Maybe it was the sound of the train’s whistle or the rhythmic clacking of the tracks that ignited a spark in five-year old Lou Botta’s soul one Christmas morning more
Despite childhood deprivation, Lionel Gonzalez has a heart for giving and service. “I never had anything as a child,” Lionel said. “I never saw happiness. I don’t know how I
Slicked-back hair shining under the light, the singer started crooning the 1958 classic “Dream, Dream, Dream” by the Everly Brothers. “I was 10 years old when I heard that song,”
Homecooked meals often take us back to simpler times when we were young and our parents tended to our cold or soothed our bad day. Delicious ingredients made by someone we love brings us comfort and lets us know we
A visit to Homeland Center by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday — educating residents about preventing identity theft — brought things full circle. Sunday is a Harrisburg native whose grandmother had lived in Homeland, and “I know this place inside
When Susan K. Getty was studying in Messiah College’s studio art program at age 44, younger students would ask if she was sad about wasting all those years before pursuing her passion. Her answer: “No.” “I wasn’t ready for this
Tara Roland and the Homeland Center’s housekeeping team often hear the same thing from the families of residents: “Thanks for taking care of my mom. You have my mom’s room looking like home.” As a housekeeping supervisor, Tara ensures the
Tom Barry of Harrisburg has lived a life of service through his military career and now as a Homeland volunteer. He brings his love of our country and joy of helping others to honor veterans receiving care through Homeland Hospice, a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.
The life we lead can be reinvented by taking chances and following our heart. Nearly 15 years ago, Elizabeth Terekh took a chance and moved to the United States to explore our great country and pursue her love of medicine. Today, Elizabeth is a registered nurse with Homeland HomeHealth and treats every
While James and Helen Smith became Homeland Center residents earlier this year, their ties to Homeland go back decades. Helen met her longtime friend, Homeland resident Loretta Colestock, when she first moved to Harrisburg. James coached Homeland President/CEO Barry Ramper II in Little League. “Everybody here is very friendly and very
A young artist’s mischief turned her family’s world purple when Kelly Charlesworth, a perfectly behaved child by all appearances, left behind an unexpected canvas — her bedsheets, transformed with a single crayon. What began as a childhood mystery would spark a lifelong artistic journey. “She said, ‘Kelly would never do
Homeland Hospice, a nonprofit outreach program of Homeland Center in Harrisburg, will host its 11th annual 5K and Memory Walk on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. at the Rossmoyne Business Center at 5000 Ritter Road in Mechanicsburg. The event serves to remember loved ones lost and raise funds to support those
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
Bill Wismer, a cherished resident of Homeland Center, passed away on November 7, 2025. We remember him with deep affection and gratitude for the passionate spirit he shared with our community. Ellen and Bill Wismer are lifelong gardeners whose passion followed them to Homeland, where the grounds are lush and
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.
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
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
