Stories

Homeland Director of Nursing Jennifer Tate-DeFreitas: A life steeped in service

May 31, 2022

If you need to find Homeland Director of Nursing Jennifer Tate-Defreitas, her desk isn’t always the place to look. “I still work the floor, and I still work every shift,” she says. “It’s important as a director to know the work because nursing is hands-on. As nurses, we have to…

Homeland resident Lois Hartman: A relaxing time in Personal Care

May 31, 2022

Lois Hartman grew up in Philadelphia, but after moving to a slightly more rural setting, she enjoyed life amid the greenery. There was just one problem. “In Philadelphia, we roller-skated on the streets because they were smooth,’’ she recalled. “When we got to Glenside, I couldn’t roller skate because the…

Father and daughter bring their caring natures to Homeland

April 21, 2022

Dennis Dinger and Tina Jones are a father-daughter duo with divergent careers but a shared passion for Homeland Center. Dennis is a career financial services executive who serves as treasurer for the Homeland Board of Trustees. Tina started working in Homeland’s dietary department as a summer college job and is…

Homeland volunteer Wendy Shearer: Managing the Homeland Gift Shop

April 15, 2022

On a recent Monday, a Homeland resident dropped by the Homeland Gift Shop, wearing a lovely scarf that came from the shop. She wasn’t looking for anything in particular. She just pops in every day to see what’s new. “They’re wonderful,” she said. “They’re very helpful. No matter what you…

A Home of Hope for 155 Years: The History of Homeland

March 30, 2022

The Civil War (1861-1865) took our country through some of itsThe Civil War (1861-1865) took our country through some of its darkest days as states and families found themselves on opposite sides of the fight. When the war ended on April 9, 1865, our country had lost more than 620,000…

Music therapy at Homeland: Tuneful fun with a therapeutic purpose

March 24, 2022

The Homeland resident known as Mr. Randy had a request. He likes country music – all of it. No particular artist. Just classic country. Music therapist Hannah Brezinski had just the thing. “Hank Williams,” she said. “We’re going to shake to some, ‘Hey, Good Lookin’.’” It’s Thursday afternoon in Homeland’s…