Speaking Up

Decoding Speech and Literacy Disorders for Siblings, Mason & Cash

Fall 2019

“We are so thankful for the

RiteCare Childhood Language Center!”

Read more on pg. 2

A Voice for The Children of California

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NMESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDMany of us may not realize the importance of achieving confidence and success early on in a child’s life, but it cannot be overstated! The story about Mason and her brother Cash eloquently describes how the ability to communicate is among our most basic of human needs and is the foundation for a lifetime of success. Children who struggle daily with the inability to speak clearly, communicate, read, or write often suffer deeply from low self-esteem and low self-confidence. Early intervention is essential to mitigating persistent, long-term social, emotional and academic challenges.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities reports that one in five children have learning disabilities requiring the services of a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Our 14 RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California provide these services to children free of charge. As the new school year is set to begin, consider how you can make a difference in the lives of the many children awaiting therapy. These children need your help! Take advantage of the various opportunities to contribute to their success (visit www.casr-foundation.org for further details):

• Join the prestigious Honor Roll of Donors between September 1st and October 31st. (See details on page 4)

• Become a member of the Sustainer’s Guild with a gift of just $30 a month.

• Select one of our life-changing Sponsorship Opportunities.

• Make a one-time tribute gift in honor of someone special.

• Join the Legacy Guild with a gift that reaches beyond a life time. (See details on page 5)

A quality education for youth is an essential core value of the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California, and ensuring children have access to speech, language and literacy therapy at no cost is a priority. We all have the honor of supporting the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers across the State.

Your gift is critical! Thank you for helping create miracles for children in need!

Frank Loui Chairman of the Board, RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California, a program of the California Scottish Rite Foundation

CONTENTSMessage from the Chairman ... 1

Decoding Speech and Literacy Disorders for Siblings, Mason and Cash..................................... 2

Making Miracles Happen ......... 3

Honor Roll of Donors ................ 4

Kristin’s Corner ......................... 5

Leave a Life-changing Legacy .... 5

Upcoming Events ...................... 6

Frank Loui

Speaking UpThis newsletter is published by the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California.

To receive a copy or make a donation or bequest contact:

RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California, a program of the California Scottish Rite Foundation

2100 N. Broadway, Ste. 350 Santa Ana, CA 92706-2659

714-547-7325

www.casr-foundation.org

info@casrf.orgRecognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity

Fed ID#94-6078728.

California Scottish Rite FoundationEXECUTIVE BOARD

FRANK LOUI Chairman of the Board

RAYMOND D. GODEKE Executive Vice President /

Secretary

JOHN R. HEISNER Vice President

ARTHUR L. SALAZAR, Jr. Treasurer

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CREATING MIRACLESDecoding Speech and Literacy Disorders for Siblings, Mason and Cash

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For years, both of Christy’s children struggled with speech, language and literacy developmental delays. Mason had undergone four years of services including occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech/language therapy. “I was overwhelmed by the difficult IEP system, the extraordinary cost of private speech therapy, and the fact that everyone we were referred to was booked solid,” indicated Christy, Mason and Cash’s Mom.

“I recall crying with relief… As I first described Mason, the Speech Language Pathologist said, ‘It sounds like we need to get to the root of the problem before we move forward with any more traditional speech therapy.’ She went on to tell me about programs, like Fast ForWord, that would help Mason improve how she processed language.

Mason started at the RiteCare Childhood Language Center in the middle of 1st grade when she was seven years old. She was still struggling with kindergarten material, but it didn’t take long for us to begin seeing improvements… After completing her first round of Fast ForWord, Mason’s 1st grade teacher stopped me at school to say, ‘WOW, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!’ She had given Mason a quick reading assessment and found she was reading and comprehending at grade level!”

Subsequently Mason’s brother, Cash, also experienced difficulties of his own! By the end of 1st grade, Cash still wasn’t interested in reading

and exhibited anxiety when attempting to read. He had also developed some nervous ticks and had a stammer that really slowed him down when trying to express his rapid and insightful thoughts.

“Since our daughter Mason had attended the RiteCare Childhood Language Center and made incredible strides, I knew this was where Cash would receive the help he also desperately needed. I immediately scheduled an evaluation, and Cash began therapy

as soon as a spot was available. Cash also utilized Fast ForWord--focusing on the basics of language and reading in addition to attention and listening skills. He soon became more and more interested in reading as his skills improved and is now also reading at grade level! We are so thankful for the RiteCare Childhood Language Center!” ~ Christy, Mason and Cash’s Mom

Both Mason’s and Cash’s triumphs were only possible due to support from donors like you.

There are so many children like Mason and Cash awaiting desperately-needed therapy! Please consider sponsoring a child or making a generous gift to move children off the waiting list and into much-needed therapy! Your support, regardless of its size, will mean the world to these children–a world where they can achieve confidence and success—empowering them to make friends, succeed academically, and become contributing members of society!

“We couldn’t afford the therapy our son needed… until we learned about the RiteCare Childhood Language Center… Once our son began therapy we almost immediately saw positive changes. My husband and I knew we were given this gift of free speech therapy, so we did everything in our power to make sure it worked for our son… Over the course of 18 months, Tina (Speech-Language Pathologist) helped our son achieve a language assessment well within range for his age! We were thrilled to get this news on his last day of therapy…We hope very much that other families have the chance to experience this wonderful program and that you and your family continue to support the RiteCare Childhood Language Center. We know that we will continue to support it as well…” – Cole’s Family (San Diego RiteCare

Childhood Language Center)

So many children’s lives are transformed and enhanced every single year through our speech, language, and literacy therapeutic services—thanks to the wonderful donations from supporters that allow these services to be provided free of charge. Below are a few examples of just how impactful each gift can be, and how you can make a difference!

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“Working in collaboration with Pam and Nan (Speech-Language therapists), Isaias transformed into a confident, independent, curious learner. He has been academically challenged by Pam and Nan motivating him to work to his fullest potential. Thank you!” – Stefany, mother of Isaias (Oakland

RiteCare Childhood Language Center)

“The Santa Barbara RiteCare Childhood Language Center has had an amazing impact on our family, we have a child who needed speech therapy and is extremely shy in new settings and Julie and Summer (Speech-Language Pathologists) were amazing at helping him transition and be successful. Because of the speech services he receives with Julie, he is happy and talks all the time without the frustration of not being understood. Thank you RiteCare!” – Grateful Parent (Santa Barbara RiteCare

Childhood Language Center)

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“My daughter Natalie has been receiving therapy from Ms. Jovie for about 6 months now. Natalie has made significant improvements and is now able to communicate with less frustration and more complete sentences. Natalie has worked really hard each and every session with Jovie. She understands it’s her work time, but it is so enjoyable for her. Often times she wants to go even on her days off! …Thank you to the RiteCare Childhood Language Center for providing this wonderful speech therapy service we would otherwise not be able to access! Thank you so much.” – Yolanda, mother of Natalie (Rainbolt

RiteCare Childhood Language Center, San Bernardino)MA

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MAKING MIRACLES HAPPEN

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HONOR ROLL OF DONORSYour gift of $100, $250, $500 or more will help fund the 14 RiteCare Childhood Language Centers by: • Taking kids off waiting lists and into therapy • Helping children overcome speech, language, and literacy challenges • Helping kids receive the skills and confidence to succeed • Providing parent coaching to reinforce therapy in the home environment • Providing speech, language, and literacy therapy free of charge at RiteCare Childhood Language Centers

a program of the

Learn more at casr-foundation.org

When you donate $500 or more between Sept. 1 and Oct.31, 2019 your generosity will be recognized with: • A beautifully- framed personalized Honor Roll certificate signed by Frank Loui, SGIG and Chairman of the Board of the Foundation, along with a child’s testimonial, photo, and “thank you” note signed by the child and the child’s parent. • A RiteCare lapel pin • A CSRF fine ball point pen • Your name prominently displayed on the 2019 Honor Roll of Donors at the Annual Communication of Masons in San Francisco • Your name published in the January 2020 issue of “Speaking Up” as an Honor Roll Donor • Your name prominently displayed on the new CSRF website

When you donate $250 between Sept. 1 and Oct.31, 2019 your generosity will be recognized with: • A personalized Honor Roll certificate suitable for framing • A RiteCare lapel pin • Your name prominently displayed on the 2019 Honor Roll of Donors at the Annual Communication of Masons in San Francisco • Your name published in the January 2020 issue of “Speaking Up” as an Honor Roll Donor • Your name prominently displayed on the new CSRF website

When you donate $100 between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31, 2019 your generosity will be recognized with: • A RiteCare lapel pin • Your name prominently displayed on the 2019 Honor Roll of Donors at the Annual Communication of Masons in San Francisco • Your name published in the January 2020 issue of “Speaking Up” as an Honor Roll Donor

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ERPreparing for a Successful School Year

How do you prepare for a successful new school year? Practicing speech and language skills at home during the lazy days of summer with your child may have been difficult. And it can be even harder during the school year with academic and after-school demands controlling the schedule. So, with a busy year ahead, set yourself up for success right at the start of the school year by meeting with your child’s RiteCare Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), their school-based SLP, as well as their school teacher.

Each school year brings new demands, and it’s best to be sure everyone involved with your child’s speech, language, and literacy care is on board with the same information and goals. One meeting with everyone would be best; but if it’s not possible, be sure to discuss the same topics with each professional. Touch on progress that was made over the summer as well as what types

of practice worked at home. Discuss what goals are to be set for the new year and address any changes that need to be made. Then, make a plan for a home program that fits in with therapy and classroom goals. Remember to keep in touch with your child’s therapists and school teachers as the school year progresses. Working together as a team is the best way to help your child achieve his or her goals.

Wishing you the best for a successful school year!

Kristin Hoffman, MA, CCC-SLP Director, RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California

Leave a Life-Changing Legacy...… and Create Miracles!

The power of a legacy gift can reach beyond a lifetime! When you make a planned gift to any of the 14 RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California, you may receive more than just a potential tax deduction. You will be making an impactful difference in the lives of children by providing them with essential therapy to overcome speech, language, and literacy disorders.

Below are just a few ways how you can make an impactful legacy gift that will positively affect generations to come. Many of these planned gifts can provide income to you and/or your family for a lifetime in addition to helping the children we serve. Please remember reaching out to your financial advisor is the best way to solidify your estate and planned giving goals.

For more details and information, please visit our website at www.casr-foundation.org or contact Lynne Elwan, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Foundation at: 714-547-7325.

• Outright Gifts of Cash, Checks or Stocks • Wills and Bequests • Charitable Gift Annuities

• Charitable Remainder Trusts • Real Estate Trusts • Life Insurance Policies

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Recognition The Legacy Guild is a program dedicated to recognizing individuals, who have provided for the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California in their estate plans. To become a Legacy Guild member, simply notify us if you have named the Foundation, or any one of the 14 RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California, as a beneficiary in your will, trust, gift annuity, life insurance policy, 401K, or other similar tax-deferred retirement plans. Thank you for considering a legacy gift to create miracles beyond a lifetime!

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Please check our website for more information: www.casr-foundation.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

San Francisco-Burlingame Oktoberfest Fundraiser October 12, 2019

For more information contact:Jim McMillen at jimmc642@yahoo.com

San Francisco-Burlingame 7th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser • October 6, 2019

Contact Mark Whitney Stephens at (650) 588-1995 or e-mail: thewhit.stephens@gmail.com for details.

Burlingame Charity Fashion ShowOctober 26, 2019

http://www.SFCharityFashionShow.com

Leave a Life-Changing Legacy...… and Create Miracles!

LONG BEACH OPEN HOUSENOVEMBER 9, 2019

For more information call (562) 436-7787

Gift of Speech GalaSanta Monica Palisades Masonic Center

November 22, 2019 Tickets Available from LASR - call (323) 936-2153

Great Food • Great Music Great Fellowship

Great Fun • Great CauseA black tie event benefiting the Los Angeles

RiteCare Childhood Language Center

Los Angeles RiteCare Childhood Language Center

“GIFT OF SPEECH GALA”

Los Angeles

Stan & Bobbie Gold RiteCare Childhood Language Center Annual Fundraiser

November 2, 2019 Email: info@goldritecarecenter.org or call: 760-341-6208

The 2019 Orange County Ritecare Gift of Voice Dinner & Silent Auction Fundraiser

September 7, 2019 For more information contact:

David Frias (714) 600-8538eventinfo@oclanguagecenter.orgGIFT OF VOICE DINNER & SILENT AUCTION

BECOME A THERAPY SPONSOR: 1 MONTH – $400Happiness! Confidence! Achievement! These are just a few amazing transformations that occur when a child receives the gift of speech, language, and literacy therapy. Our specialty services are provided free of charge and are funded only through the generosity of our supporters. Please consider partnering with the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers of California, a program of the California Scottish Rite Foundation, by becoming a sponsor and transforming the lives of children awaiting desperately-needed therapy.

Your gift of $400 will provide one month of speech and language therapy with a certified Speech-Language Pathologist for one child.

For more information and for other sponsorship opportunities, please visit us at www.CASR-Foundation.org or call us at (714) 547-7325 - We are a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, ID 94-6078728

2100 N. Broadway, Ste. 350 Santa Ana, CA 92706-2624714-547-7325

a program of the