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
What’s the secret to living to 100? “Good mother, good father,” said Helen Fridirici, who came to Homeland in 2025. “My mother was an angel. Nobody ever told her that, but she was just an angel on earth. Imagine that.”
In an age when many health care facilities are increasingly depersonalized, Homeland focuses on the residents. “Homeland made me believe in nursing again,” said Mary Ellen Roberts, one of Homeland’s assistant directors of nursing. “People here pay attention to the
Sally Klein has been a pioneering leader in central Pennsylvania policymaking, human services, and nonprofits for decades. Since joining the Homeland Board of Trustees around 2015, she has come to know and admire another landmark institution deeply rooted in community
Mary Deibler believes in service to others. For 15 years after her retirement, she volunteered at Bethesda Mission, a Harrisburg-based provider of housing and services for the homeless. “I like to help people who need help,” she said. She found
Homeland HomeHealth, a service of Homeland Center’s community outreach program Homeland at Home, has earned a five-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that works in partnership with the nation’s healthcare community to improve quality, equity and outcomes in the health care
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
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
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
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
Ginny Jones has been guided by miracles throughout her life. During times of darkness, support has found her and helped her take the next step. For her part, Ginny’s faith in God and humanity ensures her heart is always open to the unexpected grace that blesses us when we need
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
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
An anniversary is more than commemorating the passage of time. It is a celebration of the people and relationships that have made each year special. As Homeland Hospice celebrated its 15th anniversary with its “History, Heart & Honor… Hats off to the Homeland Hospice 15th” event on Saturday, November 23,
Homeland’s 2025 Lottery Calendar is on sale! The calendar honors the service and sacrifice of local Veterans served by Homeland Hospice and residents of Homeland Center. This heartfelt piece includes photos and stories of bravery and patriotism from Veterans who put country above self, as well as family members and volunteers
