Outreach Services

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With more than 35,000 members averaging 64.5 years of age, the creation of a social service program to meet the needs of the aging population serves as a continued reminder of the principles on which the fraternity was founded.
 

Summary Overview of Outreach Plan

Illinois Masonic Outreach Services program extends its mission beyond the walls of the Lodge offices to bring a greater sense of security to the members by mirroring the general philosophy of the Grand Lodge in the State of Illinois.

 Mission

It is the mission of the Illinois Masonic Outreach Services program to bridge the gap between community resource and member needs to promote physical, social, financial and personal enrichment to enhance the quality of life for senior members.

Types of Programs
 

Information and Referral

Keeping members informed! Trained staff available to answer questions and make referrals to other agencies in the community that provide the specific services needed by the individual.

Financial Assistance

Temporary financial assistance may be available for qualified Illinois Masons, their Spouses or their Widows who experience unforeseeable, temporary and undue hardship for reasons generally beyond their control.  Eligibility guidelines apply -

Types of assistance include, but are not limited to:

�   Assistance with living expenses to provide the ability to remain in your own home.
�   Assistance with medical expenses for those living in their own homes and
�   Assistance while staying in an outside facility (i.e., Nursing/Assisted Living Facility)

IMOS is not intended to be a long-term source of income or services to any individual. Qualified persons having repetitive financial hardships or a need for ongoing services will be referred to an appropriate agency that would handle such matters. 

Age and Length of Membership Guidelines

The Illinois Masonic Outreach Services program does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, or sexual orientation.  While we do not discourage anyone from making application it is imperative to be aware that age and length of membership guidelines play a significant role in determining outcome when the Director for Outreach Services and/or the Board of Directors evaluate an application.  Each application is reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis.

Financial Assistance Program Guidelines 

All applicants must be Master Masons, Spouses or Widows of senior age.  Regardless of age at time of application, the Mason must have been in continuous good standing for a period of no less than ten (10) years in order to qualify for assistance. 

Spouses or Widows of a Master Mason must adhere to the same guidelines.  The related Master Mason must be/must have been in continuous good standing for a period of no less than ten (10) years in order to qualify for assistance from the Outreach Services program. 

If you believe that you have a case that may be an exception to the above mentioned guidelines please submit an application accompanied by a personal statement that outlines why you believe that your case is extraordinary.  The Director will evaluate your information and submit it with recommendation to the Board of Directors for review and decision. 

Workshops
Partnerships are critical to increasing the availability of services to members. Illinois Masonic Outreach Services program (IMOS) is addressing these issues with innovative collaborations and the creation of new and effective ways to deliver the services members need, throughout the state. Multi-agency and multi-forum workshops have been designed to address topics of interest to meet the unique needs of the aging population. If your Lodge is interested in hosting a workshop IMOS is happy to coordinate the event in your area.

(er) Support
The loss of a loved one is a traumatic time for anyone. In times of loss, be assured that support is only a phone call away. Referral and resource to assist in the healing process.

Services Program
Volunteer opportunities are available to Members wishing to make a difference in the lives of other aging members.  Such opportunities may include:

 � Preparing/Delivering meals to homebound members.

 � Serving as friendly visitors and companions.

 � Helping around the home for those unable to address maintenance and upkeep. 

If not YOU then WHO?

 Its that time of year when the flowers are starting to bloom, grass becomes greener and families frantically scramble to complete yard work and exterior chores left over from the previous Fall.  While you are doing so, take the time to consider the following?  Do you have an hour a week to volunteer your time to an elderly Member or Widow?  Is your Lodge looking for something to do?  Members who want to make a difference? Do you have grand children who need Service hours for school?   If so...Get up, get involved!

Top 5 things you can do to assist an elderly Member or Widow this Spring.

• Help to clean up or plant flowers
• Assist with light spring cleaning tasks around the house, such as washing a large window
• Welcome springtime by sharing a picnic lunch or taking a morning or evening walk
• Share information about home safety modifications (see below)
• Discuss local events or programs and services available at your local Senior Center 

Home Design and Modification

Did you know that the design of one�s home can play a critical role in the ability of an older person to live safely and independently? Simple changes such as the installation of grab bars in the bathroom or lever handles on water faucets can allow an older person to live on their own and to conduct daily activities that would otherwise be difficult for a frail person to complete.  One out of every three Americans age 65+ falls down every year. Such accidents claim more lives of the older population than cancer, stroke, and heart disease combined. One-half of all home accidents can be prevented by simple modifications.  Making an older person�s home safe from common accidents can be as easy as placing a night light in a bedroom or removing scatter rugs from floors.  You can share this information with members and widows to make their homes accessible and safe for their independent living!

Many Lodges are choosing to make Widow Volunteer service a more formal part of their function.  Since the inception of the IMOS program, many Lodges have created Widow Outreach committees.  Has your Lodge gone above and beyond to make a difference?  If so, tell us about it!  IMOS would like to thank you!  tdean@afam-il.org

Staff

Talia J. Dean, MA, LCPC

Director

Talia Dean earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University in 2006 and her Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois-Springfield in 2009.

In addition, she has obtained recognition as a National Certified Counselor as well as being a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois.

Talia has a broad range of experience in areas of:

·        Crisis intervention

·        Family Counseling

·        Grief, loss and bereavement support

·        Caregiver’s support

·        Mental Health Issues

·        Abused and behavioral disordered children

·        Volunteerism and Philanthropic work

She comes to the Grand Lodge of Illinois with her compassion, high energy, and dedication to serving the Fraternity and its members.  She has a passion for advocating and helping others.  

As the Director for the Illinois Masonic Outreach Services program, Talia will be the contact for services that include: information and referral, financial assistance, widow support, and volunteer opportunities. It is Talia’s hope that she can bridge the gap between community resources and member needs.  In addition, Talia wants each member to be aware of the scope and depth of resources available to them and assist them in this process. 

You can contact Talia at 217-529-8900 x212 or at tdean@afam-il.org