Frequently Asked Questions

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Getting Acquainted

 

"Brotherly Affection"

 

Making Friends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the greatest

of these is

Charity..."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                       

           Interacting with a Young

                         Patient

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.  What Makes Us Special?

 

Unlike other residential homes, there is NO COST for placement at our facilities.  At the same time, parents and guardians do not surrender parental rights. We are a voluntary placement which allows the parent/guardian to maintain guardianship of their child.  We have a diverse population of children who come to us when, for a variety of reasons, an alternative living situation is needed.  Our Homes offer a safe, nurturing, structured living environment for children until they can rejoin their families.

 

The LaGrange and Murphysboro Homes provide for all of the children's' primary needs which include housing, food, clothing, medical, and dental care.  We also offer additional resources for a variety of activities essential to helping children grow into strong, responsible, and caring adults.

 

2. What Opportunities Can The Illinois Masonic

    Children's Home Provide?  

 

The Illinois Masonic Children's Homes strive to provide a home-like atmosphere in all of our cottages.  Live-in house parents provide guidance and supervision.  As part of our program, all residents are expected to be contributing members of their households, assisting with chores and planning cottage activities.

 

Our Homes open their doors to many opportunities for social and academic advancement.  Children attend  local public schools recognized for  their  academic  excellence.   We  consider  good  study  habits  an

 important part of everyday life.  House parents and volunteers assist residents during scheduled study times to improve academic performance.

 

3. How Do I Refer A Child To The Illinois Masonic    

    Children's Home?

To begin the admission/referral process, simply call one of the Homes.  You will be directed to the appropriate Case Manager who will work with you to determine if either of our Homes is a suitable placement for any particular child. The Case Manager will speak with the child's parent/guardian to formally initiate the referral process, gathering information about the child, and providing information about how our program can be of benefit to the family.  If the child seems appropriate for placement, an interview will be scheduled.

During the initial interview, the Case Manager will obtain the family's social history as well as information regarding the child's behavior, academic needs and social skills.  If the child appears to be a good candidate for placement at the Illinois Masonic Children's Home, a weekend visit will be scheduled.

 

A weekend visit is a two to three day visit at either the LaGrange or Murphysboro campus.  During the weekend visit, the children will have the opportunity to meet the Home's staff and residents.  The child will acquire first hand knowledge of the program offered by the Home.  Following the weekend visit, staff will determine if the child will be accepted for placement.  Pending availability, the Case Manager will arrange a move in date for the child.

4. Who are Freemasons?

Freemasonry is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the world.  Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived throughout centuries.  In Illinois, any man age 18 or older may join.  The only requirements for membership are:  a belief in a Supreme Being, be of good moral character and be recommended by a member of

 the fraternity.  Masons represent a variety of occupations and professions and have different religious and political beliefs.  Masonry teaches that every individual, through self improvement and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the world.  Masonic charities are the means of making this difference.

 

Two examples of Masonic charities are their support  of scholarships and public service activities, such as blood drives.  One of the most recognized of these charities are the Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Illinois Masons support the Illinois Masonic Children's Homes as one of their charitable contributions to society.