Stories

Resident Edwina “Winnie” Reese: A “very blessed” life

December 28, 2020

Edwina “Winnie” Reese grew up in the Philadelphia-area neighborhood called Roxborough. Her father was a pressman for the Philadelphia Inquirer. “He left school at 16,” Winnie says. “He worked there for 25 years.” Her mother was legally blind, without 85 percent of her vision. “When I was a child that…

Riddles, greenery, and holiday activities bring cheer to Homeland residents

December 22, 2020

A holiday riddle: How do Santa and Mrs. Claus get around? On an icicle built for two! In a year when quarantine restrictions sidelined many holiday traditions, the Homeland Center team got busy creating new practices – such as delivering holiday riddles to residents in their rooms — and keeping…

Homeland resident Pat Cameron: A life of firsts

December 8, 2020

Patricia Cameron woke up around 7 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941 to the sound of her mother’s call from the front lawn of their home, about 12 miles from the naval base. “They’re attacking Pearl Harbor,’’ yelled her mom, as across the street a naval officer ran from his…

Homeland Transportation driver Samira “Sam” Rosario: Helping residents find happiness

December 2, 2020

Not long ago, Samira Rosario — “Sam’’ as she’s known to everyone — was driving a resident to a doctor’s appointment. “Sam,” the resident said. “I’m dying for some French fries. Can you please take me to McDonald’s?” Sam called Homeland’s dietary department and got the okay. Off they went…

Homeland’s Fifth-Annual “Lottery” Calendar: A Gift of compassion and prizes!

November 2, 2020

A Homeland tradition returns! The Fifth Annual Homeland “Lottery” Calendar is now available and ready for your holiday shopping list. The calendar is a gift that keeps on giving because everyone who purchases a calendar automatically is entered into daily drawings for cash prizes of up to $100. Additionally, your…

Virtual visits go to next level with new technology

October 28, 2020

The glowing emails from family members on Homeland Center’s virtual visits include thumbs-up and heart emojis: “We appreciate all your efforts and everyone at Homeland to keep us connected during this difficult time!” “Our family really appreciates everything Homeland is doing to keep us connected to our mom.” “We all…