Tag Archive for: #masonichomeforchildren

Masonic Home for Children

Celebrate 150 Years With Masonic Home For Children In Oxford Saturday, Oct. 14

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One hundred fifty years ago, in 1873, Mark Twain hadn’t written Tom Sawyer yet. That novel was published in 1876. The first Kentucky Derby wasn’t run until 1875. In 1873, this country’s Civil War had been over for less than a decade.

A century and a half later – 2023 – the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford celebrates its sesquicentennial and has planned special events to commemorate the occasion during the 11th annual Masonic Homecoming Festival.

The homecoming festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14.

The opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m., followed by activities including games and activities for children, as well as tours of the campus and facilities.

The Shrine and Community parade kicks off at 11 a.m. and there will be a food truck rodeo, so come hungry and ready to enjoy some delicious food.

The BBQ contest also begins at 11 a.m. and there will be amusement rides and music starting at 12 noon.

Visit MHC-OXFORD.ORG for a complete listing of events and programs scheduled.

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TownTalk 2-11-21 Kevin Otis, Masonic Home For Children

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The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford has a long history of providing for children who, for reasons beyond their control, need a place to live. And although things have evolved over the years, Administrator Kevin Otis said the MHCO mission remains the same, some 150 years after the orphanage was established.

Otis was on Thursday’s Town Talk with host John C. Rose and discussed a bit of the past, its relationship with nearby Central Children’s Home and what he hopes is in store for the future.

Both orphanages are recipients of a current donation drive, the idea of Alyssa Blair, an employee with the City of Oxford. Donations selected from a wish list may be dropped off at the City of Oxford offices, 300 Williamsboro St., Oxford through March 24, Otis said.

Household items like batteries and flashlights, dish towels and bath towels, as well as supplies for school or office would all be appreciated, he said. “If we get a box of pens donated, then we don’t have to buy a box of pens,” he said.

Any items that families seem to need to function properly would be useful. “We really go through that stuff” in the cottages, he said.

Currently, there are 37 children residing at MHCO. Stricter licensing regulations for staffing ratios make it more difficult to offer space to more children. The children live, family-style, not in dormitories as of old, but in cottages with two house parents.

For full audio click play…story continues below.

The campus, located at 600 College Street, has buildings that are occupied by other agencies that serve the community, and Otis is proud of the community partnerships that have developed over the years. For instance, Smart Start has a satellite office on campus, and there are Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, too.  He hopes a popular karate class can crank back up when COVID-19 restrictions loosen. And a plan is in the works to provide some additional services to those who live off campus, but said details have to be sorted out before any announcement is made.

Otis speculated that COVID-19 may play a role in the lower numbers of residents. “Families aren’t comfortable (with their children) being in congregate care. He said he hopes that a boost in marketing will reach families who need help. Older children could also be a part of the independent living program.

Further complicating the placement process is the requirement to quarantine for 14 days upon taking up residence at the orphanage, he said.

Admissions, or placements, is but a part of the job of MHCO administrator, Otis said. “It means you wear every hat,” he said. “You are the person communicating with the board, vetting ideas, getting their feedback of what are best practices and best business practices and then going ahead and making sure that we conform to those by policies and procedures,” he said. It involves fundraising, going out and doing presentations…and dealing with incidents that may arise,” he continued.

Being the administrator also involves, however “getting the pats on the back for the wonderful things that your staff has done,” Otis said. One initiative comes as a result of a grant from Triangle North Healthcare to train staff on the trauma-informed model of care through Cornell University. The practices included in this particular model of care “will help all of our staff, even maintenance and print shop people, understand better the traumatic situations that kids go through,” he said. It will provide a kind of comfort level for children who have been in traumatic situations, which helps them become more successful.

Otis said a strategic planning session is scheduled for March for the board, as well as some MHCO employees and other invitees. He hopes that this session will solidify a strong marketing plan for the next four years and beyond. The ultimate goal, he said, is to market the home, increase the number of children in residence and make sure the programs are delivered using best practices.

To learn more, please visit mhc-oxford.org, phone 919.693.5111 or send Otis an email at kotis@mhc-oxford.org

City of Oxford Executive Assistant Blair Organizes Masonic Home Donations

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The community has an opportunity to show a little love to two Granville children’s homes in February. Donations chosen from the homes’ wish lists are being accepted through Feb. 24, according to an employee of the City of Oxford who is organizing the event.

Alyssa Blair devised the plan to support Central Children’s Home and the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. Blair has organized similar events for other groups and wanted to do something to help these two organizations.

There is a dropbox for donations located just inside the front door at Oxford City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St.

Each home created a wish list that includes basic household items such as dish cloths, batteries, bath towels, among other items.

Central Children’s Home: (https://www.oxfordnc.org/Central%20Children’s%20Home%20Wish%20List.pdf)

MHCO at: (https://mhc-oxford.org/current-needs-2/?fbclid=IwAR0PRQSvCMrIf-MeMOaKIxpI1yPl_S0COfqzAdc1PVHUGQd91lJS32PuRVU)

“Alyssa said she wanted to do another drive and this is the first one for the year,” said MHCO administrator Kevin Otis. 2020 was a tough year and 2021, Otis told WIZS, is looking like it is going to be rough, too. “She asked ‘what better way to spread love and joy…(than) to help others,’” he added.

“We are humbled and honored to share the love and joy from the community with Central Children’s Home,” Otis said, and reiterated that his residents really do need the items on their wish list.

Otis said houseparents and children have a case of cabin fever because of pandemic restrictions, but the “Kids are doing great in school thanks to all the support and encouragement from our houseparents and tutors.”

About 20 employees have received their first COVID-19 vaccination, he said. “Once we can get all our direct care staff vaccinated, we will be able to mingle more on campus, take in admissions more readily, and provide support services in person and directly with the children.  It’s been a lot.  We feel blessed and appreciate everyone’ prayers,” he added.

Contact Alyssa Blair at 919.693.1102 for more information about donating to this event.

Masonic Home for Children

Masonic Home for Children at Oxford’s 2020 Homecoming Festival Canceled

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy the Masonic Home For Children at Oxford

The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford announces with regret that the 2020 Masonic Homecoming Festival will not be held this year. This difficult decision was made in consideration of local and State guidelines and recommendations.

“We feel that cancellation of this year’s festival is the most prudent action to take at this time,” said Kevin Otis, administrator at MHCO. “The health and safety of the children, staff, our community, and visiting guests of the Masonic Home for Children had to be a priority in the decision-making process.

Local community support means so much to MHCO. The mission of providing a home for some of the children of North Carolina continues to be the priority. MHCO thanks our community for its support during this difficult season of disruption to our lives and the uncertainty that is upon us all.”

MHCO looks forward to the 2021 Masonic Homecoming Festival when we hope that once again the festival will be held in its full scope with food, music, games, activities, parade, and the pageantry that goes with the events of the weekend: October 8-10, 2021.

Masonic Home for Children

Town Talk 07/20/20: Masonic Home Ready to Help Families Through Challenging Times

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Kevin Otis, administrator for the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford (MHCO), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

While MHCO has weathered many events in its 147-year history, COVID-19 has brought a unique set of challenges. “This pandemic has exacerbated a lot of issues that the community faces, including domestic issues, poverty and homelessness,” said Otis. “Many are struggling with what they are going to do with their child during the school year. We want to let folks know that we might be an option for their families.”

Otis said MHCO elementary and middle school students will be educated via virtual instruction through Granville County Public Schools (GCPS) when the 2020-2021 academic year begins August 17. MHCO high school students will attend school in-person for two days, remotely for three.

GCPS announced last week that its Board-approved version of Plan B will consist of two separate groups of students alternating between two consecutive days of face-to-face school each week, with Wednesday being a remote learning day for all students.

With the distinction of being the first children’s home in North Carolina, MHCO continues its tradition of helping young people ages birth to 22 with its Group Cottage Foster Care and Independent Living programs.

As part of its Group Cottage Foster Care program, children reside in cottages with live-in house parent child care workers. Supports are provided to help children with academics, obtain transportation, participate in extracurricular activities, manage trauma and obtain employment.

The Independent Living Program (ILP) provides apartments for young adults, as well as coaching and assistance to obtain employment. Independent living skills are taught relating to a variety of topics including cooking and cleaning, driver’s education, budget management and tax preparation. ILP residents continue education at Vance-Granville Community College, trade schools and four-year universities.

According to Otis, families maintain guardianship, stay involved and have a say in their child’s MHCO experience. “We don’t replace anyone’s family. We co-parent with them to try to address any issues the family or child may be facing.”

Otis said long term goals for MHCO residents include returning home and independence. Scholarships are available to help cover the cost of care.

To learn more about referring a child in need, please call (919) 693-5111 or visit MHCO’s website at www.mhc-oxford.org.

To hear the interview with Otis in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Masonic Home for Children

Masonic Home for Children at Oxford Helping Families in Need

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Kevin Otis, Administrator, Masonic Home for Children at Oxford

COVID-19 has brought a health, economic, and social pandemic to families. The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford (MHCO) provides a safe haven for children to grow, learn, and develop. The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford is North Carolina’s first children’s home celebrating 147 years of helping children in need. MHCO continues that proud tradition through two programs, Group Cottage Foster Care and Independent Living. 

The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford provides loving care for children and young adults aged birth to twenty-two.  Children reside in cottages with live-in House Parent Child Care Workers. The family-style program meets children where they are developmentally and provides a nurturing, learning environment. Supports are provided to help children with academics, become gainfully employed, obtain transportation, participate in extracurricular activities, and manage the trauma they may be facing. Families stay involved and co-parent with the program team to develop Individual Service Plans to address needs, set goals, and build in supports to achieve personal milestones.  

The Independent Living Program (ILP) provides apartments for young adults. ILP residents continue education at Vance- Granville Community College, trade schools, and four-year universities. Coaching is provided to help residents obtain and maintain employment. Independent living skills are taught relating to a variety of topics including cooking and cleaning, driver’s education, budget management, and tax preparation.  

The Masonic Home for Children is located in Oxford, North Carolina on a pristine 347-acre campus. Cottages provide up to eight residents with their own bedroom, bathroom suite, and open kitchen/family room setting. Playgrounds, basketball courts, a gymnasium, and outdoor pool provide opportunities for children to be active, learn skills, and develop confidence. 

The foundations of success include a strong emphasis on Education, Vocation, Spiritual Development, Recreation, Responsibility, and Respect. The program provides a family of support that includes the child’s family of origin, all working together for the child’s best interests. Long term goals include returning home and independence.  

MHCO has helped well over 10,000 children have a chance at a better life. Alumni have gone on to become business owners, military leaders, and receive doctorates. For many, success is being able to provide for themselves and their families.  

The need for services provided by MHCO is even more necessary during these difficult times. The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford can provide for your children as you manage the challenges you and your family face. Parents maintain guardianship, and scholarships are available to provide the cost of care.

Learn more about referring a child in need by calling (919) 693-5111 or visiting MHCO’s website at www.mhc-oxford.org.  

Masonic Home for Children

Masonic Home Administrator Thanks All Involved in Homecoming’s Success

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

A 2019 Homecoming “Thank You” message from Kevin Otis, Administrator, Masonic Home for Children at Oxford:

We realize that good weather is important, but realize even more that the real success of Homecoming is the help so many provided. MHCO especially wants to thank everyone who lined College Street to watch the parade, enjoyed the BBQ, participated in the activities, and danced to the music!

So many people and groups were involved in making this weekend enjoyable for everyone. This year, MHCO had amazing volunteer supports from United Rentals, Wells Fargo, the Rainbow Girls, several individuals, alumni, masons, and MHCO Ambassadors. Their help allowed the staging to be more effective and timelier than in past years.

The Alumni hit a record with the Charlie Burton Chip Shots for Children Golf Tournament. Big thanks to Bill and Tina Gilreath for chairing the tourney and for their entire family’s contributions to the weekend. Many may not realize how much extra work goes on behind the scenes to promote the alumni portion of the weekend. Special thanks to all who help the alumni truly enjoy coming back home.

The BBQ teams continue to increase and are energized to participate. The Soggy Bottom Boys BBQ Team’s first Homecoming was three festivals ago when Hurricane Matthew washed out everything but our enthusiasm and commitment. They have been committed ever since. Before Homecoming they do a preparation cook-off. They receive donations for anyone wanting to sample what they prepared. This year they contributed $555 to go toward the pool.

We are also blessed that the Hub had two teams including Tobacco Wood. It is important and fantastic for local businesses to want to participate and help the Home. Let them all know your appreciation. Special thanks to Brother Charles Barrett for chairing the BBQ competition.

The Shrine Parade was impressive, and several more units participated this year. There were smiles on the faces of children of all ages as the parade went over one hour! The community groups were a hit also as three bands, three scout groups, and dance and karate teams shared their support for MHCO. Big thanks to Frank Long, Gene Purvis, and Chris Richardson for their continued leadership for the parade.

Oxford Police Department Oxford Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and the City of Oxford continue to support the Home in all areas, and this year was exceptional and safe. We applaud all they do to keep our kids, staff and the entire community safe.

Special thanks to our friends in the media as they helped MHCO get the word out so everyone knows the family-friendly fun that is available. We appreciate all their ongoing support. Thanks to Oxford Public Ledger, The Daily Dispatch, 98.3 FM, and WIZS 100.1 FM/1450 AM. We appreciate you sharing our good news. Special thanks to Granville County Public Schools for allowing bookbag flyers to be sent with the children to inform their families.

The music and entertainment were extraordinary this year. Special thanks to the Tams and Tonez as they got everyone dancing and grooving. As always, we appreciate Russell Ragland Productions, Ted’s Twisted Balloons, Scrap Exchange (sponsored by Creedmoor Rotary Club), Lumpy’s Ice Cream, Sheetz, and Gaming Unplugged.

Finally, we would like to thank the Board, staff and children for all their support and effort. The cottage booths are always a hit and the proceeds go toward cottage special needs and events. Special recognition to Board Members Dewey Preslar and the Andrew Jackson Boys for cooking for everyone on Friday, Nicki Perry for staying at the cottage booths all day, Don Steichen for his work on the float, and Tony Cozart for helping load up the fencing. To all, we hoped we thanked you personally, and if not, we appreciate each and every one of you.

What we collectively do for Homecoming is fantastic, but what we accomplish for the children every day is the really impressive work. If you know a family going through troubled times, please let them know to consider MHCO. If you would like to be a houseparent and help children overcome challenges and develop every day, please consider applying. If you want to help children today and tomorrow, consider setting up a recurring gift.

For any information please visit MHCO’s webpage www.mhc-oxford.org or call 919-693-5111. The children beam from the light you help shine.

Thank you all!

Reminder: 9th Annual Masonic Homecoming Festival Happening This Sat.

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford

The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College St., will hold its 9th Annual Masonic Homecoming Festival on Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Admission is free and festivities are open to the public. Campus tours of the Masonic Home will be available.

Enjoy a fun day full of games and activities for kids, homecoming activities for alumni, music, food and the annual Shrine and Community Parade. The parade begins at the fire department at 11 a.m.

$10 lunch tickets will be sold on-site and include all-you-can-eat samples from the BBQ contest.

Don’t miss music performances by The Tams with hits such as “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” “What Kind of Fool” and “Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me.”

For more information, please visit www.mhc-oxford.org.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Masonic Home for Children

Masonic Home Welcomes Volunteers for 8th Annual ‘Great Landscape Day’

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-Information courtesy Jennifer Cufalo, Financial Development Assistant, Masonic Home for Children at Oxford

The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford will hold their 8th Annual Great Landscape Day on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

Individual and group volunteers are invited to share in a day of fellowship that will improve the appearance of the children’s home. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

When: Saturday, April 13, 2019 (no rain date – call for updates)

Where: Campus of Masonic Home for Children – 600 College St. in Oxford, NC

Schedule: 7:30 – 9 a.m. – continental breakfast for participants; 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – landscaping event on campus; 12 p.m. –  lunch and conclusion of event.

Participants must RSVP on or before Friday, April 5 to indicate their interest and must include the number attending. To RSVP or for more information, contact MHCO at (919) 603-3930 or email jcufalo@mhc-oxford.org.

Granville Athletic Park’s Outdoor Classroom Ready for Public Use

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-Press Release, County of Granville

Volunteers and local businesses have combined resources and efforts to complete an “outdoor classroom” space at Granville Athletic Park (GAP). The project was constructed through a partnership between Granville County, the Granville County United Way and the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford (MHCO).

“The United Way was proud to be a part of this project,” said United Way Executive Director Brenda Dickerson-Daniel. “We have been working in partnership with Granville County for the past several years in providing volunteers and funding for several projects at Granville Athletic Park, this being one of them. We have a great leadership team and some very dedicated community partners that helped make this possible.”

The space is intended for public use for outdoor presentations and programs and includes bench seating and a presentation board (secured) in a pavilion-type setting. Engineered drawings were donated by Drye-McGlamery while labor, materials and financial support were provided by Altec, Vulcan, Bridgestone-Bandag and Green Acres Lawn and Landscaping, as well as Tommy Keith and Sullins Engineering.

Spearheading this project for Granville County United Way was the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford, who took the lead in construction, coordinated volunteer labor efforts and organized the delivery of materials. Vocational Counselor Gene Purvis supervised the project, on behalf of MHCO.

“The Masonic Home for Children is proud to have coordinated the planning and construction of the Outdoor Classroom Project at the GAP,” Purvis remarked.  “Our staff, with the assistance of other volunteers, was able to build something that we hope will provide an excellent venue for learning and discovery at the Park.”

Reservations are now being accepted for use of the outdoor classroom space. Those who would like to reserve this new addition to Granville Athletic Park should contact Raymond Allen, the GAP’s Parks and Grounds Director, at 919-693-3716.

“Gene Purvis and the volunteers from the Masonic Home and other partners in the community have constructed a beautiful addition to the GAP,” said Charla Duncan, Partnership Project Manager for Granville County Government. “We hope this project will serve as a reminder that outdoor recreation happens in many ways and that we can all come together to learn and create in a natural environment.”