Fraternal Greetings,
The Board of Directors of the Illinois Masonic Children’s Homes Corporation has voted to transition away from residential care. This was a difficult decision not made lightly but one that we believe is in the best interests of the Fraternity.
Some factors that had a significant impact on reaching the decision of transitioning from residential care were exposure to liability, significant increases in recent years of liability insurance, and availability of carriers that would offer liability insurance to our organization.
The litigious society in which we live has led to these concerns and there are examples from other jurisdictions. The Texas home lost a $6,900,000.00 lawsuit and has closed. The California home lost a $12,600,000.00 lawsuit and was closed by the state. The children’s homes in Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi have all closed. There were 10 states with orphanages and now we are 1 of 5 that are left.
Brethren, your fraternity has done good work at these homes for 100 years; it only takes one incident to destroy the good name of the homes and the fraternity.
There are other factors that contributed to this decision. We currently spend approximately $2,400,000 each year to provide residential care to a total of approximately 40 residents with no Masonic affiliation at both locations in Murphysboro and LaGrange Illinois. This equates to around $60,000 per year, per resident. By replacing residential care, we can achieve greater work by providing support and resources to hundreds of children each year through a combination of various programs.
One such program under consideration is a Scholarship Program. Each year, funds would be made available to allow every lodge to select and award a new scholarship to a recipient of their choice. There are currently 469 lodges in Illinois; that makes it possible for up to 469 youth to be assisted. How many lodges have wanted to be able to assist their community by giving scholarships but did not have the funds?
To be transparent, the Board of Directors wished to make this announcement immediately. Additional programs will be developed and considered as the transition proceeds. Of course, the current residents’ needs and welfare will be foremost in consideration as they are transitioned to their families or other residential services.
Rest assured that the primary function of the charity, providing assistance for children, will continue through programs not requiring residential care.
For questions and concerns, please contact one of the members below.
Fraternally and Sincerely,
Board of Directors of the Illinois Masonic Children’s Homes