Job's Daughters Helps Dalton Resident

Job's Daughters International was founded in 1920 by Ethel T. Wead in Omaha with the mission of creating strong young women that respect tradition and will shape the future. The name references the book of Job in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is a Masonic affiliated youth organization, and although members are not required to practice any particular religion, they must believe in a Supreme Being. Girls between the ages of 10 and 20 are eligible for membership if they are related to a Master Mason or are sponsored by a Majority Member of Job's Daughters and a Master Mason. There are local Job's Daughters locations (Bethels) throughout the United States as well as Canada, Australia, Brazil and the Philippines.

Sidney's Bethel 25 had an honoring ceremony Saturday afternoon to celebrate the awarding of a grant to purchase new hearing aids to Natalie Reimers. The grant was supplied by the Hearing Improvement Kids Endowment Fund (HIKE), which is a non-profit philanthropic fund-raising effort by Job's Daughters International. Job's Daughters International is at the forefront for raising money and aid to help those with hearing loss, and was contacted by Natalie's mother, Kelly Reimers.

"We were trying everything because insurance only covers a relatively small portion of the cost for these type of hearing aids, and they are very expensive," said Reimers.

Reimers saw the Job's Daughters was very active in providing support for children with hearing loss, and contacted the local Bethel about helping her daughter Natalie, a Dalton resident and Bridgeport High School student. Bethel 25 was very willing to help, and raised the money to get Natalie the hearing aids she needs. Nebraska Bethels have raised over $11,000 over the past six months, and are continuing their fund-raising efforts to help more children in need.

The ceremony followed the Job's Daughters traditions where the members took turns presenting flags and symbolic objects, read from scriptures and recited codes of the organization in a structured manner. The girls were able to practice their presentation and public speaking skills, helping them gain confidence and poise when addressing groups. Officers and senior members of the group were recognized and thanked for their continuing support and sponsorship of the girls. The group then welcomed Natalie and her mother and congratulated them on receiving their gift and all the good that will manifest from works of charity and kindness. A reception with refreshments was held after the ceremony concluded.

"It is very exciting to be a part of this group and to be able to help someone in such an important way," said Ginny Herboldsheimer, a Bethel 25 member of Job's Daughters. Herboldsheimer has been a member since she was 10 years old. She commented on the practices and traditions of the group, saying, "Many of the things we do are in this type of ceremony are symbolic and are traditions from the beginnings of the organization. We all have to learn them and practice them, and it is something that connects us all together, whether we're newer members or from long ago. It's something we all have in common."

Job's Daughters International promotes itself as a sorority "where girls rule" while interacting with and being guided by adults. Job's Daughters International has raised over six million dollars since 1985 to help children with hearing loss. For more information, go to http://www.thehikefund.org