Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children and how is it governed?

The Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children is governed by a Board of Directors made up of Masons and members of the Order of the Eastern Star.

What are the goals and objectives of the Children's Home?

The Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children serves boys and girls ages 9 - 19, who need a new environment, so he or she can be safe and experience success in their life.  The Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children must be able to take care of the basic needs of children living in the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children.  Children at the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children must not be a safety hazard to themselves or others.  The Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children is able to care for a limited number of children with minor psychiatric issues.

What is the composition of the Children's Home staff and their qualifications?

Executive Director - Bachelor's Degree - responsible for all aspects fo the Children's Home.
Director of Child Care Services - Bachelor's Degree - respnsible for all aspects of Child Care.
Office Manager - Bachelor's Degree - responsible for all aspects of the administrative office.
Houseparents (8) - High School Diploma - respnsibilities are that of a substitute parent.
Assistant Houseparents (8) - High School Diploma - respnsibility is to assist the Houseparent and act as a Houseparent in the Houseparent's absence.
Instructors (2) - Bachelor's Degree - responsible for teaching the children in their respective areas of profeciency.
Office Assistant - High School Diploma - responsible for assisting the Office Manager. Maintenance - High School Diploma - responsible for maintaining the buildings and grounds.
Summer Interns (4) - High School Diploma - responsible for helping with summer activities.

What kind of discipline model is followed at the Children's Home?

Common Sense Parenting.  We try to make discipline as normal as possible, so the children can learn through positive and negative discipline.

How does the Children's Home fulfill the children's educational and vocational needs?

Children are educated through the Fremont Public School system. In addition to their classes at Fremont Public Schools, children are encouraged to participate in extracurricular school activites. Children also participate in 4-H. A wide variety of projects are offered through 4-H. Baking, sewing, art, career, hobby, welding, electrical, robotics, wind generation, first aid, and gardening are a few of the many 4-H projects. Instruction in singing, band and dance are periodically offered through the Children's Home

Are children able to use a library?

Yes. A library is located in the Watts Education Center at the Children's Home. Children are also welcome to use Fremont's public library and/or their school's library

Are children educated in how to manage their money?

Yes. It is mandatory for children to take an independent living class in school. They also keep a 4-H Record Book, so they canlog and figure expenses of their 4-H projects. An example of this is their beef 4-H project. They log/calculate the expenses and profits of their beef project. A few of the children have part-time jobs. The Director of Child Care Services and Houseparents teach these chiuldren how to manage their money, use a checkbook and a debit card.

Are chldren allowed to practice their choice of religion?

Yes. A plan to achieve religious participation and instruction is completed when children move into the Children's Home

Are children taught healthy nutrition and dietary habits?

A certified dietician approves all meals. Children learn healthy food safety habits, proper portions, and balanced meals by helping to prepare, serve, eat and clean-up meals in a kitchen that is located in their cottage. Thsi topic is also addressed during 4-H projects and independent living classes in school

What type of recreation is offered to the children?

At least one hour daily the children have time to participate in some kind of physical activity, so they can build points toward Presidential Physical Fitness awards. These activities could be at the local ice skating rink, the Vesta Sport Court, or in the Lee Paden Wellness Center. All children also have a membership to the Fremont YMCA. Swimming, ice skating and basketball are a few of the many activities offered. Children frequently bike, swim, hike and fish at the Fremont State Lakes or Mahoney State Park. The City of Fremont also offers a variety of other parks and activites.