SMALL BUT MIGHTY

At 11 years old, Marissa is one of the youngest girls at the Masonic Children’s Home. Despite her age, with the encouragement of supportive house parents and cottage mates, Marissa’s big personality and friendly nature have allowed her to overcome any obstacle.

Originally from Lancaster County, Marissa arrived at the children’s home in August 2020 with her brother, Michael. Having her brother with her made the transition much easier for Marissa, who was only 8 at the time.

The day the siblings arrived, Marissa remembers being the only girl in Balliet Cottage, as her housemates were home visiting family during the summer. On top of that, since the two moved in during the height of the pandemic, Marissa and Michael were placed in quarantine upon arrival, per COVID-19 risk reduction guidelines.

Marissa was understandably nervous to introduce herself when her housemates returned from their visits soon after. Nevertheless, she didn’t let fear or physical boundaries prevent her from making new friends at the children’s home.

“The girls stood on the landing, and I opened my door from upstairs so we could see each other,” Marissa recalls. “We talked for a while, and I showed them all my toys.”

Since their first meeting, Marissa has easily made friends with the girls and now enjoys playing games, watching movies and swimming at the Brossman Pool on campus with her “sisters.”

They can attest to Marissa’s kindness and independence, which have helped her grow into herself and explore her interests since her arrival at the children’s home. She’s now the one helping new children feel at home and overcome scary moments, like the first day of school.

As a middle schooler at Elizabethtown Area School District, Marissa studies hard and hopes to one day become a lawyer.

For now, Marissa looks forward to finishing up sixth grade and enjoying future trips to the Laserdome, a local entertainment center, where she frequently earns a “top player” title in laser tag.

To the donors who continue to help make her future success possible through their generosity and financial support, Marissa has a simple message: “Thank you!”

Among the things Marissa and all the children are grateful for is a new van purchased thanks to donors, including members of the Order of the Eastern Star. The van helps staff transport kids to appointments, competitions, worship services, after-school jobs, field trips to the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, vacations at the beach and more. Masonic lodges have contributed financial donations and books, as well as hosted parties for the youth.

Of the 2022 high school graduates, we can expect to see a future pediatrician, physical therapist and radiologist. Other alumni continue to exceed expectations by working as teachers, airplane technicians and attending law school.

For kids who start off life feeling hopeless, the Masonic Children’s Home, and those who support its mission, are giving them the opportunity to experience success, joy and love.

• Completed 1,480 hours of in-service staff training

• Cheered on 11 KIDS in sports

• Welcomed 5 NEW CHILDREN

• Supported 5 STUDENTS in college

• Celebrated 4 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES and 1 COLLEGE GRADUATE