This week I had the wonderful opportunity to attend, in Burlington, the two-day MMSAP (Masonic Model Student Assistance Program) seminar sponsored by the Vermont Freemasons and assisted by several Vermont state agencies. For decades I had considered it just another charity. I now see it more as an investment.
The program does save school districts a lot of money but more importantly it acts to save children at risk. Just as the Shrine hospitals address the physical health, the CARE/MMSAP program seeks to improve the social/emotional health of the student.
Seeing both these Masonic programs in action makes one proud to be a Freemason.
R.E. Merrill
Bristol