Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program

By Amber Alexander

Iwould like to introduce myself. My name is Amber N. Alexander, and I am the Coordinator for the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program. I received my master’s from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. My concentration is Social and Economic Development with a specialization in Policy. Prior to coming to the Grand Lodge, I was a state employee for the Illinois Attorney General’s office by way of the Illinois House of Representatives. I happened upon a job listing for the program coordinator. What stood out to me about the position was the description. Even from the description of the Program Coordinator position I could tell this program was especially important to the Grand Lodge of IL and the State of Illinois. The position would allow me to utilize my degree and incorporate my past work experience.

“The Student Assistance Program is a premier educational program focused on preventing at-risk student behaviors by teaching strategies and skills to address drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, bullying and more. This program offers educational trainings for school administrators, teachers, staff school and students.” – Student Assistance Program Coordinator job description excerpt.

I wanted to be able to make an impact on education in Illinois and this program allows me to do so. I have only been in this position since July of 2021. In that brief time, I have gotten to know the Board of Managers for the program, and the chairman R.W.B. Angelo Deserio. The Chairman and Board have all reached out to me individually to introduce themselves and offer their assistance in any way possible. I have been able to attend several workshops which have been offered both in person and virtually. The trainings have been interactive and powerful with positive feedback from participants.

I took part in the Annual Golf Outing which had a record number of golfers. We had over ninety golfers take part in the outing and raised a significant amount for IMSAP. This would not have been possible without the Board, the Grand Lodge, participants, sponsors, and members. It was a magnificent event full of fellowship and good times for a great cause.

IMSAP uses two different educational consulting firms. One is the National Masonic Foundation for Children, and the other is Excel Educational Consulting, LLC. Both firms are certified by the IL State School Superintendent’s office to provide training and offer CEUs and Professional Development credits for educators for select trainings.

The cost for all trainings is covered entirely by the IMSAP, so the regions and districts are not responsible for any costs. When conducting in person trainings lunch is provided by the program for participants. The districts who have taken part in the workshops have enjoyed the trainings and have rescheduled for more trainings to be offered in their region.

The goals for the program’s future are to expand into areas which the program has not been before and maintain the relationships made in regions currently participating in IMSAP workshops.

I am looking forward to continuing working as the Program Coordinator in cooperation with the Grand Lodge and IMSAP Board of Managers.

If you are interested in learning more about the program or bringing it to your area, please contact IMSAP Coordinator Amber Alexander 217-529-8900 ext. 219, email imsap@ilmason.org. There is information available on the IMSAP website www.imsap.org https://twitter.com/IL_MSAP https://www.instagram.com/il_msap/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/illinois-masonicstudent-assistance-program

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Sincerely, Amber N. Alexander, IMSAP Coordinator

((Editor’s note: additional response about success of IMSAP support. Julius is the winner of the steam contest and inserted as he wrote it))

Julius is the great grandson of Mason Richard Bradford of Arthur Good Standing - Master Mason (71 YGS )

Child: Julius Morrow

Age: 9

Grade: 3rd School district: Arthur CUSD 305 School: Arthur Grade School

Parents: Doug and Gabrielle Morrow Project: backyard obstacle course

Materials used: fallen down tree, recycled wood, paint, nails, rocks, and sticks

My ma Mal’s tree and tree house were knocked down during a storm, so I used the leftovers and created an obstacle course to go around trampoline and slide. I go to physical therapy to work on balance and created something with my mom and ma mals help. Start by using the logs as different stepping levels. I put them in an up and down pattern. I go to the slide and then go to hopscotch. I then ran to my balance beam I created. I then go to my walking teeter totter I created. Last, I run to wood steps I put together to help me get back on the trampoline.