Unlock the Magic of Learning Event Open Doors for Kids with Learning Disabilities

School is hard enough for any kid. But for the 4.6 million school-aged children in the U.S. diagnosed with a learning disability, it can be heartbreaking.

Daily struggles with math, reading, writing, and memory can bruise a child’s self-esteem and interfere with learning. Over time, a learning disability can affect their routine, relationships, and emotional well-being. But with the right diagnosis and intervention, a child can excel in ways they never imagined.

Each year, the St. Louis Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) provides 7,000 kids with the tools and techniques that help them overcome the obstacles that stand in their way and discover new, effective ways of learning geared toward their needs. Through early childhood outreach, tutoring, advocacy, and a number of other services, LDA’s professional consultants and specialists give children the confidence they deserve and their families hope for their futures.

On Saturday, Sept. 30, you can help St. Louis LDA guide more children on the path to success in school by joining 600 other caring families at the 20^th annual Unlock the Magic of Learning event. This family-friendly fundraiser offers a night of nonstop entertainment for your kids – and the chance to help thousands of children close the gap between their potential and their ability to achieve the incredible.

Providing care and support to every child

Started in 1966 by a group of concerned parents who wanted better opportunities for their kids, St. Louis LDA has grown into a full-service nonprofit helping children of all ages and abilities. For those who have a learning disability, but do not qualify for intervention at school, or for those who do, but need help beyond what the school can provide, St. Louis LDA is a lifeline to success.

Said Pam Kortum, chief executive officer, “St. Louis LDA offers a ‘whole child’ approach to each student we work with.  We can test students here; we tutor in a one-on-one setting with a learning specialist. We are available to go into school meetings with each family to work on programming for that child and can even train teachers in the strategies necessary to help that child in the classroom.  We are available to do parent coaching if a family is wanting some help with the environment at home also.  We really do believe it takes a whole village to raise a child, and we are the structure that puts the plan together for the child and makes sure that it is implemented.”

Furthermore, because children who live below the poverty line are at a higher risk of having a learning disability, St. Louis LDA strives to ensure no child is left without care. In fact, the organization offers more than $300,000 in free and low-cost services to children in need each year.

For one mom of a nine-year-old who received services from LDA through its scholarship program, the transformation she witnessed in her daughter was remarkable.

“Since starting this program, a lot has changed,” she remarked. “My daughter has gotten the help that she needed.  Her school finally evaluated her for an IEP, and the extra help from her tutor and her one-on-one time with her just makes her day.  She now reads to me.  She is not scared to mess up a word and sound it out anymore.  Her writing and focus have also improved.  I notice that her confidence in herself is awesome. She is the light of my life and LDA allows her the tools she needs to shine.”

Have fun while inspiring others

Now in its 20^th year, the Unlock the Magic of Learning fundraiser has become a must-do for families across St. Louis. Held at Grant’s Farm, the event combines the traditional aspects of a fundraising gala – dinner, live and silent auction, and cover band (in this case, Smash Band) – with kid-friendly activities for the young and young at heart.

Your little ones can burn off the remnants of dessert with non-stop action at the bounce houses, carnival games and Wii station. They also can get their faces painted while enjoying entertainment from a variety of performers including a magician, Silly Jilly the Balloon Maker and The Muny Kids.

While the night is one of fun, it also opens doors for more kids in St. Louis, helping them secure the services they need to become successful in the classroom – and in their future.

“Through the many years I have done this job, I’ve watched countless children come to us at various ages with one thing in common – they are not being successful in school,” said Kortum. “After working here in our program for about six weeks, you can begin to see a change in their attitudes and their work. While some children stay here for long periods of time because their parents see the validity in what we do with them, others will internalize what we teach them and move back into their academic world flying on their own.  Each child is different and will make progress at their own rate.”

Tickets for the Unlock the Magic of Learning fundraiser are $75 for adults, $25 for over age five, and free for children age four and younger. For more information and to register, visit www.ldastl.org or call 314-966-3088.