Stories

Ed and Marlene Sickora: Making Homeland their Home

February 14, 2025

A health crisis brought Ed and Marlene Sickora to Homeland in the fall of 2024, but they knew immediately that they were in the right place. “We’ve met so many nice people,” Marlene said. “They’ll introduce themselves and talk to you. We didn’t know anybody when we came here.” “I…

Art from the Heart: Celebrating Homeland Hospice’s 15th Anniversary

February 6, 2025

When members of the Homeland community were invited to decorate canvas hearts to celebrate Homeland Hospice’s 15th anniversary, many chose to depict hands. “What comes out of our hands exudes from our hearts,” said Homeland Center Director of Nursing Jennifer Tate-DeFreitas. “These are the hands that care for you.” Homeland…

Homeland Center Chief Human Resources Officer Nicol Brown Named a 2025 YWCA Woman of Excellence

February 4, 2025

Nicol Brown, NHA, chief human resources and compliance officer for Homeland Center, has been named a 2025 YWCA Greater Harrisburg Woman of Excellence. YWCA’s Tribute to Women of Excellence program honors women in the Capital Region who devote time and energy to making the organizations and communities with which they…

Homeland Nurse Batya Kassner: Helping Families Experience ‘Love in Action’

January 28, 2025

As a nurse case manager for Homeland Hospice, Batya Kassner finds the collaborative spirit and teamwork “amazing.” “Everyone respects everyone else’s role that they play, and everyone is more than willing to jump in and help with whatever is needed,” Kassner said. “The communication is awesome. No team works together…

Homeland Residents Sue and Steve Valoczki: A Life of Adventure

January 21, 2025

Sue and Steve Valoczki spend a lot of time joshing around with Homeland staff. “The staff is very nice,” said Steve. “They’re interactive and make sure you’re comfortable. They have a good sense of humor. I have to be on my toes for them.” “They tease us a lot,” added…

Homeland Director of Development Troy Beaver: Finding purpose in relationships

January 14, 2025

Troy Beaver was weighing three job offers when his dad’s hospice nurse told him what keeps her going every day. “It’s knowing that this could be this person’s last day on earth, and maybe I do something that puts a smile on their face,” she told him. “I could be…