Stories

The social worker at the Masonic Children’s Home is “the glue that holds everything together.” Alison Izer-Bowman is now that “glue.”

Behind all 40 children at the Masonic Children’s Home is one social worker who helps to ensure each child’s needs are fulfilled. She meets with each one regularly and makes sure families are updated all the time on how their children are doing.

Success, a 2021 high school and children’s home graduate, plans to attend college at Penn State University this fall, thanks to scholarships made available to her by Masons and other donors.

Mark Kurzenknabe is a familiar face at the Masonic Children’s Home. Though he was only recently named director of children’s services, upon Ginny Migrala’s retirement in December 2020, he has been leaving an impact on the lives of many for more than 20 years.

Ginny Migrala has impacted the lives of hundreds of children through her dedication and hard work at the children’s home. She retired in December 2020 after 42 years of service, most recently serving as director for 13 years. During her time at the children’s home, Ginny also served as a house parent, coordinator of family [...]

Growing up, Hope Painter attended Elizabethtown Area School District and had friends and classmates who lived at the children’s home. After studying early childhood education, Hope applied to become a house parent at the children’s home on a whim, out of curiosity. “I was hesitant, as I hadn’t worked outside the home since having my [...]

There’s nothing stronger than a bond between brothers, especially brothers who have overcome struggles together. While Eriyah (pictured above, right) and Emmet (pictured above, left) were only 10 and 8 years old when they came to the children’s home, they remember quite a bit about their home life in the outskirts of Philadelphia. “My mom [...]

Children’s home alumna Brenda Ryan Drawbaugh grew up in what she calls a “dysfunctional" situation.

When times get tough, Paige likes to remember one simple phrase: “You can do anything you put your mind to.”