BRIDGEPORT, CT. — January 26, 2019 was a special day for the Children's Dyslexia Center. The Scottish Rite NMJ charity held a grand opening for their 43rd and newest location in Bridgeport, CT. The attendance of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, garnered much appreciated attention to the event.
"It is so exciting that children can come here regardless of their financial means, and have the benefits of a new future," said Senator Blumenthal.
CDC staff on hand was enthusiastic about both the success of the event and the Senator's visit. The CDC hopes additional press created by his visit increases awareness in the community about both dyslexia and the center's opening. "Receiving a visit from Senator Blumenthal at our Bridgeport facility certainly is exciting,” Robert F. Ogg Jr., Director of Operations-CDC said, adding, “It validates all the effort and local support it took to open this tutoring location."
While this event celebrated a new location, The Scottish Rite has long been fighting dyslexia. In 1994, the Scottish Rite joined forces with the world renowned Massachusetts General Hospital to launch a major endeavor to help ease the life-long burdens of dyslexia. The Children's Dyslexia Center is the result. The center provides tutoring at no charge to children from early elementary through high-school who have been diagnosed as dyslexic. Children are eligible regardless of economic status. The positive impact of early intervention on the lives of these children and their families is enormous, and inspires our commitment to this program.
In 1994, the Masons made the following philanthropic pledges:
o To help children with dyslexia learn to read and to reach their full potential;
o To help their families end the frustration, guilt and disruption caused by dyslexia;
o To help communities by developing Children’s Dyslexia Centers to help youngsters succeed in and out of school.
The Scottish Rite has made a long-term commitment to assisting children afflicted by dyslexia. With 43 locations across 13 states, the Children’s Dyslexia Center has helped over 1,400 students in 2018 alone, and that number is almost certain to grow in 2019. Including Connecticut, centers in 4 states are in the process of adding additional space or opening satellite locations to help give more children with dyslexia the opportunity to learn and reach their full potential.
"We don't feel that literacy should be an option or a luxury, and everyone should have the gift to be their very best, to go forward, to shine," said Co-Director of CDC Bridgeport, Connie Vogt.
Students have told the CDC that they no longer mind attending school due to the success of the tutoring. The change in their outlook on academics from the day children enter the CDC, to graduation, can be life altering. Yet, academics are not the sole focus of the CDC. The center’s mission is to not only help children with dyslexia in school, but for them to succeed in all aspects of life. The tutoring and skills these children receive, help them function in every-day life, and can be transferred to success in future careers. Students from Wisconsin to New Jersey have had their lives changed forever, and there is no telling how many more will be assisted in the future.
To learn more about the Children’s Dyslexia Center, visit their website here.
Watch Below: Senator Blumenthal's visit to the Bridgeport, CT Children's Dyslexia Center.
