In the early 1950's in Colorado, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry S. J. 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 Scottish Rite clinics to provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, as well as learning disabilities.

Today there are 146 Scottish Rite clinics, centers, and special programs 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.

The Scottish Rite - Valley of Joplin serves children throughout most of South West and South Central Missouri. Some of the communities served include Joplin, Springfield, Branson, Lake of the Ozarks, and Fort Leonardwood. Although we do not have a RiteCare clinic in our region, we have partnered with Chlidren's Miracle Network to help identify children in need. If you or someone you know might benefit from our assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.