News release
The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Hays Lodge No. 195 to donate $12,000 to the Fort Hays State University Literacy Institute, an organization that provides free literacy services to all Kansans in need.
Founded in 1881, Hays Lodge No. 195 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge has 60 members and supports various local organizations and programs, including the Community Assistance Center, the Firefighters’ Relief Association, and the Kansas Masonic High School Essay Contest. Over the last eight years, the lodge has provided over $30,000 in scholarships to students attending technical and four-year university programs and was able to donate $11,500 to the Fort Hayes State University Virtual Literacy Institute.
“The FHSU Literacy Institute provides free literacy services to all Kansans in need. Because literacy services are scarce in rural areas and costly across the state, it is nearly impossible for rural, low-income families to receive help,” said Hays Lodge No. 195 Master Christopher Neeley. “The FHSU Literacy Institute removes the barriers limiting students from reaching their full potential by providing this free, virtual and in-person service. Dr. Miller's program addresses a specific need which is largely unserved in our area, which is why our Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 are passionate about supporting the organization.”
This year, the Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to donate $12,000 to FHSU Literacy Institute, which will be used to purchase the Reading Horizons software needed to offer language and literacy tutoring services online. The program rejects some of the traditionally accepted methods and incorporates more modern instruction based upon experimentally proven methods within the science of reading practices. The program’s brick-and-mortar grand opening will take place on September 15, 2022, and there are currently nine volunteers on staff that will provide literacy tutoring in addition to the FHSU education students. A formal donation announcement was previously made on June 2, 2022, at the lodge’s scholarship banquet.
About the Kansas Masonic Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, please visit https://kansasmasonic.foundation/