Where It Began
In 1952, a social worker at Children’s Hospital in Denver brought a young boy and his mother to the attention of Scottish Rite leaders. The boy, whose father had died, was four years old and unable to speak. His mother had been told there was little that could be done for him.
Scottish Rite leaders were invited to observe the speech clinic at Children’s Hospital. What they saw made a lasting impression. Children with significant speech and language disorders were working hard to communicate, and the need for specialized treatment was clear.
Judge Haslett Burke directed the Almoners of the two Denver Scottish Rite Consistories to investigate the opportunity for a meaningful philanthropic effort. In the early summer of 1952, a special meeting was held with leaders of the Consistories, hospital administrators, the speech clinic director, and medical staff. The group ultimately adopted a unanimous resolution to develop a plan of service to aid children with aphasia.
Judge Burke then visited the hospital himself and witnessed the therapy sessions. Seeing the children struggle to express themselves convinced him that a profound need existed.
The Foundation Is Born
On November 25, 1952, Judge Burke called a joint meeting of the members of the two Denver Consistories. He spoke of the importance of broader humanitarian service and philanthropy. Ruth Anderson, Director of the Speech Clinic at Children’s Hospital, explained the challenges faced by children with severe speech-language disorders and the importance of helping them become contributing members of their communities.
Illustrious Brother Schlessman presented a resolution proposing that the two Consistories form a Scottish Rite Foundation. The proposal passed with almost unanimous support. The members had decided to work together in service to others, especially children.
The Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws for the tax-exempt, nonprofit Scottish Rite Foundation were approved and adopted on February 3, 1953.
From One Clinic to a Statewide Mission
Children’s Hospital Colorado became the first RiteCare program in 1953. Over the years, the Foundation expanded its partnerships to communities across Colorado. A partnership with St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction began in 1986, followed by programs in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Montrose, Fort Collins, Craig, and other communities.
As the Foundation grew, its mission expanded beyond direct clinical support. The Foundation has supported Treasure Chest literacy and language programs, educational initiatives, and graduate scholarships designed to help prepare the next generation of speech-language pathologists. A 2013 Foundation publication noted that, by its 60th anniversary, more than $26 million had been contributed to RiteCare Clinics, Treasure Chest programs, and graduate scholarships.
A Continuing Commitment
More than seven decades after its founding, the purpose remains much the same: to help ensure that Colorado children with language disorders have the opportunity to receive the treatment and care they need. What began with one child and a group of Scottish Rite Masons determined to respond to a need has grown into a statewide commitment to children and families.
The history of RiteCare is ultimately a history of people recognizing a need and choosing to act. The Foundation continues that tradition by supporting children today while investing in the professionals, programs, and resources that will serve Colorado families tomorrow.