This is an exciting bit of news coming out of Omaha, a prime example of Freemasonry intersecting Civil Society.
From the Omaha World Herald – Program’s aim: More father time
A Local Masonic organization in Omaha and former Nebraska Senator Chip Maxwell are teaming together to fight and re-unite the father with the child, get them off the street, give them positive guidance and leadership, and recreate the family unit rebuilding a ” strong male leadership in the city.
Together the Omaha Masonic Community Center Foundation, with Chip Maxwell as the executive director, will start weekly basketball games to bring together fathers and sons to help establish the initiative that they need.
“The basketball is just a vehicle for getting people together,” Maxwell said. “The relationship is the thing. For those who are estranged, we hope to help re-introduce in the young men’s lives the stabilizing factor of a father or a father figure.” says Maxwell.
The idea, the Omaha Herald reports, comes from James Karnegis, retired cardiologist and local Masonic leader. His inspiration is a firm belief in the American family structure and the destruction to it being caused by absent fathers in their son’s lives.
Aimed at boys from 10 to 18, the program has a nominal $5 annual membership fee for any father (or father-figure) and son to participate. The goal is to re-build families and, over time, offer further additional sports and activities. Most importantly it will help link families with services that they might need.
This is a terrific program going on in Nebraska and one that I hope the Grand Lodge of Nebraska can get behind to help see it reach a wide audience. In the mean time best of luck to the fathers and sons and the Omaha Masonic Community Center Foundation for their efforts.
The only question I have left is where can I send a donation to help?
You can read more about the Fatherhood-Family Initiative sponsored by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of NE Free & Accepted Masons.
You can join them for their weekly informal basketball games at Jesuit Middle School, 2311 N. 22nd St beginning Wednesday, September 15th.