In the early 1950s in Colorado, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States initiated a program to help children with speech and language disorders. The results obtained from this program led to the establishment of RiteCare clinics to provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, as well as learning disabilities.
Today, there are 170 RiteCare clinics, centers, and special programs operating or planned for children and therapists located throughout the United States. Each facility is staffed by speech-language pathologists or other trained personnel. Through the support of Scottish Rite members, these clinics, centers, and programs continue to increase. The value of this philanthropy has long been apparent. Tens of thousands of youngsters across the United States have been helped significantly. With the good work of dedicated clinicians and parents, the Scottish Rite has achieved successes that could only be imagined a few years back. Children who might have remained educationally handicapped for a lifetime can now talk, read, and lead useful lives.
For the Tucson Scottish Rite, our largest charitable cause is through The Child Language Center, Inc., Scottish Rite – University of Arizona and the Wings on Words program. The Child Language Center is a not-for-profit community outreach program that has provided early intervention services to children with speech/language disorders since 1989.
Our Mascot - Scotty Bear
Scotty's mouth is a red heart. It symbolizes our
goal of making talking and communicating a successful and happy part of
children's lives. David Goh, a graduate art student
at The University of Arizona, donated his time and talents to design our
mascot. Visit us at www.scottishrite-child-language-center.org.
Click on the bear to download an enlarged Scotty Bear that you can print and color!
