Supporting Literacy

OMCF Announces $50K Partnership with SMART Reading

M.W.B. James L. Morgan, Grand Secretary

The Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation (OMCF) is excited to announce its new partnership with SMART Reading to support young readers across the state. On Friday, July 12, 2024, the OMCF Board proudly presented Ms. Stacy Goodwin, the Washington County coordinator for SMART Reading, with a check for $50,000. This marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long and fruitful collaboration.

SMART Reading is a program that pairs children with volunteers for shared reading time and provides them with books to keep during the 2024-2025 school year. The Foundation Board chose SMART Reading as its primary partnership outside the fraternity because of its proven acceptance and partnership with school districts across the state. Their work in public schools aligns well with Freemasonry’s historic support of public education.

In addition to its partnership with SMART Reading, the OMCF funds the Creating A Partnership program, which helps Oregon Lodges support local schools and community programs. Through the partnership with SMART Reading, OMCF will expand its support to public schools and young readers.

If you would like to become a SMART Reader, please visit their website at www.smartreading.org for more information. OMCF encourages any member to support our new partner by volunteering as a reader. If you would like to contribute financially, please visit www.OregonFreemasonry.com/donate You can make a difference in a child’s life by helping them grow their love of reading through your donation.

AT SMART READING, WE HOLD TO ONE SIMPLE TRUTH: Reading Matters

It’s an early gateway skill that paves the pathway for future success. Without it, kids are simply less likely to graduate high school, find employment, or successfully avoid hardships like poverty, homelessness, hunger and other injustices.

Founded in 1992, SMART Reading is a children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest need schools and marginalized communities with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: shared reading time and books to keep.

OUR VISION: An Oregon where all children can realize their full potential through reading.

OUR MISSION: To spark joy and opportunity through the magic of a shared book.

We should all be supportive of the effort to give a helping hand. I want Masons in our jurisdiction to be able to bring the support of Oregon Freemasons to charities that we can all feel good about.

- W.B. James V. Munson, OMCF Board President