home’s grown
kids SUMMER 2021
Success is a graduate, thanks to you!
Stepping Into New Shoes Mark Kurzenknabe is a familiar face at the Masonic Children’s Home. Though he was only recently named director of children’s services, upon Ginny Migrala’s retirement in December 2020, he has been leaving an impact on the lives of many for more than 20 years. Mark began his career at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown as an intern in 1998, which led to his first job working in the Masonic Health Care Center as a recreation therapist. In 2004, he transitioned into the role of assistant director of the Masonic Children’s Home and has spent the past 17 years going above and beyond to ensure the children succeed.
“I’ve always wanted to work with kids,” Mark said. “Kids are, and especially here, very resilient. Our kids overcome a lot of challenges, and it’s nice to see that.”
HOME’S GROWN KIDS
SUMMER 2021
Mark says his time as the assistant director has prepared him to excel in his current position. He said he feels “comfortable” taking on the role because of how closely he worked with Ginny.
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However, Mark had the unique experience of taking on his new role while still navigating the challenges of the pandemic, such as online learning, reduced social and recreational activities and an increase in staff needs. He tried to focus on tackling the pandemic one day at a time, so the children’s home could safely return to normalcy. “We were in the transition process while trying to get through COVID. We really had to buckle down, but the big goal was for us to keep everyone safe and minimize exposure,” Mark said.
Mark said that it’s crucial he’s a responsible leader because he has to “make sure that we’re doing everything we can for everybody.” Fortunately, Mark is adept to handling responsibilities, as he has many of his own outside of his position. Currently, Mark’s working toward a Master of Strategic Leadership at nearby Elizabethtown College. He already holds a Bachelor of Science in recreation and leisure services management from East Stroudsburg University, but he decided to pursue a master’s degree because it’s something he’s always wanted to do. “My kids were finally old enough to drive and do stuff on their own, so I had more time on my hands,” Mark said. “I figured it was as good a time as any to start to do it.” On top of this, Mark travels frequently with his wife and two sons. Part of his travels have been for his sons’ hockey tournaments. Mark said he hasn’t traveled as much now, because of the pandemic, but looks forward to traveling again. Traveling, like working with children, is one of his passions.
“I like to see everything and anything. I’ve traveled a lot to New England and Canada, and I really like to go to the beach,” Mark said. Mark has visited a vast number of places, but some of his favorite places, he said, include Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston; and Montreal. Mark also enjoys being outdoors and hiking when he can. He said he doesn’t always have free time to pursue some of his other interests, especially with his new position, but he enjoys the time he spends with the kids at the children’s home.
“A lot of kids stay here over the years, and the kids that have graduated come back and tell us about how the things we’ve done for them have helped them,” Mark said. “It’s very rewarding. I definitely feel like I’m making a difference.” Mark is looking forward to continuing to make a difference, now in the shoes of the director. He’s also hoping to spread the word about the mission of the Masonic Children’s Home, which he refers to as a “hidden gem” to the local community and beyond. “We’re here to support the kids and make every effort for them to succeed. We want to do that the best way we can,” Mark said.
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Photos (right, top to bottom): Mark pictured with Rina at the children’s home lemonade stand; Mark with the boys of Longdon Cottage; and Mark with a children’s home graduate.
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The New “Glue” “It is essential that children be allowed to express themselves and make mistakes so that they can learn how to make better future choices and develop a solid sense of self,” Alison said. “I am passionate about securing a better future on every level.” Alison has already excelled in her role and taken on plenty of responsibilities in the brief time she’s been with the children’s home. These include meeting with the children, assisting other staff members and updating any documentation required by the PA Department of Human Services.
The social worker at the Masonic Children’s Home is “the glue that holds everything together.” Alison Izer-Bowman is now that “glue.”
HOME’S GROWN KIDS
SUMMER 2021
As the social worker, Alison’s duties include producing monthly reports on each child’s goals and progress, meeting with the children and families and supporting the education coordinator, Donna Shaffer.
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Alison started her new position in April, upon Paula Haldeman’s promotion to assistant director. Alison has several years of experience in the field, including working at a sexual assault prevention and counseling center and as a therapist for youth and family issues. Her most recent experience is working at Masonic Village’s Adult Daily Living Center. She said her extensive training will allow her to be an “asset” in helping the children to “navigate toward achieving their authentic potential.”
She said she is learning that “no two days will ever be the same,” but is looking forward to continuing to tackle new challenges and responsibilities. She’s also looking forward to “building rapport with the children and their families in order to build successful relationships.” The children’s home is extra special to Alison because she’s known about it since she was young. A close neighborhood friend, who was “like a grandfather” to her, was an active Mason and would discuss happenings at Masonic Village with her while growing up. Alison is originally from York and graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She also holds a Master of Social Work from Temple University and is a licensed social worker. She is excited to be able to apply her education to her new position and sees her new role as an opportunity to keep developing her knowledge. “I wholly embrace being a lifelong learner, as the more knowledge I acquire, the more I want to know,” Alison said. She describes herself as someone who is “always interested in an adventure,” and this enables her to thrive in any role she takes on. Aside from learning, she is also passionate about gardening, reading, traveling and the arts.
However, social work is her greatest passion because it “encapsulates” most of her interests and advocates for “self-reflection.” “Social work practice works toward the world being more equitable,” Alison said. “The promotion of mindfulness in how issues or situations are approached allows me to be more composed in addressing the root cause of a problem.” Paula said she has no doubt that Alison will succeed as the social worker, not only because of Alison’s past experiences, but also because of her “good heart.” She is confident Alison will be that “glue” that’s so fundamental to the children’s home. Alison with Success, our 2021 graduate
If you are older than 70 ½ and have a traditional IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is usually the number one way to give to the Masonic Children’s Home. You avoid tax on any amount given from your IRA to charity, which is like getting a fre tax deduction. Yes, it’s more complicated than writing a check, but once you do, you will never look back. Please contact The Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development (previously known as the Office of Gift Planning) for a FREE QCD Kit, then talk to your advisor about dividing up your QCD among your favorite charities, including the Masonic Children’s Home. Remember, if you don’t need your Required Minimum Distribution, then turning it into a QCD is an added benefit. Carol Chew is a Masonic Village resident who decided to create a QCD in support of the kids at the children’s home. Financial professionals suggested a QCD to her, and she decided to donate in memory of her husband, Charles. IRA toand charity, which like getting Charles Village, and Caroland metwere whilemarried golfing for 15 Charles Carol metiswhile golfing at Masonic a free tax deduction. Yes, it’s more at Masonic Village, and were years. Carol remembers Charles by his generousand andliving selfless spirit and wanted to honor him complicated than writing a check, but married for 15 years. Carol remembers “He showed true kindness and was a beautiful person,” Carol said. “He had always loved once you do, you will never look back. Charles by his generous and selfless children, having four sons of his own and mentored kids who faced difficulties in his Please contact the Masonic Charities spirit and wanted to honor him. free time during retirement.” We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while Office of Mission Advancement and supporting our mission. Please contact us at“He 1-800-599-6454 or visit and our was website at www showed true kindness Development (previously known as MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for more information. Everything we do for you comes wit a beautiful person,” Carol said. “He the Office of Gift Planning) for a FREE no cost or obligation. had always loved children, having
You Can Save a Child with a QCD: Giving Made Easy
Carol Chew is a Masonic Village resident who decided to create a QCD in support of the kids at the children’s home. Financial professionals suggested a QCD to her, and she decided to donate in memory of her husband, Charles.
We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while supporting the mission of the children’s home. Please contact us at 1-800-599-6454 or visit our website, www.MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org, for more information. Everything we do for you comes with no cost or obligation.
MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org
SUMMER 2021
If you are 70½ or older and have a traditional IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is usually the number one way to give to the Masonic Children’s Home. You avoid tax on any amount given from your
four sons of his own. In his free time, during retirement, he also mentored kids who faced difficulties.”
HOME’S GROWN KIDS
QCD Kit, then talk to your advisor about dividing up your QCD among your favorite charities, including the Masonic Children’s Home. Remember, if you don’t need your Required Minimum Distribution, then turning it into a QCD is an added benefit.
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Children’s Home Grad Plans for Her Future Success is primed for s-u-c-c-e-s-s. The 2021 high school and children’s home graduate plans to attend college at Penn State University this fall, thanks to scholarships made available to her by Masons and other donors. “I’m hoping to study nursing,” Success said. “I want to be a labor and delivery nurse. I like obstetrician work and babies and ‘stuff like that.’” The Philadelphia-born 18-year-old describes living at the children’s home for the past five years as “life changing.” “When I first came here, there was a phone policy, a curfew and a lot of other rules,” she said. “I wasn’t used to that environment. I come from the city, so, culturally, Elizabethtown was a big change. Once I got older and moved into the older girls’ cottage, there was more freedom, and we could do more things for ourselves.”
HOME’S GROWN KIDS
SUMMER 2021
Moving from the city to a suburban middle and high school was also a big adjustment for Success. “I came from a school that was really diverse, and that was not the case in Elizabethtown. I was really shy. But academically, I have grown a lot. I have friends now.”
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Success said she “found herself” during her years at the children’s home. She met people to connect with and whom she wanted to surround herself with. “I’ve learned to mature because of the rules we have here and the things we have to do, like chores, to get certain privileges. I’ve grown in a very positive and powerful way. It has made me into a good woman.” Success was born in Liberia, Africa, and immigrated with her mother to the United States at age 3. “When we first came to America, we were living with our families and moving around until we found our own place,” she said. “It’s the same ole ‘single mom’ story,
struggling with two jobs. I had to walk home from school by myself or with my cousin. Or my mom would drop me off at my aunt’s house, and I’d sleep over there.” When Success was age 12 or 13, her mother learned about the children’s home and Success got accepted into the program. The rest was history.
“Seeing my mom work so hard for so many years really shook me up, so I do everything for her, like getting good grades, because I’ve been given a great opportunity here at the children’s home,” she said. She credits her house parents – Ms. Mac, Ms. Ashley, Ms. Teri, Ms. Julie and Ms. Hope – for believing in her and having a positive influence on her life. She also enjoys the other girls she lives with, who have accepted her with open arms. “I’ve had my challenges along the way in my life, from racism to bullying, but in the end, I would tell younger kids to never give up,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s you and only you. You have yourself and the people you surround yourself with. If they are not in your inner circle, they don’t matter. Keep doing what you want to be happy.” For Success, happiness means playing lacrosse, reading, laughing, spending time outside and telling jokes. She’s also really into fashion and likes to dress up. She’s looking forward to what the next chapter of her life will bring. “Going to college will be a big adjustment. I’m most looking forward to doing what I want to do for my future, as well as college life, friends, dorms and the experience. I can’t wait.”
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HOME’S GROWN KIDS
SUMMER 2021
Thank You ALL GIFTS GIVEN JAN. 1 - APRIL 30 SCHOLAR DONORS
AUTHOR DONORS
William Brady
Larry Christenson
Bill and Carla Fishel
MENTOR DONORS
Shirley Kaupp
Washington Lodge No. 156
Glenn and Barbara Kurzenknabe Paul Lesser Donald and Lois Miller Thomas and Linda Schmidt Martin Schneider Carl and Bev Swope Robert Wetzel and Justine Kern
WISH LIST CONTRIBUTORS Wayne and Nancylee Garafola Ronald and Judy McKnight James and Constance Nassif Thomas and Linda Schmidt
If you are older than 70 ½ and have a traditional IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is usually the number one way to give to the Masonic Children’s Home. You avoid tax on any amount given from your IRA to charity, which is like getting a free tax deduction. Yes, it’s more complicated than writing a check, but once you do, you wil never look back. Please contact The Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development (previously known as the Office of Gift Planning) for a FREE QCD Kit, then talk to your advisor about dividing up your QCD among your favorite charities, including the Masonic Children’s Home. Remember, if you don’t need your Required Minimum Distribution, then turning it into a QCD is an added benefit. Carol Chew is a Masonic Vil age resident who decided to create a QCD in support of the kids at the children’s home. Financial professionals suggested a QCD to her, and she decided to donate in memory of her husband, Charles. Charles and Carol met while golfing at Masonic Vil age, and were married for 15 years. Carol remembers Charles by his generous and selfless spirit and wanted to honor him. “He showed true kindness and was a beautiful person,” Carol said. “He had always loved children, having four sons of his own and mentored kids who faced difficulties in his free time during retirement.” We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while supporting our mission. Please contact us at 1-800-599-6454 or visit our website at www.MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for more information. Everything we do for you comes with no cost or obligation. w
Our Kids are Stars!
Washington Lodge No. 156
EDUCATOR DONORS
HOME’S GROWN KIDS
SUMMER 2021
William Bronstein
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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.
Some of our high school athletes (pictured top to bottom: Bri, Success, Tech and Joy) were interviewed by Lancaster Newspapers. The youth discussed their love of sports and how the children’s home has changed their lives. Visit Facebook.com/MasonicChildrensHome to read their stories.
DONOR
Sebastian David Burrier
David Burrier
Raymond A. Dubbs
Wayne and Debra Dubbs
John A. Kolchin
Barbara Fisher Kolchin
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kurt
Janet Latshaw
Daniel P. Martin
Thomas and Linda Schmidt
Virginia "Ginny" K. Migrala
Ann Berger
Robert and Eloine Bolton
Gerri Ebersole
Robert and Marilyn Forney
Karen and Rodney Fritchley
Helen Heidelbaugh
Gerald and Pat Kemmerer
Glenn and Barbara Kurzenknabe
Fred and Mary Jane Sample
Alan and Elsie Saylor
Melvin and Diane Snyder
Clinton Spiegel
Mary Ellen Tarman
Patton School Class of 57
Frederick and Lois Ripka
Alan Saylor
Tom Kuhn
Catherine Zwiebel's first great-grandchild
Barbara Fisher Kolchin
SUMMER 2021
HONOREE
An “Eggcellent” Hunt
This Easter, the girls of Balliet Cottage secretly hid eggs filled with candy in each cottage’s yard. While they were busy hiding for others, the girls of Umbaugh Cottage hid eggs for them as a surprise. What a fun day!
HOME’S GROWN KIDS
HONORARIUM GIFTS
If you are older than 70 ½ and have a traditional IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is usually the number one way to give to the Masonic Children’s Home. You avoid tax on any amount given from your IRA to charity, which is like getting a free tax deduction. Yes, it’s more complicated than writing a check, but once you do, you wil never look back. Please contact The Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development (previously known as the Office of Gift Planning) for a FREE QCD Kit, then talk to your advisor about dividing up your QCD among your favorite charities, including the Masonic Children’s Home. Remember, if you don’t need your Required Minimum Distribution, then turning it into a QCD is an added benefit. Carol Chew is a Masonic Vil age resident who decided to create a QCD in support of the kids at the children’s home. Financial professionals suggested a QCD to her, and she decided to donate in memory of her husband, Charles. Charles and Carol met while golfing at Masonic Vil age, and were married for 15 years. Carol remembers Charles by his generous a selfless spirit and wanted to honor him. “He showed true kindness and was a beautiful person,” Carol said. “He had always loved children, having four sons of his own and mentored kids who faced difficulties in his free time during retirement.” We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while supporting our mission. Please contact us at 1-800-599-6454 or visit our website at www.MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for more information. Everything we do for you comes with no cost or obligation.
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HOME’S GROWN KIDS
SUMMER 2021
MEMORIAL GIFTS
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MEMORIAL
DONOR
Catherine "Kit" Mae
Megan Brown
Kenneth Anker
John Weiser
Goodyear Kessler
Kristine Kessler Cox
Harold S. Ashworth, Jr.
Lisa Ashworth
Anne R. Berlin
Cheston Berlin
Friends: Shannon, Mela, Deb, Marrissa and Becca
Ida Bueki
Philip and Kristen Bueki
Samuel Graci
Sara E. Bull
Robert Bull
Darrell and Paula Miller
Ernest Cassell
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Ken and Sharon Rohland
Jack F. Cavendish
William Cavendish
Karen and Greg Schultz
John Chaney
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Josh Kiernan
Andrew and Doris Zelez
Seymour B. Cohen
Dorothy Cohen
Nelson H. Kile
Madge Kile
Gene A. Coken
Kimberly Coken
Teresa Lynn Kochis
Elwood and Amy Groner
Irv Cross
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Yaphet Kotto
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Ralph Davis
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Douglas G. Krissinger
Ann Krissinger
Walt Dickerson
James and Dorothy Rouke
George H. Krissinger
Ann Krissinger
Katherine M. Dubbs
Wayne and Debra Dubbs
Tommy Lasorda
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Paul L. Edinger
Anonymous
Cloris Leachman
Stuart and Barbara Brown
James T. English
Margery English
James Levine
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Paul Erdman
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Rush Limbaugh
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Rudolph F. Falkenstein
Gwendolyn Falkenstein
Loved Ones
Paul and Alma Dallas
Father
Raymond Dewey
Watson B. Maier
Adelaide Maier
Frank E. Foutz
Elizabeth Foutz
Timothy O. Meckley
Carol Meckley
L. James Frey
Jim Frey
John Mento
Joan Griffies
David G. Gorbey
Barbara Gorbey
Patricia M. Mentz
William Mentz
William F. Gottschalk
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Jerry Migrala
Alan and Elsie Saylor
John H. Griesemer, Jr.
Roland and Jill Morris
Rowena "Binky" Morelock
Stuart and Barbara Brown
John H. Griesemer, Sr.
Roland and Jill Morris
Mother and Father
Grace Harkins
Samuel L. Grossman
Geneva Grossman
Conrad Nasatka
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Joseph Gulla
Robert Sukol
Beatrice K. Phillips
Carole Lowe
Charles Hafer
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Charles E. Porter, Sr.
Charles and Sue Porter
Joan H. Hall
William Hall
Homer O. Potter
Audrey Potter
Richard G. Hawk
Cheston Berlin
John Price
Chris Reynolds
David S. Hedglin
Thomas Senior
Lloyd Putt
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Mary (Forrester) Hedglin
Thomas Senior
Ralph Pyle
Robert Pyle
Harry T. Hinkel
Andrew and Doris Zelez
Claude Rains
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Howard Hoch
Chris Reynolds
Jack Rankin
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Hal Holbrook
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Edith Raup
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Margaret T. Hummler
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Thomas D. Richards
Thomas and Carrie Richards
Robert Wetzel and Justine Kern
Dave and Lynn Shallenberger
Dale R. Jones
Carol Jones
Jennifer Winkelvoss
Lana Karl
Stuart and Barbara Brown
John and Tara Wise
Thomas F. Kenney
Stephen and Greta Kenney
M. Richard Riegel
Audrey Riegel
MEMORIAL GIFTS Arline R. Rochkind
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Gerald and Pat Kemmerer
Robert Wetzel and Justine Kern
Gertrude Tate Roderick
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Robert L. Rohrbaugh
Isabel Rohrbaugh
William A. Rueblinger
Andrew and Doris Zelez
Mark J. Rutter
Bronwyn Rutter
Earl Roy Schlegel
Stuart and Barbara Brown
James G. Sheffer
Donaleen Sheffer
James Sieber
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Charles E. Small
Janet Small
Richard D. Smith, Sr.
Georgia Smith
Philip P. Stacy, Jr.
Richard Stacy
Frederick F. Stange
Carol Stange
Henry E. Sulkowski
Margaret Sulkowski
Jay Tarnopolski
Philip and Kristen Bueki
Gov. Richard Thornburgh
Stuart and Barbara Brown
Emery Thurston
Jean Thurston Weiss
Cicely Tyson
Stuart and Barbara Brown
William J. Vodenichar
Betty Vodenichar
Andrew Weinlein
Christine Saunders
Edward I. Zall
Stephen and Greta Kenney
HOME’S GROWN KIDS
SUMMER 2021
We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the names listed. If an error has been made, please contact the Office of Mission Advancement and Development at 800-599-6454; 717-367-1121, ext. 33434; or by emailing giving@masonicvillages.org. Thank you.
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MASONIC CHILDREN'S HOME Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development One Masonic Drive • Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2219
You’re giving our graduates bright futures! Thank you for your support.