In 1971, our daughter Kim was diagnosed with dyslexia by the pioneering psychologist Roger E. Saunders. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that effects your ability to read, write, spell, and speak. As Mr. Saunders explained dyslexia, Jim realized that Kim was not alone in her diagnosis.  At the age of 32, Jim discovered that he too suffered from dyslexia. Jim recognized his own personal struggles with school, and was determined to provide an opportunity our children to receive a quality education tailored to their needs.

     Both of our sons, Joe and Tom, were diagnosed with dyslexia in elementary school. In the 1970’s, finding a tailored learning program was difficult. Research and awareness were limited, and dyslexic kids were often mislabeled as slow or incapable of learning. Luckily, we were able to find Jemicy School for Joe and St. Paul’s Parallel Program for Tom. These programs took the time to teach our sons without ridicule. They provided a solid educational base from which Joe and Tom were able to grow as students and individuals.

     We were so grateful that Jim went to the Jemicy Board looking for any opportunity to help. Jim was added to the board as the fundraiser, a position he held for 4 years, and one that marked the beginning of our lifelong advocacy for dyslexia. After Jim retired from the insurance business, we established The Morgan Family Foundation and turned our full attention towards raising money, awareness, and opportunities for dyslexics.

     Over the last 27 years, The Morgan Family Foundation has established dyslexic learning programs at 5 schools and helped fund 11 other programs. We’ve hosted a yearly golf tournament fundraiser at The Country Club of Maryland, and we have raised over $2.5 million dollars. In this time, our passion for dyslexic causes has only grown. Over half of our 10 grandchildren have been diagnosed with dyslexia, and to see the opportunities available for them to succeed brings us great satisfaction. In the last 50 years, we have come a long way in providing support for dyslexic students in private schools. Our future goal is to establish charter elementary schools for dyslexic students in Baltimore City and Baltimore Country. Funding these programs is essential, and we wouldn’t be able to have such an impact without your support. Thank you to all of our golfers, our donors, and our sponsors.