NETWORK - NEWS
NETWORK DIRECTOR HONORED BY RICHARDSON MASONIC LODGE
At a special meeting of the Richardson Masonic Lodge on May 12, 2009, the Community Builders Award was presented to Network’s Director, Mr. Doug Freeman , who oversees the Seniors’ Net, a division of the organization. The award was presented to Mr. Freeman by Howard Kennedy, a Past Master of Richardson Lodge.
The Community Builders Award is an award established by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas to enable local Masonic Lodges to recognize outstanding non-Masons who have distinguished themselves through their service to the community, to the local, state or national government, to their Church or Synagogue, or to humanity. Thus, the award is presented to individuals who, although they have never been initiated into Masonry, have followed the same precepts, ideals and standards that have been established for Masonic behavior. The person designated is one who, year in and year out, quietly and without fanfare, has shown his devotion to his community and its people without the expectation of awards or honors.
Freeman has been its director since 2002, facilitating services for the homebound elderly. He also has serves as Chaplain for Baylor Medical Center at Garland and at Plano , and is the current President of “Helping Agencies serving Richardson ”, a coordinating agency for 66 member non-profit agencies. Freeman’s civic involvements also include membership on the Volunteer Committee for the Visiting Nurse Association.
A retired Texas Instruments executive, Freeman gave up a successful 35 year business career to study for the ministry. After serving as a Pastor for three years, he changed the focus of his ministry by organizing a group of volunteers he called “The Seniors’ Net.” The mission of this group remains the same today, which is to make it possible for seniors to stay in their homes as long as possible.
The Seniors’ Net helps keep their homes safe by installing grab bars, stair rails and other mobility aids, and keeps the homes in working order by performing small tasks such as plumbing and electrical repairs. The Seniors’ Net also provides transportation, when necessary, to get to the doctor and other necessary appointments, and provides assistance in managing clients’ finances when requested.
In its seven years of existence, The Senior’ Net has grown to serve over 3000 clients a year under the umbrella of the Network of Community Ministries. For services provided by The Seniors’ Net, call 972-808-9869. NETWORK is located at 741 S. Sherman, Richardson , TX 75081 .
