First Lady Karen Weglage and the Ohio Children’s Dyslexia Centers

Most of my teaching career was focused on reading and language, and teaching children the tools needed for reading. Watching small children struggle through the steps of trying to make sense of all the “black marks” on a page was difficult. They needed the “key” to how it all works. The Children’s Dyslexia Centers hold the key. The Children’s Dyslexia Centers help change lives. They have impacted an incredible number of children by giving them the techniques they need to learn to read, so their confidence and self-esteem can be lifted. During their one-on-one lessons prepared by the tutors, anxiety and frustration soon turn into an elated feeling and the child begins to succeed.

We chose The Children’s Dyslexia Centers as our charity because of our personal experience watching our grandson, diagnosed with Dyslexia, develop into a successful and confident college graduate. We have seen anxiety and frustration turn into smiles and happy attitudes with the help of the Dyslexia Center programs. We want to highlight the success stories and how the work at the Dyslexia Centers impacts children. During our travels throughout Ohio this year, each district will hear our stories and why this charity is so important to us. For this entire year, Masons will be exposed to our feelings about giving students with dyslexia the tools they need to become successful adults.

The Children’s Dyslexia Centers help change lives. They have positive effects not only on the students who attend them, but also on their families. During our year we want to raise awareness and understanding of the Centers and the impact they have on the children of Ohio.

The Dyslexia Centers are funded by donations. We hope by sharing our passion for the centers, we can raise the funds they need to continue this service. The centers and the students need our help and financial support. The donations we receive this year from the Lodges and Districts will help in so many ways.

Some of our plans this year to help raise funds include a Ladies’ brunch in June. More information will be forthcoming on this event. There will also be an ongoing raffle during our travels to the receptions this year.

The students need our help and financial support. Help us put smiles on those young faces.