Masonic Home of Missouri - Freemason Pages - Spring 2023

MASONIC HOME of Missouri

We Are Here for You

It can be hard to ask for help. It can be harder still if you are unsure of what options are available to you. The Masonic Home of Missouri may be a resource that you are unaware of and that may ease the path ahead if you are in need of assistance.

According to LongTermCare.gov, 70% of seniors will need some type of long-term care. If you are in need, knowing where and who to turn to is key to relieving the pressure. That is where the Masonic Home of Missouri may offer a solution and is only a phone call away. Our amazing staff are on hand to help navigate through options that might be available to you.

From Long-Term Financial Assistance to Children’s Outreach, the mission of the Masonic Home is to continue to better the lives of Masonic families in need through financial and other assistance programs and, in doing so, strengthen communities throughout the state. Remember, a simple phone call will connect you to us in your time of need or help to plan for your future needs. You can also refer a brother or sister in need by contacting us.

Those who have been supported through our programs are testimony to the impact they can have. Cecil Keeler’s experience is one he is proud to share.

In his words...

“The Masonic Home has become not only my friend, but a part of my family. The Outreach Program is the best thing that ever happened to the Masonic members. It not only helps you financially, but gives you moral support. The Masonic Home is a wonderful resource.”

It has been 32 years since the inception of the LongTerm Financial Assistance Program. For qualifying members, and for qualifying senior members it provides the support to remain in their homes or independent and assisted living facilities. The program can help relieve the burden of monthly recurrent bills or one time payments for expenses such as dental work, medical bills or hearing aids. Younger members of the fraternity are not excluded from being able to access support. There are those unforeseen circumstances that can strike at any age.

The Short-Term Financial Assistance Program assists eligible adults who are experiencing an unexpected, temporary period of financial hardship, oftentimes caused by a job loss or serious illness.

For parents, the Children’s Outreach Program offers qualifying dependents of Missouri Master Masons and Missouri female members of the Order of the

Eastern Star a resource that may assist with alleviating financial strain, oftentimes caused by health care costs, such as co-payments and other medical expenses not covered by insurance. And, while some are in need of financial relief, assistance does not always fall under monetary support. Sometimes, it is the need to continue to be part of the organization after a spouse has passed, to gain information to educate yourself on financial options when life circumstances change, or support when difficult decisions need to be made.

For the Masonic Home of Missouri to be effective, we need your help. Encourage your Lodge or Chapter to update records so we can keep Widows involved. Do you have Veterans that can be thanked for their service with a special presentation? Do you, or someone you know, need assistance? Help us continue to make a difference for you, for the fraternity, for your community.

Established in 1974, the Penny-A-Day Program was created when Lodges were asked to “pool their pennies” to help their members in need. In 2016, Chapters also began utilizing the program to offer support to the Masonic Home. Nearly 50 years on, the support is still there, and we want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you to those Lodges and Chapters that continue to pool their pennies or, with the expansion of the program, their dimes and dollars. Your support is making a difference. It is impacting lives. It is this generosity that guides others to follow, and for that we thank you. In Fiscal Year 2022, 47% of Lodges and Chapters participated and contributed $29,984 to the Penny-A-Day Program.

It takes the power of the collective to make this work.

The Power of the Collective Participate

We ask, as you read this, that you encourage your Brothers and Sisters to learn more and/or contribute to the Penny-A-Day Program through your local Lodge or Chapter. Collective support is the key to making an impact. If we can all “pool” our resources and do something for someone less fortunate, the reach and impact is felt further.

While the value of a penny is no longer the same, the value of supporting the charity is, and RWB Gary Hinderks sums up the value of this program perfectly: “Masonry teaches us by symbols and, to me the Penny-A-Day is an important symbol constantly reminding us ‘in the most tender manner’ the importance of charity.”

Get involved — it’s easy!

We invite you to learn how you, or your Lodge or Chapter, can get involved by visiting our website, mohome.org/support/penny-a-day, or scan the QR Code.

in an impactful mission.

Secretaries

You may have noticed recent emails to support your Penny-A-Day (PAD) efforts from the Masonic Home. We encourage you to update your information with us if you have not received these.

To submit PAD contributions, please use the Lodge PAD Remittance and mail by August 31st each year.

To order more stickers, or if you have questions about the PAD Program, please contact Jackie Walters, Sr. Engagement & Major Gifts Officer, (800) 434 -9804.

Individuals

To receive individual credit for you PAD contribution, submit directly to the Masonic Home via mail or online indicating PAD (your Lodge will get credit too) or to your Secretary along with your dues. Ask that your Secretary let us know.

““Masonry teaches us by symbols and, to me the PennyA-Day is an important symbol constantly reminding us ‘in the most tender manner’ the importance of charity.”

— Right Worshipful Brother Gary M. Hinderks

Square & Compasses Courtyard

Honor. Memorialize. Support.

As the seasons change, warmer weather prevails. Thoughts turn to the outdoors and activities that no longer keep us indoors. Whether it is gardening, picnics, or family walks, new memories are in motion.

As we reconnect with the outdoors, it is the perfect time to consider leaving a lasting impression in the Masonic Complex’s Square & Compasses Courtyard. There is something very special about a place specifically established to remind us of those who have inspired us and keep their memory present.

The Square & Compasses Courtyard has been uniquely designed to create an area of quiet reflection to offer a place to leave a permanent marker for yourself or your Lodge or Chapter or in honor or memory of a loved one. We invite you to create your own lasting memory in the Square & Compasses Courtyard.

Honor loved ones. Memorialize a Lodge or Chapter. Support the Masonic Home.

Sizes & Cost

*Excessive artwork or verbiage may require additional engraving fees. A proof will be sent via email prior to cutting stones.

If you wish to have a stone or table engraved for yourself or add your Lodge or Chapter or in honor or memory of a loved one, please submit an order form or contact Sr. Engagement & Major Gifts Officer Jackie Walters at (800) 434-9804.

To fill out the form online visit mohome.org/support/square-compasses-courtyard.