Home's Grown Kids - Summer 2020

home’s grown

SUMMER 2020

Leon is a graduate, thanks to you!

Preparing for a Lifetime of Helping Others IF THERE’S ONE THING LEON ALLEN HAS TRIED TO LEARN over the past six years, it’s to hold an appreciation for the opportunities he’s been given, despite the challenges he's faced. As a 2020 high school and children’s home graduate, Leon feels not only grateful for what he's accomplished, but has gone above and beyond to make the most of his future.

Leon first came to the children’s home in the 7th grade. He was raised in Darby, Pennsylvania, by his mom, who worked long hours to make ends meet. She thought it was best for him to be in a more stable environment, like the children’s home.

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SUMMER 2020

“My mom knew that I would get in trouble at school,” Leon explained.

“Where I was living, I would always be on the streets outside. I would always be running around doing stupid things ... maybe never really doing anything to get in trouble, but I’d always be on the streets.”

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What Leon found at the children’s home was completely different than what he was used to, but it helped him tremendously. Part of the change he experienced after joining the children’s home “family” was the people and opportunities that helped him grow.

“When I came to Masonic, it kind of turned things around,” Leon said. “It made me think twice about things.”

As he moved into high school, Leon said that it was an important part of his growth to get a job. When he turned 16, he got his first job as a

dishwasher on the Masonic Village campus. Comparing this to where he lived before, he was grateful for the chance to find a steady, wellpaying job, which helped him save for a car and his future education.

to understand—and helping others understand—the opportunities that living at the children's home gave him. He always tried to instill an appreciation for a second chance at life into the younger kids.

“I don’t think I would have gotten a job if I was still living where I was. I wouldn’t have had the same opportunities,” he recalled.

“What the Masons and other donors give is a blessing because not everybody has the opportunity I have, and I’m so grateful for this,” he said.

But opportunities for growth weren’t just offered to Leon; he had opportunities to help others grow during his senior year internship at a local elementary school. As part of his internship, Leon assisted the students with their homework and had fun with them during an unstructured free time that was built into their daily schedule.

“Every day, [the kids] would come and surround me,” Leon said. “I just enjoyed the kids. There was this one kid who never finished his homework, but I could always get him to do it.”

At the children’s home, Leon also had plenty of time for his own adventures, many of them sports related. One of which was playing football at Elizabethtown Area High School during his freshman, junior and senior years. He was a running back during his last season on the team.

He also enjoyed playing basketball with his housemates and would often stay outside all day playing basketball at Weller Cottage on the weekends.

However, his time at the children’s home wasn’t just playing outside with friends; it was also learning

Leon says one of the greatest things he’s looking forward to is being able to attend college debt-free through the scholarships made available to him by the Masons and other donors who have seen value in him all along.

While Leon is saying goodbye to what he knows at the children’s home, his memories will last a lifetime, and he’s excited for what awaits him in the future. Keeping with his life’s mantra of helping others grow, Leon plans on majoring in physical education at East Stroudsburg University. He’s excited to meet new people on the sports teams at the university, and plans on joining the football team.

With any new experience comes uncertainty, but Leon tries to stay optimistic: “I’m scared of not knowing where I’ll be in five years or what I’ll be doing,” he says, “but I’m excited to meet new people and make college memories.”

Regardless of where Leon’s path takes him, he has confidence knowing he has loved ones at the children’s home watching over him.

SUMMER 2020 HOME’S GROWN KIDS

Leon missed out on a "normal" graduation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so children's home staff decided to order a sign (above, right) to display on his cottage. The Elizabethtown Area School District hosted a virtual graduation, and also sent a sign to be displayed in honor of Leon. In early June, children's home staff held a small picnic to celebrate Leon's successes.

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A Foundation for Success SOMETIMES A HOUSE CAN TAKE TIME TO FEEL LIKE A HOME, but once it feels like home, you know you’ll always be welcome. Jacob Goranson knows this feeling well.

While the children’s home and the people who reside there still feel like “home” to Jacob, a 2014 graduate, the beginning of his journey started with nervousness and uncertainty.

“Initially, I wasn’t really excited to go [to the children’s home], because other places like that seemed so strict,” Jacob said.

Jacob came to the children’s home with his brother, Jesse, and they spent their first few days taking walks with each other around campus and spending time in their room.

They kept to themselves and tried to adjust the best they knew how.

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SUMMER 2020

They were both in high school, so it took them longer to get used to their new environment and become comfortable around adults who weren’t their parents.

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Eventually, some of the other kids welcomed them into their group and showed them how supportive and friendly the house parents were, and Jacob started to put down his guard.

“It was a cool match with the other kids, and we eventually found out that there are no bad house parents,” he said. “Everyone was so nice.”

Shortly after, it was time to start another year of high school. Jacob was nervous at first to start school in a new town, with new friends and a new home to go back to at the end of the day. However, he

Jacob (second from right) pictured with other alumni on Youth Appreciation Day in 2016.

found solace and support that first day of school and every day after.

“The first day actually ended up being really great,” Jacob explained. “All my classes were great, and coming home with a place to study and do school work was amazing.”

Jacob praised the fact that he had a dedicated time and space to finish his homework every day at the resource center, and said it was just one aspect of the support system that helped him get ahead.

“There was a good structure to [the children’s home], but there was also a lot of freedom,” he said.

The support system at the children’s home followed Jacob into his college career, where he found new challenges.

“It took me longer to get used to college than it did for me to get used to Masonic,” he said. Jacob lived on campus at Penn State Harrisburg and found difficulty transitioning to college life.

"But the children’s home helped me learn how to be independent," he said.

Jacob stayed in contact with children’s home staff through college and would often come back to visit, as his school was only 20 minutes away.

“Not to be corny, but they’re like family,” he says.

Jacob lived at the children’s home for just over two years and said that “it was easy living there, so I guess it went by quick in a way.”

Jacob graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology

After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to live with his father.

He worked in Hollywood for a bit, auditioning and working as a background extra. He also tried his hand at acting in student films and liked what he was doing overall, but he knew that industry was never his final goal.

With his degree in psychology, Jacob hopes to go into police work in the Los Angeles area. His job hunt started months ago, but has been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He’s been told by some of the departments that he’ll hear back soon.

Regardless of his path forward, or where he decides to live, Jacob always knows that he has a family back “home.” He still keeps in touch

with some of the young men he grew up with and also some of the house parents who helped him succeed against all odds.

“Living there was the best thing that has ever happened to me,” he said. “It was just an incredible experience.”

Because of your support, Jacob is reaching for his dreams!

HOME’S GROWN KIDS

and a minor in theater from Penn State Harrisburg.

SUMMER 2020

Jacob (right), a 2014 graduate, pictured with his brother, Jesse, a 2015 graduate.

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Having the Chance to Break Free from Expectations JOY HAS ALWAYS KNOWN SHE’S HAD THE POTENTIAL TO BREAK THE CYCLE, but children’s home staff and donors have given her just the push she’s needed.

Growing up in inner-city Philadelphia, Joy was forced to take on many responsibilities at a young age.

There were dangers all around her, at home and at school, which brought her many challenges.

“There was a lot of violence and stuff going on,” Joy said.

In 2018, Joy came to the Masonic Children’s Home, along with her younger sister, Jebbeh, for a second chance at life. Since then, she’s grabbed life by the horns.

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“The children’s home has allowed me to continue my education and have a normal childhood,” Joy said.

“I can hang out with my friends and do sports and other extracurricular things I couldn’t do before. Before coming here, I would go to school and then just come home every day.”

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Joy has enjoyed having the support of tutors, house parents, children's home alumni and donors behind her.

“The people here have helped me accomplish many things,” Joy said, “like my triumphs in track and field and my achievements in education.

Joy (center) with some of her friends at Umbaugh Cottage.

I know I have a brighter future that will lead me to do great things.”

A sophomore in high school, Joy isn’t exactly sure what profession she’d like to enter as an adult, but she does know a few things for sure: “My goals are to have a job I enjoy, take care of my family and give back to my community.”

While Joy is a role model for many youth at the children’s home, she does have a “biggest fan” - her 12-year-old sister, Jebbeh, who she has helped guide over the years.

“I try to remind her that we are here for the opportunity to have a better future, and this place is good for us,” Joy said. “I tell her not to fall under the stereotypes that are given to you. Break free from those expectations and prove you are more.”

Joy believes the only way to do this is to develop confidence in yourself. Personally, the children’s home has taught Joy to place value in herself and her abilities.

In Joy's cottage, the girls and their house parents write messages of affirmation on the dry erase board in the kitchen. They often provide a great start to Joy's day and serve as a way for the girls to support and build confidence in one another.

“When I came here, I noticed how loving everybody is, and how they really do accept me," Joy said.

"I would describe myself as intelligent, diligent and compassionate, and my friends and house parents as family.”

Because of you, our donors, Joy has the chance to have the future she's always dreamed of. Thank you!

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HOME’S GROWN KIDS

SUMMER 2020

You Are Helping Us Through this Pandemic COVID-19 HAS BROUGHT EXTRAORDINARY CHALLENGES to us all. Our children’s home was no exception, as our normal routines were greatly disrupted during the stay-at-home orders.

In the spring, our children’s schooling transitioned to online classes, so our house parents worked hard to help tutor the kids as they adapted to a new way of learning. Since all their social and recreational activities were canceled, our house parents helped the kids stay busy and productive with outdoor activities, cook-outs, games, reading and learning to bake. We made the most of our time together!

The kids may have missed sports practices, music lessons and time with their friends, but hopefully have gained many new memories.

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SUMMER 2020

Since the kids were home from school, we experienced an increase in food expenses and staff time. You, our generous donors, rose to the occasion with your extra gifts – thank you!

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Regardless of these difficult times, children in need cannot wait. Thanks to your support, we were able to recently welcome two new boys into our children’s home “family." Because of you, these children will receive the care they deserve so they can thrive.

The start of this school year (whatever that may look like) will present its own set of challenges as this pandemic continues. In addition to backpacks, books and other supplies, we must purchase masks and adequate sanitation materials. We must also prepare to have staff available to stay with kids who may have to quarantine.

However, we are fortunate to know that you’ll be with us every step of the way.

Your support proves that things are better when we come together and unite! Thanks for ensuring our kids can count on you.

A Message of HOPE From Our Kids Throughout these trying times, our kids are staying happy and positive because of you! See how the children spent their time in quarantine, as well as their well-wishes for others, by visiting Facebook.com/MasonicChildrensHome and watching "A Message of Hope."

Quarantine activities (pictured right): First row: The kids leave inspiring messages on campus for Masonic Village health care workers.

Second row: House parents host a "field day" outdoors. With games and prizes, the children had a blast and were able to burn off some energy.

Third row (first and second photos): The girls in Umbaugh Cottage learned to make French macaroons.

Fourth row: Staff turned lemons into lemonade during quarantine with a picnic. While the kids stayed in their cottages, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers surely brightened their day.

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HOME’S GROWN KIDS

SUMMER 2020

Thank You ALL GIFTS GIVEN JAN. 1 - APRIL 30 SCHOLAR DONORS Michael Brown Bill and Carla Fishel James A. and Doralice P. Hinton, CRUT Rich and Susan Kirk Glenn and Barbara Kurzenknabe John and Jan March

Widows Sons Masonic Riders Assoc. - Lancaster Chapter

ASSOCIATE Evelyn Hunter-Longdon

BACHELORS Charles and Carol Curry

WISH LIST CONTRIBUTORS

HONORARIUM GIFTS

HONOREE

DONOR

Samuel A. Brand

John and Barbara Kolchin

Robert D. Brink

Nate Fox

Dale and Peggy Busch

John and Barbara Kolchin

Children's Home Staff

Andreas and Marjorie Hantwerker

Charles E. and Carol C. Curry

Sandee Cohn

John and Barbara Kolchin

Dr. John and Barbara Kolchin

Zella Dervin

Larry and Zella Phelabaum

Sidney S. Hersh

Joel Hersh and Cynthia Tyger

Luther and Kim Zarfoss II

Mimi Johnson

John and Barbara Kolchin

EDUCATOR DONORS

Jessica Jones

Andrew and Doris Zelez

John A. Kolchin

John and Barbara Kolchin

Lehigh Lodge No. 326

Roger Shoemaker

Shamus McCabe

John and Barbara Kolchin

Perkiomen Lodge No. 595

Horst and Joyce Pape

Jay W. Smith

Jay and Nancy Smith

Joe Zelez

Andrew and Doris Zelez

Alan Marfin Martin Ray Chris Reynolds Thomas and Linda Schmidt Carl and Beverly Swope Washington Lodge No. 59

Wayne and Nancylee Garafola Ronald and Judy McKnight

NEW CENTENNIAL SOCIETY MEMBERS

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SUMMER 2020

MEMORIAL GIFTS

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Financial information about Masonic Village can be obtained by contacting us at 1-800-599-6454. In addition, Masonic Charities is required to file financial information with several states. Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State. (303) 894-2680, http://www.sos.state.co.us/. Florida: SC No. 00774, A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. Georgia: full and fair description of the programs and activities of Masonic Charities and its financial statement are available upon request at the address indicated above. Illinois: Contracts and reports regarding Masonic Charities are on file with the Illinois Attorney General. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (800) 825-4510. Michigan: MICS No. 11796 Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity.

REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. New York: A copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.

Virginia: Financial statements are available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA, 23218.

Washington: The notice of soliciation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of Masonic Charities is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-332-4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. REGISTRATION IN THE ABOVE STATES DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION OF MASONIC CHARITIES BY THE STATE.

MEMORIAL

DONOR

Janice Bain

John Bain

Anne R. Berlin

Cheston Berlin

Edward Biehl, Sr.

Harold Biehl

Julius Blosenski

John and Norma Blosenski

Dianne Brown

John Brown

Ida Bueki

Philip and Kristen Bueki

Kitty Byk

Stuart and Barbara Brown

Linda Cherris

Ann Finkbeiner

Charles and Mary Class

Rich and Sue Kirk

Gene A. Coken

Kimberly Coken

William R. Drexel

Thelma Drexel

Armando M. Duran

Stacy Duran

Kathleen Eckard

Norman Eckard

Merle Eldridge

Adelbert Eldridge

George Eppley

Jack Matthews

Donald E. Eshelman

Norma Eshelman

Barbara Fine

Richard Fine

Robert E. Fisher

Helen Fisher

Paul F. Gaynor

Marilyn Gaynor

David G. Gorbey

Barbara Gorbey

Barry E. Hair

Gertrude Hair

Joan H. Hall

William Hall

William P. Hannum

Shirley Hannum

Wesley W. Hartman

Wesley and Patricia Hartman

Barry Lee Hassinger

Joan Hassinger

Warren Heidelbaugh

Stuart and Barbara Brown

William Henninger

John and Barbara Kolchin

Sherena Ross Hileman

PSEA Staff - Southern Region Office

SDOL SFRS Team

Union Deposit Corporation

Robert F. McCabe

Bill and Karen Kind

John A. McCaslin

Harry Davy

Richard L. McCombs

Edwin and Carol McCombs

Anna Kolchin Mellin

John and Barbara Kolchin

Marvin L. Millhouse

Judith Millhouse

Vincent E. Morgan

Grace Morgan

Elaine G. Mosgrave

Charles and Louise Mosgrave

William Myers

James and Dorothy Rouke

John W. Norton

Beverly Norton

Daniel Padezanin

Richard and Judith McEwen

Beatrice Phillips

Carole Lowe

Homer O. Potter

Audrey Potter

Eleanor S. Rankin

Chris Reynolds

Cora Reachard

Randall Gotwalt

Allen and Linda Ross

Irvin Reachard

Randall Gotwalt

Burton and Grace Hineline

Todd Hineline and Cynthia Bartynski

Alexander Jesse Reeder

Jackie Hull-Reeder

Fae A. Reilly

Stuart and Barbara Brown

Jean N. Hopkins

John Hopkins

Constance Joan Reynolds

Chris Reynolds

Albert Jochen, Sr.

Al Jochen

Hiram Richards

David Newall and Judith Singer

Marjorie B. Kepner

Stuart and Barbara Brown

Ronald E. Ridenour

Bob Hillhouse

Richard Knowlton

Larry and Carol Wolford

William H. Roberts

Carol Roberts

Richard Koch

Kenneth and Janet Hartranft

Gale W. Robison

Gerald Robison

W. Donald Kreamer

Andrew and Elizabeth Brady

Rollin S. Rough

Tracy and Sandra Miller

Gene Light

Stuart and Barbara Brown

William R. Simons

Shirley Lou Thomas

Whitey and Arlene Von Nieda

Richard E. Smith

Alethia Smith

Dorothy Lower

Stuart and Barbara Brown

Martin C. Snyder

Leocadia Snyder

Robert Herbert Lyons

Sheila Trefelner

Arthur and Phoebe St. Clair

Jim Robb

Norman and Elona MacMath Wayne and Maureen MacMath

Elizabeth J. Stewart

John Stewart

Michael A. MaGilton

Alera Group, Inc.

W. Scott Stoner

Jay and Nancy Smith

Marcia Bender

Jean L. Strohm

Stuart and Barbara Brown

Lisa Buettner

Walter D. Tabor III

Walter and Janet Tabor

Robert Crook

Jay Tarnopolski

Philip and Kristen Bueki

Lisa Fornino

Tihansky and Hague Families Andrew and Maureen Tihansky

Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors, Inc.

Irene Transue

John and Barbara Kolchin

Nancy Hopple

Royden Tyger

Joel Hersh and Cynthia Tyger

Ruth Moraski Keller

Robert E. Umbaugh

Stuart and Barbara Brown

Kenneth Markley

Doris Frehafer

Penn Manor Education Assoc.

David and Nancy Halliwell

Jeannie and Michael Prest

RLPS Architects

PSEA (Pennsylvania State Education Association)

Irvin Witmer

Stuart and Barbara Brown

C. Irene Wolford

Richard Wolford

SUMMER 2020

Herbert and Helen Cook

HOME’S GROWN KIDS

Felicia Marie Cook

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MASONIC CHILDREN'S HOME Masonic Charities Office of Gift Planning One Masonic Drive • Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2219

Your gifts give kids a second chance at life!

Thank you for your support.