Stories

Lifestyle Choices and Alzheimer’s Disease

By Barbara Goll, Community Liaison Educator and Nutritionist Most polls consistently show that people fear losing their memory and mind more than anything else, even death. Our brains are the very essence of our very being. Today, 5.3 million people

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resident Judy Hess smiling in an armchair

Homeland resident Judy Hess: Adventures in nursing

Judy Hess has lovely memories of childhood in Hershey, named for the famous chocolate company where her father worked in the Hershey Foods power plant. She would see the renowned founder — Milton Hershey — driving around town. “Mr. Hershey

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nurse and resident holding hands

The Importance of Spiritual Counseling

As you or a loved one are nearing the end-of-life, physical symptom and pain relief is essential but it’s only a part of Homeland Hospice’s overall healthcare approach. Helping patients and their families manage the emotional and mental aspect of

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Flora and Jeff Jespersen adorned as the king and queen of hearts

Homeland Center’s Kings and Queens of Hearts warm a February day

In their 67 years of marriage, Flora and Jeff Jespersen have discovered a thing or two about lasting relationships. “It takes a little bit of tolerance for each other,” said Jeff Jespersen. The Jespersens also enjoy the unexpected, and for Valentine’s Day, they got a real surprise – their election

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Felicia Foster holding the miniature Steelers helmet signed by Hines Ward she received from Barry S. Ramper II

Homeland Center’s staff get a well-deserved ‘thank you!’

While Homeland Center’s role has changed since it was founded almost 150 years ago, one thing has remained the same – the commitment of the staff to those who depend on them for care. More than 200 Homeland Center and Homeland Hospice staff gathered this month for the annual recognition

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Mary Peterson and caregiver Chris Fulton looking at a door decorated blue with a snowman

Holiday door decorating contest brings winter wonderland indoors

2015 Homeland Door Decorating Contest Winners: 115 – Martha Finley & Wanda Kardos 207 – Harold Hixon & Raymond Caldwell E6 – Wanda Berger & Agatha Goodwin 1N2 – Eleanor Allen Nativity scenes and reindeer. Snowmen and penguins. All brightened the hallways of Homeland Center this Christmas, as residents adorned

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Herm Minkoff leading sports talk with homeland residents

With Herm Minkoff, the news is never dull

Herm Minkoff stands in the Homeland Diner before a group of residents. On the table are news clippings and books. “Who has been following the stock market?” he asks. “It’s up,” says one resident. “About 300.” It’s been a volatile couple of weeks, Minkoff agrees. “The stock market right now is

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Rev. Dann Caldwell and his father, Ray, singing together at Homeland Center

Duets by Homeland pastor and his father brighten monthly service

Luminous, late-morning sunlight streamed across the patterned carpet of the chapel of Homeland Center one recent Wednesday in early autumn — so much so that resident Ray Caldwell, 85, politely asked for the blinds to be drawn. As he faced 12 of his fellow residents and prepared to sing by the stone

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homeland resident in a spooky costume for halloween

Homeland Center Halloween puts magic in the air

Legend has it that on one night of the year, Homeland Center is haunted by ghosts and goblins. Also, pint-sized firefighters, princesses, Ninjas, and many, many Spidermans. This is Homeland’s annual Trick or Treat, an evening in late October when residents and staff join to relive Halloween memories, celebrate family, and

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Resident Gloria Jackson looking happy in a Homeland Center residence

Theater production mines Homeland history for stories of caring

Since 1986, Open Stage of Harrisburg has given theatrical life to stories of love, memory, conflict, and courage. Since 1867, Homeland Center has provided shelter, care, and dignity for people with stories of their own to tell. So it was only natural that these two highly regarded institutions join forces.

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Events

'preview of an example wreath that will be created during the grief art event'

Grief Art: Autumn Creations w/ Mixed Materials

September 5, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Giant Foods Community Room, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill

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'the silhouette of a well-dressed woman in front of a gate'

The Past Shall Rise Cemetery Tour

September 19, 2026
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Harrisburg Cemetery 521 N 13th St, Harrisburg, PA 17103

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