Robin K. Olivier, CCC-SLP
Director of Clinical Services
Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center at Richmond, Inc.
4202 Hermitage Road, Richmond, Virginia 23227–3755
www.childspeech.org

Kindness in giving creates love.

As winter fades away, and spring's glory begins to come alive, I cannot help pondering the wonder around us and feeling humbled by the beauty and hope of transformation. I feel this way every year, and my thoughts become more introspective. Perhaps it has much to do with the boundless changes nature graciously displays for our delight. Regardless of the reasons why, in springtime I always find myself more appreciative of the gifts I have been given.

It is so easy to take our blessings for granted. This time of year, however, I feel compelled to convey my thankfulness to those who make a difference in my life and in the lives of those in my care. The question is, "How do you adequately thank those who unselfishly give of their time, resources, and attention? How do you let others know they have had a significant impact in the world in which you live?"

For these answers, I draw on the examples given to me by parents of the children we treat at the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center at Richmond, Inc. They lovingly and sincerely express their appreciation through words, actions, and deeds. It is a little-known fact that, for the majority of the families attending the Center, insurance does not pay for speech or hearing services. It is unfathomable, but true. Speech and Hearing service may not be considered medically necessary.

Even in cases involving children who are completely non-verbal, authorization for treatment is often denied. As you can imagine, this is devastating to parents. These devoted caregivers are strong advocates for their children, however, and they work hard to make sure their children's needs are met. Thankfully our Center is able to help. Speech and Hearing services are costly, due to the fact that children are seen on a weekly basis over a period of months or years. A typical monthly therapy expense averages $400.00 or more. For families who may have additional medical or other health-related expenses, this presents a real financial hardship. The Childhood Language Center at Richmond, like many of the Scottish Rite Centers, Clinics, or Programs across the Southern Jurisdiction, works diligently to assist these families.

Up to 90% of the children we treat at the Center receive some type of financial assistance from us. This is made possible thanks to the undying generosity of caring individuals desiring to make a difference in the lives of the young. You cannot imagine the gratitude expressed by families when they are told their children will receive treatment through our financial assistance program.

As one mother writes: "I would like to thank you for the two things that cannot be measured, but are present in the heart. First, is the hope you give us. Having a child that is severely speech impaired is a day-to-day struggle for the child, parents, and siblings. Some days are good, some aren't. Sometime I wonder about my son's future. Especially then, you give me hope just by being there. Secondly, your help has taught my three children more about giving than most children know. Because of this, I know they will be better and more productive adults in the future."

Another parent comments: "There are absolutely no words to express how my husband and I feel about the incredible improvements our son has made since he started speech therapy at the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center. It is a miracle! We simply cannot tell you how much the Center has meant to our family. Without your help and financial assistance, none of this would have been possible. Thank you again for giving our son the gift of conversation."

Without Scottish Rite involvement, none of the accomplishments made at the Center would be possible. In the nine years that the Center has been open, the generosity of the Richmond Brethren has provided testing and treatment for needy children, in the amount of $732,000. Thousands of children, who otherwise would not have received the care they require, have been served. As Lao-Tzu, a sixth century B.C. philosopher once wrote: "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." I thank you, for your kindness.