Stories

Registered Dietitian Meghan Sechler: Making Mealtime Healthy and Fun

September 9, 2025

In the height of the lunch rush, Registered Dietitian Meghan Sechler popped into the Homeland kitchen to ask the cook to make a special sandwich for a new resident. “And she did it,” Sechler said. “She actually did it for me.” Plus, she adds, “We have a really good kitchen…

Ellen and Bill Wismer: Making Homeland their home

August 27, 2025

Ellen and Bill Wismer are lifelong gardeners whose passion followed them to Homeland, where the grounds are lush and welcoming. “The garden out front is just gorgeous,” said Ellen. “When it’s not hot, we go out there and enjoy it immensely. When you go to dinner, there are always fresh…

Homeland med tech Anna Hicks: Adding a personal touch

August 26, 2025

Anna Hicks is a medication technician whose compassionate approach enhances the lives of residents far beyond dispensing medications. For example, one Homeland resident wakes up achy every morning, so Hicks massages her knees with pain cream and makes her coffee, which the resident deeply appreciates. “She loves me,” says Hicks….

Spring fling: High tea makes residents feel special

July 29, 2025

Bygone days of elegance and refinement made a return at Homeland Center, as residents filled the main dining room for a spring tea. Kettle-shaped cards printed with flowers invited residents, and a pianist playing “Tea for Two” and other standards set the right tone, as did the tables adorned in…

Transportation CNA Antonia Gomez: Making the trip a delight

July 21, 2025

Antonia Gomez chose a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant because she loves helping people. “That’s my biggest thing,” she said. “Even outside of Homeland, I’m always helping friends, family, everybody.” In her 14 years at Homeland Center, Gomez formed friendships with residents and colleagues and experienced the many ways…

1867 Society reception toasts a renowned “fan club”

July 15, 2025

Beneath the glowing chandeliers and soaring ceilings of the Mediterranean-style King Mansion, more than 65 members of the 1867 Society gathered together, forming a life-sized tableau of the values that inspired the formation of the precursor to Homeland Center 158 years ago: compassion and trust. As guests dined on fine…