Update 3/17/2010: We received new pictures of our girls at Mooseheart.  Click on the photos at the end of the article!

If I told you that the Moose fraternity is an amazing organization, would you ask why? Some might say that by your participation in the Moose fraternity, you lend a hand in making the world a better place. At the time I joined the Moose fraternity years ago, I had very little knowledge of what Mooseheart was or what it did. It was not until a group of amazing kids visited from the Virginia house at Mooseheart that I began to understand. Our lodge is so much more than just a lodge or a group of individuals. It is because of the support that this lodge brings to the table that Mooseheart is able to provide a secure and nurturing environment that helps underprivileged children from around the world grow, learn, and mature.

For those who do not already know, Mooseheart is a school that was dedicated in July 1913 by the Moose fraternal organization. The school is located west of Chicago on a 1000-acre campus. The school is home to kids of all ages from infancy to high school. Mooseheart cares for kids when others cannot. Mooseheart takes in children that have lost parents and others in just unhealthy environments. It is through our generosity, and others like us, that these kids receive the very best education and nurturing during their formative years.

A few years ago, we had a chance to meet the parents and kids from the Virginia House at Mooseheart. We kept up with the kids and parents even after they moved to the New York house on campus. A few things in this world we know are for certain, our kids will graduate, and some parents will move on from Mooseheart. It was a sad day at Mooseheart when Mark and Rebekah Hewitt left last year. Feeling the void, I began to think, who were the new parents at the Virginia House? I recently sat down with one new parent at the Virginia house. It was Tiffany's day off during the interview. I thank her for her time.

Tiffany Crump has an infectiously bubbly and friendly personality. I am sure the girls just love her. Tiffany, by her own words, was born and raised in the south side of Chicago in the neighborhood of Englewood. Her favorite bands include 'Maroon 5,' 'Earth, Wind, and Fire,' and 'Destiny’s Child.' She left Chicago for a time to go to college in Mississippi. She is a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University and has a degree in Speech Communications. The famous Jerry Rice, of the San Francisco 49’ers, graduated from the same university. Tiffany is a proud parent and teacher at Mooseheart. In her spare time, she spends time roller-skating with the kids.

So, I hear you are a single parent right now, what is that like?

"Yes, it is true. I do have help though. Another single lady named Jennifer. She is absolutely great. When I am alone with the kids, it is very challenging. I have never been so challenged like this in my life. Nothing prepared me for this job… but at the end of the day I get “Will you play with me?” and it is great! The kids also un-expectantly give me hugs and cards. It is so great!"

What brought you to Mooseheart?

"I will have been here two years as of last January 21st. I think it was God’s will. I was looking for a job and came across an advertisement for Mooseheart. I went to the Mooseheart website and saw an article on the kids of Mooseheart. There was a video from a local television station in Chicago talking to the kids of Mooseheart. At the end of the video, I said that is my job!"

How do your parents feel about you working as a single parent at Mooseheart?

"My dad is a conservative Christian man, he says to do God’s work, do his will, and stay because it is what you want to do. My mom is worried about marriage and kids, but she is coming around. My parents know this is where I am supposed to be."

How are the girls?

"They are all good. The older girls are just starting to play the roll model for the younger girls. And the younger girls are looking up to the older girls. It is a nice balance."

What are girls’ names and ages?

• Cloe: 7 yrs old, 2nd grade
• Shannon: 12 yrs old, 6th grade
• Mercedes: 11 yrs old, 5th grade
• Suriah: 8 yrs old, 2nd grade
• Raven: 11 yrs old, 4th grade
• Latarynn: 15 yrs old, 9th grade
• U-Conjay: 15 yrs old, 9th grade

What kind of chores do the girls do around the house?

"They clean the kitchen, bathrooms, living room, laundry room, and of course their own bedrooms. They hate to clean the kitchen but do a good job anyway. I think it is a teenager thing to hate doing dishes."

Did you get a chance to meet Mark and Rebekah Hewitt?

"Oh, they were rock stars here! I had the privilege to get to know them both. They were so great. I enjoyed hanging out with Rebekah many times. You know that U-Conjay is best friends with Darnisha from the New York House. I think U-Conjay is over there right now."

In conclusion, what has been the best experience since coming to work at Mooseheart?

"Well, the best experience has been the promotion and graduation ceremonies. I have seen three graduations so far. It is not easy seeing the kids graduate too. But, you get to see your efforts through to the end. Graduation is so special. What is really nice is to see how special the kids feel by who shows up for graduation. Family, friends, and moose members come from miles and miles away just to see the kids graduate. My first graduation, I was overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up. I was like “Who are all these people?” When the kids names are called the members would stand, clap, and cheer! I just love graduation. I am also sad this year; some of the kids I have come to know are graduating."

This was my first time talking with Tiffany. I hope to keep in touch with her and report to our membership occasionally on developments within the Virginia House. We do hope that the kids get a chance to visit some time soon. If I hear anything about the kids coming to our lodge, I will pass that information on. I want to thank Tiffany Crump for her time. It was so nice to get to know the person who is taking care of kids in the Virginia House at Mooseheart.