SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY

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The Almoner's Fund

Charity is the great virtue of mankind. The Scottish Rite practices this virtue through our Almoner's Fund. At each meeting of the Bodies, in the annual dues statement, and through bequests and other gifts, the Almoner's Fund is remembered. Monies collected go directly to those who are in real distress. Not one cent of the fund goes for administrative cost, and recipients are screened for need.

Scottish Rite Learning Center, Inc.

The Scottish Rite Learning Center of Austin, Inc., opened in 1989. The Center was established to provide dyslexia tutoring for children in grades 1-5. The Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas developed a videotape program that was used successfully at the Learning Center for the first 12 years.

In 2001, the Learning Center decided to broaden its focus and not only tutor children, but also provide area educators with the training required to become Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT) through the Academic Language Therapy Association. These individuals have completed rigorous requirements, including passing a national exam. This is an exciting step for Austin and the surrounding area. Because of this new venture, the videotape series was discontinued, and the students accepted at the Learning Center work directly with educators who are seeking Academic Language Therapy certification. Students receive the same high quality instruction that parents and area educators have associated with the Learning Center.

The Scottish Rite Learning Center of Austin, Inc., founded in 1989, provides dyslexic individuals with a proven research-based, multisensory approach for learning the basic language skills of reading, writing, and spelling, through the ongoing charitable commitment of the Scottish Rite Masons. Scottish Rite Learning Center's efforts are also concentrated on maintaining a nationally accredited teacher-training institute as well as a resource for educators, parental consultation, and adult education.

The Masonic Order has been involved in quality education in Texas since the Battle of San Jacinto and the early growth of the Republic. For more than 150 years, Texas Masons have joined with others around the world to institute and support charitable programs.
The Scottish Rite Learning Center of Austin, Inc. takes great pride in continuing this tradition of service by bringing quality education to those Austin area children who struggle to free themselves from the effects of dyslexia.

Call us at (512) 472-1231 and ask for information on our programs and dyslexia. We are located at 12871 Research Blvd., Suite 105 Austin , TX 78750.

Scottish Rite Children's Hospital

The "crown jewel" of Texas Scottish Rite philanthropies is the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Dallas. Originally a "crippled children's" hospital, the facility continues its role in orthopedic treatment and research, while meeting the challenge of other childhood and adult disabilities. Dyslexia and learning disability programs designed by the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital are in use throughout the nation.

Scottish Rite Educational Foundation (The Scottish Rite Dormitory)

Since 1922, the Scottish Rite Dormitory, adjacent to the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, has served as the home-away-from-home for thousands of daughters of Masons, as well as young women sponsored without financial obligation by Texas Blue Lodge Masons. The modern, yet gracious, facilities speak well of Texas Scottish Rite's dedication to higher education.

The Scottish Rite Foundation, Inc.

While in Waco, Scottish Rite Masons should visit the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum. Named in honor of Past Grand Master of Masons in Texas and Sovereign Grand Inspector General of Scottish Rite Masons in Texas, the late Ill.: Robert Lee Lockwood, the magnificent facility houses an extensive library and museum of Texas and Masonic memorabilia. In addition, the Scottish Rite foundation, Inc. provides numerous scholarships to graduate studentss in various academic fields.

The above Scottish Rite charitable entities are covered under Internal Revenue Sect. 501-C3, whereby donations are deductible to the full extent of the law. They may also be included as self-directed contributions for participants in the United Way program. Should you have questions about the tax implications of your gift, please call the Business Office at (512)472-7247 or toll-free at (800)754-3079.

Austin Scottish Rite Community & Children's Theatre, Inc.

The Austin Scottish Rite Community and Children's Theatre is a community outreach effort created by the Austin Scottish Rite of Freemasonry to provide quality, positive theatrical products for the Central Texas area.

Many of our productions are focused on live theatre for children and their families. Hands down, the Austin Scottish Rite Community and Children's theatre is the best in it's class, receiving numerous awards, such as the 2006 B. Iden Payne Award for "Outstanding Production of a Play for Youth" for Rumpelstiltskin and the Austin Family Magazine Poll: "Favorite Live Theatre for Children in 2005, 2006 and 2007."

During Children's theatre productions, children interact directly with the actors. Kids and parents alike love the productions and regularly and enthusiastically attend our performances.

During the Summer, the Austin Scottish Rite Community and Children's theatre also offers Summer Camp for kids and their parents, where teaching children the fundamentals of theatre production is tailored to a young audience.

For more information about the Austin Scottish Rite Community and Children's theatre, please contact Rita Kelso, Events manager at (512) 472-7247 extension 11.