Home's Grown Kids - Summer 2023

home’s grown

Graduating Seniors Reach for the Stars

Two Seniors Embrace Their New Beginnings

Seniors Breanne and Joy graduated from Elizabethtown Area High School on May 25, and thanks to the Masonic Children’s Home, they’re poised to take on the next step in life’s journey.

Joy, 18, from Philadelphia, was a very busy student. She’s captain of the varsity lacrosse team and the varsity cheerleading team. She was involved with the pep club and co-leader of the student lighthouse team (a group of student leaders who aim to create an inclusive environment at school). She’s also a member of the Human Rights Club and a mentor for young girls at the intermediate school, among other activities.

“I just want to make a difference in school and have an impact in any way possible,” she said. “I have friends who are in various clubs, and I usually join with them.”

Joy came to the children’s home in 2018 with her younger sister and appreciates all the opportunities she has been given.

“The things I’m doing now would not have been possible if I hadn’t come here,” she said.

Joy took an advanced health careers class at Lancaster County Career & Technical Training (CTC), with plans to major in nursing at Penn State University this fall.

“I really enjoy the healthcare field,” she said. “My mom is a nurse, my uncle is a doctor and my cousins are nurses. I grew up around the health care field, and it’s a job with good stability and pay.”

By earning college credits at Lancaster County CTC, Joy learned more about the medical field and got a glimpse into what to expect at college. “I wouldn’t have this chance if I was still living in Philadelphia,” she said.

Joy is grateful for the opportunities she received at the children’s home. She has been given many tools that will come in handy in the future. She is thankful to the

donors, whose kindness and generosity have made a real difference.

“The relationships I’ve made are wonderful, but all the things I’ve been able to do have really built me up,” she said. “I will carry with me the memories we have created here – the laughter, tears, milestones and triumphs. This institution has been a place of refuge, growth and transformation, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

Joy also praised the house parents, who she connected with over time.

“They are terrific and helpful,” she said. “A lot of the time, we use them as our therapists and get their advice on things.”

Joy enjoys school and sports. She is also grateful for the trips she took while at the children’s home and for all the activities, including Youth Appreciation Day.

Breanne, 18, from Elizabethtown, will attend Millersville University in the fall, where she plans to study psychology.

“I just find it interesting,” she said. “I like learning about the brain and how people work.”

Breanne came to the children’s home in the seventh grade, along with her two younger sisters, Paige and Hailey. She has enjoyed her time at the children’s home because she gets along well with the other girls and the house parents are always “nice and inviting.”

“They give me everything I need and guide me,” she said. “I was given the chance to pursue a college education. I was able to participate in sports and school

events. I had that feeling of security and was provided the tools to have a better future than I would have had otherwise.”

Breanne played lacrosse at Elizabethtown Area High School and was a part-time cashier at Weis grocery store. She’s grateful for the trips she took while at the children’s home and all the events, including Youth Appreciation Day.

“I really appreciate being here,” she said. “I want to encourage the younger children who live here. You have all been given the possibility to succeed, but it is up to you to

With the support of donors, staff, family and one another, the youth at the Masonic Children’s Home can grow stronger and more confident in a future with limitless possibilities.

“This institution has been a place of refuge, growth and transformation, and it will

Joy

Breanne

Helping Children Be Their Best

Lauren McEwen always had a passion for working with children. It was something that just came naturally to her.

Once she began teaching special education at private and public schools throughout Pennsylvania, she realized how important it was to advocate for and make sure all the students’ needs were met.

“I’ve always liked to advocate for children,” she said. “Sometimes, the education world doesn’t make it easy for you to do that.”

When she found the posting for the educational coordinator position at the Masonic Children’s Home, she felt that it was a perfect fit. She began her position in February, replacing Donna Shaffer, who retired after serving 42 years in that role and as a private tutor.

“Through this position, I’m able to advocate for the students who may not have parents/guardians who can do that for them,” Lauren said.

In her role, Lauren oversees the after-school tutoring program. She also attends IEP (individualized education plan) meetings and parent/teacher conferences, communicates with teachers and makes sure the students’ schedules are correct.

Lauren’s role also goes beyond graduation from the children’s home. She helps those students going to college to find housing, buy materials/books and more.

“I’ve been taking some of the juniors on college visits this year,” she said. “We pay for the children’s education, but a lot of our students earn scholarships that help with housing, books and other costs.”

Lauren currently oversees 33 children on campus, plus seven in college, for a total of 40 people.

She has her own Masonic ties, having grown up in Berks County, where her grandfather was a 33°

Mason and her grandmother was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Her great aunt lived on campus, and Lauren would often visit her. Lauren attended Misercordia University, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education.

So far, Lauren is enjoying her time at the children’s home. “It’s great what we’re able to do for these kids, like taking them on trips,” she said. “I feel like they should have access to the same experiences as other kids do.”

Lauren said her job has its challenges, especially when working with children with difficult upbringings and experiences.

“You have to be trained how to deal with those situations,” she said. “Every kid is different, so you really need to take the time to get to know the child.”

Lauren McEwen

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 deduc tion. 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.

Charles and Carol met while golfing at Masonic Village, 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.

Senior Picnic 2023

The two graduating seniors, Breanne and Joy, enjoyed a picnic in their honor, attended by Masonic Children’s Home youth and staff members.

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. 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 resident who a QCD in at the children’s professionals to her, and she in memory Charles. Charles and golfing at and were years. Carol by his generous and wanted to “He showed was a beautiful “He had always having four and mentored difficulties during retirement.” We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while supporting our mission. Please contact us

Youth Appreciation Day

A ballroom full of staff, family members, educators and donors watched as the 33 residents of the Masonic Children’s Home were celebrated for their academic, athletic and extracurricular achievements at the 98th annual Youth Appreciation Day.

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

a Masonic Village decided to create support of the kids home. Financial suggested a QCD decided to donate of her husband, Carol met while Masonic Village, married for 15 remembers Charles and selfless spirit honor him. true kindness and person,” Carol said. loved children, sons of his own kids who faced in his free time or obligation.

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 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 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.

Elizabethtown Prom

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.

Charles and Carol met while golfing at Masonic Village, and were married for 15 years. Carol remembers Charles by his generous and selfless spirit and wanted to honor him. 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.

Our juniors and seniors enjoyed attending the Elizabethtown Area High School prom, held on the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown grounds.

Charitable Bequests: Simple and Flexible ... But Too Often Outdated and Undisclosed

For many years, donors have generously supported our Masonic Charities through lifetime gifts, deferred gifts and bequests.

In 2021, Giving USA reported that 9% of all charitable gifts were made through bequests. The total giving through bequests increased 400% from 1980 to 2020 and demonstrates the upward trending and popularity of this approach to planned giving.

Because of their simplicity and flexibility, bequests and similar strategies are a popular form of charitable giving and are often incorporated into an estate plan. Perhaps due to the simplicity, the language is sometimes carried over from prior wills and trust documents without sufficient attention. Worse yet, some donors do not regularly review or update their estate planning documents.

Fortunately, our Office of Mission Advancement and Development is here to help. We regularly provide our donors and their advisors with accurate names for our Masonic Charities, descriptions of our charitable programs and sample language to help ensure that your bequest does what you want it to do.

In addition to being outdated, did you know that most bequests are undisclosed to the charities? It is estimated that 90% of bequests are not disclosed to charities until the donor has passed away. This makes it difficult for charities to consider future interests in planning and to properly recognize the generosity of its donors. At Masonic Charities, membership in the Franklin Legacy Society is available to any donor who discloses their generous giving through a bequest. In addition, when we know you’ve thought

of Masonic Charities in your planning process, we can better serve you through our department’s collaborative solutions and professional resources.

Of course, our donors should consult with independent professionals concerning their estate planning. We are happy to assist with referrals upon request.

For additional information or to join the Franklin Legacy Society, please contact us at giving@masoniccharitiespa.org or call 1-800-599-6454.

Thank You

ALL GIFTS GIVEN JAN. 1 - APRIL 30

HONORARIUM GIFTS

HONOREE DONOR SCHOLAR DONORS

Concordia Lodge No. 067

George and Carla Fishel

Robert Girling

Glenn and Barbara Kurzenknabe

Jill Morris

Thomas and Linda Schmidt

Richard Stacy

Carl and Bev Swope

Arthur and Dorothy Wert

EDUCATOR

Joseph Wable

Luther and Kim Zarfoss

MENTOR

Jay Davis

Shirley Kaupp

DOCTORATE

Thomas and Carolyn Trimmer

Jean and Don Altrichter

Sebastian David Burrier

Melissa Collins

Larry Dreese

John A. Kolchin

E. Thomas Kuhn

Daniel Martin

Abby Ober

Brenda Van Deursen

Pastor Preston Van Deursen

Barbara Kolchin

David Burrier

Cheston Berlin

Michael and Heather Dreese

Barbara Kolchin

Alan and Elsie Saylor

Thomas and Linda Schmidt

Barbara Kolchin

Barbara Kolchin

Don and Jean Altrichter

Suzanne Anderson

Barbara Kolchin

Donors Recognized in Garden

The Masonic Children’s Home recently unveiled and dedicated two plaques in its beautiful garden, recognizing the generous contributions of two families honoring their loved ones. Brother Thomas and Carolyn Trimmer made a donation in memory of Tom’s parents, Russell and Viola Trimmer. Russell was a member of Abraham C. Triechler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, and served as the Masonic Children’s Home Superintendent from 1946 to 1972.

The family of Brother and Dr. James William Stark made a contribution in his memory. James and his wife, Fran, had made a previous contribution to the garden in memory of their son, Jim Stark Jr. James was a member of Pollock Lodge No. 502, Tarentum, and served on the John Wanamaker Research Center Committee from 2006 – 2009 and on the Masonic Villages’ Building and Grounds Subcommittee from 2011 – 2013.

MEMORIAL GIFTS

ALL GIFTS GIVEN JAN. 1 - APRIL 30

MEMORIAL DONOR

Lois Artman

Carole M. Baker

Nita Lundie

Ann K. Berger and Jo-Anne G. Karnes

Paula K. Kauffman

Mary Jane Sample

Nancy and Ray Betz

Joan Eckert

Happy Mad Hatters

Gene and Nancy McMillen

Nancy Biehl

Robert Bissey, Sr.

Jack Bream

Ida Bueki

Kathleen Carr

Jack Costello

Jim Costello

Marvin Cunningham

Lou DiMassa

Joyce Eckerd

Donald E. Eshelman

Clark Biehl

Robert and Janice Bissey

Carol Bream

Philip and Kristen Bueki

Philip and Kristen Bueki

Richard and Rose Saylor

Richard and Rose Saylor

Raymond Fairfax

Dee Molinari

James Eckerd

Norma Eshelman

Mr. and Mrs. George W. Fishel, Sr. George W. and Carla S. Fishel, Jr.

Norman D. Grim

Frank Hall

David S. Hedglin and Mary (Forrester) Hedglin

Robert J. Hirsch

Thomas Kenney

Sarah Kinzey

Earl Kline

Mae Kline

Kathy Kuhn

Arthur K. Liston

Owen McFadden

Kimberly S. McKeon

Timothy O. Meckley

Raedel R. Moore

Ralph M. Moore

Roland B. Morris

L. Carl and Myrtle Moyer

Roland Moyer

Joseph Palombaro

James L. "Jim" Proud

Mary Grim

Bruce and Joan Howarth

Thomas Senior

Matthew Hirsch

Stephen and Greta Kenney

Maryann Minahan

Eugene and Anna Kline

Eugene and Anna Kline

Alan and Elsie Saylor

Philip and Angela Kinsey

Ashley Heiberger

Gerald Moyer

Carol Meckley

Dennis Moore

Dennis Moore

Jill Morris

Gerald Moyer

Gerald Moyer

Norma Baumeister

Margaret McGrath

Gretchen Donaldson

Tavita Lio

David and Allison Pane

James Porter

Tom, Cindy and Don Weber

Darrell Scullion

Elsie Scullion

William Scullion

Elaine S. Sertway

Lura Shader

Jacqueline Shank

Philip P. Stacy, Jr.

Jay Tarnopolski

Royden Tyger

Jack Ward

Ralph Weast

John W. Wells II

Dennis and Susan Scullion

Dennis and Susan Scullion

Dennis and Susan Scullion

Jon Sertway

Robert and Judy Scharf

Wayne Shank

Richard Stacy

Philip and Kristen Bueki

Joel Hersh and Cynthia Tyger

George Loesel

Jon and Linda Gregory

Carol Brodie

Mr. and Mrs. William Lowe

Dennis and Deborah Meals

Raymond and Jane Sader

Howard and Carol Scull

Todd Wert

Earl and Florence Wolf

Edward I. Zall

Arthur and Dorothy Wert

Stewart Wolf

Stephen and Greta Kenney