Stories

Jesse Goranson has a lot of people to thank. During his time at the Masonic Children’s Home, alum Jesse met and was mentored by several individuals who he said helped shape the person he is today.

It doesn’t matter if a child at the Masonic Children’s Home is in the transition process of their first week at the children’s home or their first week in college; Donna Shaffer, educational coordinator, is eager to tackle each educational step along the way. 

At the Masonic Children’s Home, children are given a chance to become who they aspire to be and achieve their dreams. This journey begins with getting a referral or filling out an application to the children’s home.

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.