December 2024:
With Masonic Outreach, Connect to Those in Need

The holidays are a time of cheer, at least for some. But for others, instead of fellowship, this time of the year brings a deep sense of loneliness. This is particularly true of our older members and widows. So, this holiday season, join the Masonic Outreach Services in connecting with those in your lodge most in need of assistance and bring some cheer to their holiday season.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for some of our clients,” says Sol Silverman, director of Masonic Assistance and Outreach with the Masonic Homes of California. “For those in that stage of life, they can just be a reminder of lost loved ones.” According to Silverman, that’s all the more reason for lodges to take time this season to connect with their older members and widows. Wondering how best to go about that? Well, the Masonic Outreach program is here to help.

Started over a decade ago, Masonic Outreach is a volunteer training program meant to boost the outreach efforts of lodges throughout the state. To date, more than 850 Masons have gotten registered as coordinators with the program—that’s hundreds of Masons who have taken it upon themselves to gain the tools and knowledge to become experts at connecting with members in need, including widows and elderly members of the fraternity.

Those Mason volunteers, in turn, can help connect elderly members, widows, and other fraternal family members to important and often life-saving services either through the Masonic Homes or in their own community. These include:

• Residence at the Masonic Homes' senior communities in Union City and Covina (including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing levels of care).
• References to local care communities and in-home care, and other community-based services and benefits.
• Mental health services through the Masonic Center for Youth and Families.
• Care management through Masonic Outreach, including, for those who qualify, emergency financial support.
• And much more.

As Silverman notes, this outreach doesn’t have to be rocket science. “The goal is to create as many opportunities to connect as possible,” he says, “since every touchpoint exponentially increases how connected people feel.” That means a simple phone call checking in on members can go a long way. Even better, instead of a check-in, find reasons to offer help: Offer to put up and take down Christmas lights, or take them to their next doctor’s appointment. Or create a holiday event at the lodge outside of stated meetings and personally invite them to come. Want to make it super simple? “Just sending a Christmas card can show people you’re thinking of them,” Silverman says.

The holidays are a time of giving, so this season, give the gift of connection and reach out to your older members and widows. “You can make a profound impact in the lives of your brothers and widows,” Silverman says, so just show up and show you care.

Oh, and as you connect with your brothers and widows, remember that the Masonic Assistance team is here to help those in need and can be reached at 888-466-3642 or masonicasssistance@mhcuc.org.

Need Help With Tips on Reaching Out?

In addition to regular, in-person, trainings, the MOP offers this useful digital handbook for outreach that you can access anytime.