Stories

homeland residents bill and ellen wismer smiling together

Ellen and Bill Wismer: Making Homeland their home

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

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Anna Hicks, medication technician, smiling in Homeland Center

Homeland med tech Anna Hicks: Adding a personal touch

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,

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a group of smiling women serving tea at the spring fling

Spring fling: High tea makes residents feel special

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

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artist nicole simmons next to her artwork

Artist Nicole Simmons: Evoking Joy Through Painting

Nicole Simmons was hanging her artwork in Homeland’s sunny Florida Room Gallery when a resident came by. “Ooh, look at the pretty pictures,” the resident said. “They are so beautiful.” That was music to Simmons’ ear. As a self-taught artist who recently discovered her love for painting, she loves connecting

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Kristine (Kris) Crockett, RN, CHPN, Director of Homeland Hospice and Homeland Palliative Care

Breaking Down Barriers to End-of-Life Support

By Kristine Crockett, RN, CHPN, Director of Homeland Hospice and Homeland Palliative Care. Kristine has been providing compassionate end-of-life care as a hospice nurse for more than 25 years and provides a wealth of knowledge and experience to those she is leading as the director. Kristine is an Army Veteran

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resident art wiand

Homeland Resident Art Wiand: Focused on family

Art Wiand grew up in a family-oriented atmosphere, which is why he felt at home the first time he set foot in Homeland. “It’s one big happy family,” he said. “The majority of us socialize a lot.” Art is a central Pennsylvania native who grew up around Sunbury and Northumberland.

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blackjack dealer at casino day

Casino Day brings Lady Luck to Homeland

Two cards sat on the green felt in front of Geoffrey Davenport, a seven and a nine. The next card could put him over 21, for a losing hand, but he took a chance. Geoffrey declined another card when the blackjack dealer put down a three, bringing his hand to

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logo for the music and memory program

The Power of Music in the Lives of Hospice Patients

“You, my brown eyed girl.” The lyrics of “Brown Eyed Girl,” Van Morrison’s nostalgic and catchy song from 1967, is familiar to many and a portal to another time for others. For anyone growing up in the 1960s, this song and others from this era evoke memories of times with

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resident Pino Filardo and his wife Janet

Homeland Resident Pino Filardo: From Italy to Pennsylvania

World War II came directly to Pino Filardo’s childhood hometown of Catanzaro, Italy. The beautiful capital of Calabria, known as “the City of the Two Seas,” was under siege from bombings. Even his school was bombed, but young Pino wasn’t there that day because he was home sick. Most of

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homeland social worker amanda williams and director of social services daniqwa buckner

Homeland Social Workers Make the Puzzle Pieces Fit

What do social workers do? At Homeland, they help families navigate the complexities that are often involved with caregiving. “The hard work shouldn’t be on the family,” said Homeland social worker Amanda Williams. “They should just be coming to visit their loved ones. They shouldn’t have to worry about the

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employees organizing the staff pantry cleanse event

Staff Pantry Cleanse Fills Pantries, Bellies, and Hearts

“When was the last time you went through and cleaned out your pantry?” It was an excellent question, posted on the first Homeland Community Outreach Pantry Cleanse flier. Most people have extras or unwanted items in their pantries. The taco mix packet purchased when there were three at home. The

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Events

'view from behind of two people sitting and holding hands'

Bereavement Six Week Support Group

June 30, 2026 - August 4, 2026
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Homeland Hospice Office, Suite 265B, 2300 Vartan Way, Harrisburg

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'a table with various art supplies like paint and colored pencils'

Grief Art: Creative Collaging with Mixed Materials

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

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