In the early 1950's 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 178 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 behind for a lifetime can now talk, read, and lead productive lives. PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:
As a rule, the RiteCare® Clinics accept preschool children who have difficulty speaking or understanding the spoken word or school-age children who have difficulty learning to read. Some centers also offer literacy training for adults. Inquiries on age groups and program offerings in specific areas should be addressed to the director of the local Scottish Rite facility. Equally important, all services are available regardless of race, creed, or the family’s inability to pay. While all children in need are eligible for available RiteCare® Program treatment, please consult with your local facility for specific financial information. The Arkansas Scottish Rite Foundation also operates/maintains the beautiful and historic Albert Pike Memorial Temple in downtown Little Rock, AR. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Albert Pike Masonic Center is the headquarters for the Masonic fraternity in Arkansas. Designed by architects George Mann and Eugene Stern, it was dedicated on May 12, 1924. Mann was considered the “dean of Arkansas architects” having designed several important Arkansas buildings, including the Arkansas State Capitol and the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs. The building is a monumental three-story structure in the Neo-Classical Revival style, lined on its front facade with nineteen Greek Ionic columns. It is an State Treasure that the Scottish Rite Masons of Arkansas desire to share with everyone.
