In 1994, the Scottish Rite Masons joined forces with the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital to launch a major endeavor to help ease the life-long burdens of dyslexia. Until the Children's Learning Centers were launched in the 15 states of this organization's Northern Jurisdiction, no other national charity had adopted this critical need as a major concern. Although studies revealed the existence of remarkably effective programs for treating dyslexia, no one was addressing the issue and its cost to individuals and society in a systematic way. The initial goal was to open 55 Learning Centers in 15 states. At that time, 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 building Learning Centers to help youngsters succeed in and out of school; and To fully fund this endeavor. The Children's Learning Centers, now in 15 states, provide tutoring at no charge to children from kindergarten through high school who have been diagnosed as dyslexic. Children are eligible regardless of economic status, race, religion, or Masonic affiliation. The positive impact of early intervention on the lives of these children and their families is enormous, and inspires our commitment to this program.