oregon Scottish Rite Speech and Language Charity.
The mission of your Oregon Scottish Rite Speech and Language Charity is providing financial assistance to our Universities and other institutions that help young Oregon children who have a verity of communication needs.
During this past summer, your Oregon Scottish Rite Speech and Language Charity provided funding for more than 350 children to attend special camps where masters-level students, studying to become SLP’s (Speech Language Pathologists), acted as camp counselors. The SLP students gained hands-on experience assisting children afflicted with Autism, Apraxia (speech sound disorders), dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy who were non-verbal, and who had expressive and receptive disorders.
The Speech and Language Charity seeks out opportunities to provide service to children statewide. A recently funded research project at Portland State University was a Distance Learning or Telecommunications program. This program successfully provided therapy to young children with stuttering issues in a number of areas around Oregon (See attached map).
The Oregon Scottish Rite Speech and Language Charity is working diligently to increase service to Oregon children who struggle with communication and are now reaching more children than ever before in its long history. This holiday season, remember that the Oregon Scottish Rite Speech and Language Charity is a 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible and welcome.
In Brotherhood,
Bill Anton 33°
President