ALLENTOWN, Pa. – For more than 25 years, the Children’s Dyslexia Center of the Lehigh Valley has provided free tutoring to children with dyslexia. On Friday night, community members gathered at the Masonic Temple in Allentown to ensure that mission continues.
Members of the community rally together for a gala with one goal– to support the Children’s Dyslexia Center of the Lehigh Valley.
“It’s absolutely wonderful,” said Marilyn Mathis, former director of the Center. “In order to be able to help these children, we rely on donations, and this is an event we have to raise money to do that.”
The money raised helps fund free dyslexia tutoring for children in the area.
Rosette Roth is the co-founder of Decoding Dyslexia Pennsylvania, which is a grassroots organization.
“This is humongous,” Roth said. “Anywhere you live, if there’s a dyslexia center by you, sign up to volunteer and get trained to be a tutor.”
Juli Smith, a former student at the Center, shared how the program changed her life. Tutored by Mathis for three years, Smith now teaches children with dyslexia at the Cambridge School.
“It’s been really incredible to help them and relate to them on that level,” Smith said. “When they feel badly about themselves, I can say I’ve been there and give them that encouragement and support to really propel themselves forward.”
Smith also highlighted the ongoing need for dyslexia support.
“It’s incredible that it’s still going on,” she said. “One in five students have dyslexia, so the need is never going to go away. It’s great to see everyone rally around that and recognize that there’s such a need to help students succeed.”
The Center encourages those interested in supporting its mission to consider donating through its website.