Ready and Eager for What’s to Come

ANDREW is excited to have completed his final year residing at the children’s home, a place for which he feels greatly appreciative. While his journey at the children’s home has come to an end, he is confident he is prepared for what’s to come.

“I am so thankful for all my time spent here,” he said.

As an only child, Andrew transitioned into the children’s home by himself when he was 10 years old. His mom was growing restless over the idea of her son growing up in a busy city filled with many unknown possibilities. Andrew remembers his mom wanting a positive environment for him since he was a bubbly and energetic kid. When she heard of the Masonic Children’s Home, she knew Andrew would have better access to educational support and the opportunity to play sports.

Andrew’s transition to the children’s home was not as smooth as he had hoped, as he had to adapt to an unfamiliar environment. He remembers struggling at first because he was not used to sharing a home with other boys. However, with time and help from his house parents and housemates, Andrew adjusted and slowly began to enjoy the new freedoms he had.

“I have always liked hanging out with the other guys here in our cottage and other houses,” he said.

The children’s home provides kids with an endless number of activities to do in their free time, indoors and outdoors. One of Andrew’s favorite spots is the basketball court near his cottage. He can be found practicing his skills daily alongside his housemates, who have become some of his best friends. He is grateful to always have someone to play sports with to improve his athletic abilities. One of his fondest memories is taking a trip to Disney World.

Andrew recently wrapped up his senior year at Elizabethtown Area High School. Along with his schoolwork, he kept busy playing football, lacrosse and wrestling. He is thankful for the encouragement the house parents provide as he pursues his passions.

“I get so much support here,” he said. “I am thankful for the tutoring that helps me study for tests during the school year.”

The children’s home offers kids access to in-house tutors who provide academic support in all areas needed. Thanks in part to this assistance, Andrew was accepted to Thaddeus Stevens College, where he will study welding technology.

“I know there will be some challenges when starting my own life, but I know the children’s home has prepared me, and I am ready to do it,” Andrew said.

“I would like to thank the donors for everything they’ve done for us. You have truly made a difference in the lives of all the kids here and without you, this place would not exist as it does today.”

OTELIA said it feels like just yesterday when she arrived at the children’s home. While she has enjoyed her time there, she is excited to go out into the world and apply the skills she has learned to her future endeavors.

She appreciates the support of her house parents, especially Miss Hope, for helping and listening to her over the past four years.

“I am thankful for what I learned at the children’s home,” she said. “They taught me to be more patient.”

Moving from Philadelphia to Elizabethtown was a fairly easy transition for Otelia. She enjoyed living with the other girls and made a lot of friends. She will attend East Stroudsburg University this fall to major in business.

While in high school, Otelia participated in theater, working backstage to set up props for the productions.

“I just want to say a big ‘thank you’ to the donors,” she said.

“Thanks for allowing me to make a lot of great memories and meet some great people. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to go to college and do good work.”

ANJELISSA called it an “honor” and a “privilege” to live at the children’s home.

“I have lived, I have learned and I have come out the other side as an adult,” she said. “I lived with 16 of the most brave, loving, compassionate and hard-working girls I’ve ever met, and I have gained lifelong friendships.”

Anjelissa said she’s excited for what’s to come in her future. She will study communications and public relations at Pitt Bradford, a satellite campus of Pittsburgh University.

She came to the children’s home at age 17 and stayed for two years. During that time, she learned and achieved a lot.

“I learned about community living and how to live with other people,” she said. “I also liked having structure and organization to my day.”

She enjoyed the trips during the summer and all the good friends she made.

“It has been nothing short of an adventure,” she said.

ANTHONY grew up at the children’s home, having arrived when he was only 8 years old. It was difficult at times being away from his family, but he found guidance through the friends he made and the staff who supported him.

“It has been one long trip to the finish line,” he said. “It wasn’t always easy, but I got through it because of the people who helped me grow and want to improve myself. Adjusting to the area and being away from home was hard. I was lost at first but found my way through the people around me.”

Learning basic skills like table manners and organization became lifelong lessons, and he will never forget the laughs, long talks and hours of games played with friends.

“The parent and son bond that was created between me and the house parents was unreal,” he said. “They truly have our best interests [at heart] and want to see us take advantage of every opportunity. They taught me how to take care of myself as a man and what to expect in the real world.”

Anthony will attend Central Penn College to study surgical technology.

He said he appreciated the trips and vacations he was able to take part in through the children’s home, especially visits to the Jersey shore. He also enjoyed playing football and competing in track and field.

“I want to thank the donors for their generous support,” Anthony said. “We appreciate them because they help take us a long way, from going on trips to getting supplies. Because of them, we have clothes to wear, food to eat and necessities without any expenses. It wouldn’t be possible without them.”