The bulk of the social-service agency's funding comes from the state (90 percent); a portion from the United Methodist Church (6 percent); and the rest from federal grants and other funds.

On either side of need

Representatives from the two groups met a few months ago, after leaders of the Illinois Masons announced that they would be closing their children's home in Murphysboro and another one in La Grange. Leadership cited a concern for potential liability and the Masons' desire to use its resources in a different area.

Two Illinois Masons, Rick Swaney (a past grand marshall who was chairman of the board when the Murphysboro home was built) and Chelsey Williams, led the effort to try and find an agency to assume control of the home, said Most Worshipful Grand Master Anthony Cracco of the Illinois Masons.

"It started out as a journey that we weren't prepared for — but who is? — but it certainly worked out wonderfully, not only for the Masons of the state of Illinois, but also for the United Methodists," Cracco said.