About Us
Making a Difference
Originally, no child or their family were to be charged for the tutoring provided by the Learning Center as all costs associated with the operation of the Learning Center were to be underwritten. This was successful for several years. Eventually the Learning Center became The Dyslexia Education and Training Center responsible for all operational cost. Thankfully, through our yearly fundraisers and generous donors along with the leadership of our Board of Directors we have kept our center (moving forward)
One other very key component of the LC is that all tutors are trained, (free of charge) in the Orton Gillingham method of Tutoring and once trained the tutor gives back to the LC 100 hours of Tutoring Service. The only paid personnel associated with the LC is the LC Director.
We have moved several times over the years in an effort to keep our overhead expenses low so we can continue to offer affordable tutoring services to families and children in the dyslexic community. Additionally, we have continued to train tutors in the Orton-Gillingham method (free of charge). Our goal is that these newly trained tutors will use these skills in their classrooms, homes, and community to carry out or primary mission of tutoring children.
We truly believe it takes a community, school staff, and parents working together to guide and encourage these children to overcome the challenges of dyslexia. With one in five students in the classroom struggling with reading difficulties it is up to us to enable them to find their "lightbulb moment ", when all their hard comes full circle.
The Valley of Toledo established their endowment fund, set up room for the Learning Center (LC) Cubicles and provided office space for administration. Any and all costs associated with the LC would be borne by the Valley of Toledo.
One other very key component to ensure the stability of the LC was that all Tutors would be trained, (free of charge) in the Orton Gilliam method of Tutoring and once trained the tutor was to give back to the LC 100 hours of Tutoring Service. To start the only paid personnel associated with the LC was the LC Director and a Secretary.
This all sounds great right? We were off and running. So what happened? Some times the best laid plans and the best intentions go awry. Following is a synopsis of what happened:
At one point in time the Valley of Toledo had over 10,000 members. When the LC was established that number was less than half and continuing to fall. That decline in membership of course meant a loss of revenue which impacted not only the ability to fund the LC it also had a major impact on the Valley of Toledo itself.
In an effort to try and save both the Valley and the LC the AASR had to relocate from the Masonic Complex on Heatherdowns to rented space in Arrowhead Park. Space for the LC was again set up with new Tutoring Cubicles, Security Cameras and Security Personnel.
Things were moving along fairly well, fund raising efforts continued and the Valley was able to continue their financial support. But the established Endowment Fund was losing ground and more financial support was being taken form the Valleys operations.
The LC grew from 20 Students to over 45 Students. This increase in Students meant a need for more Tutors and once the Tutors gave back their 100 hours of free Tutoring in order to keep them on board the LC decided to pay them.
Realizing the need for increased financial support from the Valley due to the growth in size of the LC The Valley informed the LC that they would have to downsize the number of students and Tutors or that they would have to withdraw all financial support. Keep in mind that the Valley was not allowed to ask for payment for Tutoring from any of the children or their parents. This was still prohibited by the NMJ.
The LC was given time to decide what they would do, The answer was that they would not downsize. The Valley then had to inform them that all support would be ended.
Once the Valley support stopped the LC was forced to downsize and find other quarters. Maumee City schools gave them space and relocated there for awhile and ended up where they are now in Oregon.
So to recap, 55 Learning Centers were started in 15 States. Today there are 43 Centers in 13 Sates. The major reason for the decline in the number of Centers is Financial and that due to loss of membership in the Valleys.
The Centers have served more than 1000 children. More than 60,000 lessons have been taught. There have been well over 250 graduates of the program and more that 200 Tutors have received Certification. Fund raising efforts continue across the Centers and there is still no money collected from Children or their parents.
Closer to home, there are 12 Valleys in the State of Ohio with Toledo being one of the Valleys. At the start of the LC roll-out all 12 Valleys had Centers. Today only 7 house an actual LC but they do continue to support their local LC somehow. Toledo has been able to make an annual donation to the current LC.