RWB Ron Snyder of the 16th District has

such as the VFW or American Legion, the matching funds must go toward specific items for the care package and cannot go toward general operating expenses.

Recognition & Resource Programs The Masonic Home offers more than financial assistance programs. Some of the programs are about recognizing and honoring special groups, while others help provide assistance through non-monetary means. Everyone in the Masonic Family who contacts the Masonic Home in need of assistance can receive Social Services and Financial Education. These programs have no Age and Length of Membership requirements, nor do they require a financial need. They are designed to help provide information and education.

Widows Program The Widows Program helps the Masonic Home stay connected to our honored Masonic Widows. When the Masonic Home learns of a Masonic widow, we send her a special lapel pin and a widows card listing her late husband’s Masonic record should she ever need assistance from the Masonic Home. In addition, the Masonic Home maintains contact throughout the year with cards and the Masonic Outreach magazine.

Veterans Program The Veterans Program is a way for the Masonic Home to recognize and thank our Masonic veterans. A special ceremony has been created to recognize and thank our Masonic veterans in lodge in front of their families and friends. As part of that ceremony, each veteran receives a Grand Lodge of Missouri flag flown at the Masonic Complex, a Masonic veterans pin and a certificate. The ceremony is conducted by the Masonic Home Ambassadors. Throughout the year, the Masonic Home will send special mailings to those veterans to honor and thank them for their services.

Social Services Program The Social Services Program offers free phone consultation to Missouri’s fraternal members. This program provides guidance and education to members who require assistance locating needed community resources. Often times, members find value in problem solving issues they may be experiencing regarding financial hardships, care issues, and long-term care planning. Adult children of Missouri fraternal members are also welcome to use the Social Services Program to obtain assistance for their parents.

Financial Education Program The Financial Education Program offers free financial education and counseling services to Missouri Masons, Eastern Star members, and their family members through individual consultations and group presentations. Unlike the Financial Assistance Programs, the Financial Education Program does not require participants to meet Age & Length of Membership guidelines to take part in the program.

The majority of the clients in the Financial Education Program receive one-on-one counseling with the Home’s Accredited Financial Counselor through regular consultations. Topics addressed are specific to financial needs of each client and focus on areas in which they require the most support. These include budgeting, prioritizing expenses, debt management, adjusting to change in income or expenses, and setting short-term financial goals. Participants are often referred from the Financial Assistance Programs to address financial concerns or crisis. However, many clients are self-referred to avoid financial distress or to prepare for expected expenses or transition.

Masonic Museum The Masonic Home of Missouri built the Masonic Museum, a permanent five themed gallery museum, to weave together the historical significance of the fraternity, the history of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and the history of the Masonic Home of Missouri, while providing an opportunity to share the historically significant Masonic items from individuals, lodges and chapters throughout the state of Missouri.

The Masonic Museum was dedicated on Feb. 23, 2008. Since its opening, the Masonic Museum has continued to update displays with the most significant renovation occurring in 2017.