BEACON September/October 2008
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 5
A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO AND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME
I-CARE Program Earns Prestigious Award One of the values we have
adopted says “Through these values we will provide distinguished service and be recognized as outstanding in Ohio in any service/operation, satisfaction, or best practice.” The I-CARE program of Masonic Senior Services just received
I-CARE committees pitch in to make Masonic seniors’ lives better in numerous way.
the Social Commitment Award from AOPHA, the statewide organization representing nonprofit services for the aging at their Annual Meeting Sept. 9th. AOPHA is the Association of Philanthropic Homes and services for the Aging. The social commitment Award is awarded “to an individual, program or organization that has made a significant contribution to social justice, cultural
diversity, equal opportunity and/or harmonious relations.” AOPHA recognized that the I-CARE program was a unique combination of professionals and volunteers helping people at home. Care coordinators and committee members and trustees of the Masonic Senior Services Corporation from across the state were invited to attend the awards dinner and reception. There are 7 care coordinators assigned to cover every county in the state. There are 17 committees across the state, including an I-CARE committee within the Prince Hall Affiliation. Together the staff and committees serve over 140 active clients each month and monitor over 200 more. You can help. If you know a senior within a Masonic organization that needs help, call 1-888-286-0010 and ask for help for your brother. If you want to participate, ask to have a coordinator come to your organization and talk about a volunteer committee. Women are encouraged to sponsor meetings and talk about how to help.
See more I-CARE stories on pages 3 and 14.
There are some great stories about how your help allowed Final Logo with 80% screen someone to receive care at home.The next time you see a care coordinator or a volunteer on a committee, thank them for all they do in the name of Freemasonry and I-CARE.
I-CARE Welcomes New Coordinators I-CARE coordinators cover all areas of the state. The two newest coordinators are Mary Jane Bates, who covers central Ohio, and Shelley Fricke, who covers southwestern Ohio. Mary Jane graduated from Ohio State University with a Mary Jane Bates degree in social work and from the Columbus School of Practical Nursing. She has worked for the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Ohio, the Council for Older Adults and Senior Services for Independent Living, both in Delaware County. Mary Jane’s father was a Mason with Triangle Lodge #748 and grandmother was Shelley Fricke in Eastern Star, along with various aunts and uncles who are affiliated. These ties made Continued on page 6