An anniversary like no other honoring a woman like no other calls for a celebration like no other. Homeland Center will celebrate its 155th anniversary of serving central Pennsylvania, and pay tribute to Betty Hungerford on Sunday, May 15, 2022, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Hilton Harrisburg. This event, produced in grand, theatric style will be one for the history books.
By Janice Black
Historically, women have been agents of change through the donation of their time and passion. Over the past several decades, women have moved into the forefront of social transformation by galvanizing their philanthropic power. With each step into a leadership role, women have inspired others to join them. For our region, the result is a powerful network of strong female leaders committed to making our community a better place to live.
When I think of the many women in south central Pennsylvania who have dedicated their lives to social change, I think of my friend and colleague Betty Hungerford.
Ask Betty to describe herself and she will say, “I am who I am,” which is the theme song from La Cage Aux Folles, one of Betty’s favorite Broadway musicals. Ask that same question to community and business leaders, as well as anyone who has ever turned to her in need, and they will tell you she is one of the greatest of the Greatest Generation.
Betty has been a professional in the field of development and public relations for more than 35 years. Since 2000, she has served as the director of development for Homeland Center, which celebrates its 155 anniversary this year. Homeland Center, a private, nonprofit retirement community in Harrisburg, is part of the City’s deep and rich history of loving and serving thy neighbor. To know Betty is to know Homeland for she is a steadfast champion of the organization.
For Betty, there is little separation between work and home life, for she loves each fiercely and finds true joy and purpose in her work.
“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something,” Betty likes to say.
Betty’s “something” has been to change the charitable giving landscape to advance the causes she is most passionate about. She has secured financial and community resources to support the work of Homeland Center and its robust benevolent fund to help those in need.
Betty is a decorated alumna of Lebanon Valley College, receiving an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2009. She is the recipient of countless recognitions and honors, most notably the Karen Snider Women in Philanthropy Award in 2017. Like Betty, Karen was a tireless advocate for our community’s most vulnerable residents.
I believe Betty’s servant leadership is second to none, and I find seeing her in action inspirational. As a longtime member and past president of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg, Betty’s entrance at a luncheon meeting is an event. She is greeted at the door and accompanied to her seat by friends and colleagues who want just a minute of their revered “Queen B’s” time. The conversations are often around the work of shared projects, expressions of gratitude for an act of kindness Betty has bestowed.
Whatever the topic of conversation, individuals of all ages and professions are drawn to Betty because of what we might learn from her. We all want to know how to stay passionate about community causes when the issues can be daunting and overwhelming.
From my perspective, Betty has found the recipe for continually reinvigorating herself by surrounding herself with a network of family and friends who mirror her spirit. She has created her own personal community of caring, which is one of the wisest lessons I’ve learned through my friendship with Betty. Surround yourself with those who believe we can all do good work and together we will. When one of us falls, and we all do, the others pick us up to continue our path forward and together we cross the finish line.
Anniversaries, like that of Homeland Center, are ultimately about the people who have kept the organization vibrant and strong. I cannot imagine Homeland Center without Betty or Betty without Homeland. Betty has been a magnet for donors, volunteers and community supporters to connect with the organization. Together, they have enriched countless lives.
To Homeland Center, congratulations on your upcoming 155th anniversary and to Betty Hungerford, you are an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for your leadership.
______________________________________________
Janice Black is the President & CEO of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (www.tfec.org), which connects donors with nonprofits helping to address the needs in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry and Lebanon counties as well as Northern York.
The sign Sandy Daily held out of the car window said it all.
“From Peggy, Rusty, and the Dailys, thanks for caring.”
Homeland Center celebrated National Assisted Living Week 2021 with style, putting extra-special touches into a show of appreciation for employees who have performed heroically since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Events included a big surprise for personal care staff – a drive-by parade of family members showing their appreciation for the kindness and care that Homeland staff exhibit for their loved ones.
Every September, Assisted Living Week shines a spotlight on the people and places providing loving care for the aging and people with disabilities. For Homeland, the week offers the opportunity to highlight its personal care side, where residents get companionship, socialization, and any help needed with the tasks of daily living.
For many people, assisted living is like “aging at home,” but better and safer, amid trained professionals in providing attentive care.
“Assisted living offers a chance to receive assistance 24 hours a day from dedicated and caring staff,” says Director of Personal Care Jennifer Murray. “Homeland Staff is like no other. There is no worry from the family members (especially those who have jobs and family responsibilities) on whether or not their loved one will receive the proper supervision and assistance.”
Assisted living is also less isolating than living alone and, at Homeland, much more fun.
“We encourage our residents to attend activities, and they have a great time with our staff,” says Murray. “At an end-of-summer party in the pavilion, we had residents up dancing with the staff and playing with squirt guns and water balloons. You can’t do that at home!”
Assisted Living Week 2021, themed “Compassion, Community, Caring,” brought an array of fun to Homeland. In personal care, the week started with a word search puzzle for staff, who circled words that are the hallmarks of Homeland: caring, compassion, dedication, community, gratitude, teamwork, respect, thankful, appreciation.
Other activities included a recognition photo display, provision of lunch or dinner, “Western Wear” day, and a cake and ice cream party with gifts in the form of a keychain and sugar cookies in the shape of a scrubs top. Residents voted for the winners of a mask decorating contest – first place to CNA Patti Moore and her Mr. Potato Head mask, second place to med-tech Anna Leland for her bedazzled mask, third place to CNA Aprile Greene for decorating her mask with a face complete with earrings. Honorable mention went to Michael Quinones from transportation, with a SpongeBob mask.
“The staff in personal care don’t need anything special to do what they love to do,” notes Murray. “They love the residents and provide the best care all year round. The activities and gifts were the least that I could do to show them that they are appreciated.”
The midweek surprise family drive-by brought tears to the eyes of many staffers. Murray asked Sandy Daily and her family to lead the pack. Sandy sat in the back seat, waving the sign that her son made. Her mother, Peggy Keiser, and brother, Rusty, love Homeland and constitute the only mother-son pairing in residence.
“As far as I’m concerned, Homeland is topnotch,” says Sandy. “It’s topnotch care, and they keep me abreast of everything that’s going on. They’re wonderful to work with. The staff goes out of their way. They’re so friendly.”
Ann Gralski and her husband also joined the parade to show appreciation for the compassion staff shows her dad, Bill McGinley.
“I was blowing kisses,” she says. At Homeland, “communication is never a problem. Dad sometimes requires that extra help and kindness from the staff. They are always there for him. They do what needs to be done to make the residents comfortable and feeling good. They’re all experienced, and they know how to take care of people.”
Ann often takes donuts or cookies to Homeland staff. During Assisted Living Week, other family members of residents did the same, dropping off treats and gifts.
“They all say much they care about my dad. He makes jokes. He likes them, too,’’ Ann says. “That’s the bottom line.”
Overheard at Homeland Employee Appreciation Day 2021:
“They have chicken tacos and chicken and beef.”
“Oh, no! Where’s the strawberry?”
“That’s the best milkshake I ever had.”
It was a bounty of food and treats, with a generous side helping of information from employee benefits providers, at the recent summertime celebration of Homeland Center and Homeland at Home employees.
Employees enjoyed the delicacies offered in a small-scale version of a food truck fest in Homeland Center’s parking lot. The annual event is Homeland’s way of extending thanks to employees for their service, especially after a year-plus of unswerving devotion to keeping Homeland Center residents and Homeland at Home patients safe and healthy.
The message was clear: Homeland protects the well-being of every team member so they can protect the well-being of residents and patients.
The smell of barbecue from Blazin’ Swine filled the air, but that wasn’t the only tempting fare. Employees could choose tacos from 717Tacos, or pasta bowls, or pizza from What’s Cookin’. For dessert, there were the delicious Lancaster Cupcakes or world-famous Farm Show milkshakes from the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association (chocolate, vanilla, or half-and-half, but to the disappointment of at least one diner, no strawberry).
The event underscores Homeland’s commitment to protecting the physical and financial health of employees so they can, in turn, assure the well-being of residents and patients. Representatives from Homeland’s insurance providers, retirement plans, and financial services arrived with packets of information and opportunities to answer questions face-to-face.
Tricia Heisey, business development/financial education provider for Belco Community Credit Union, was excited to be among the people she has been serving for a year and a half.
“We’re so happy to work with Homeland,” she said. “I’ve always been impressed that the board and the managers serve the employees. That speaks volumes. I think the employees feel special and appreciated.”
Pandemic or not, Homeland’s partnership with Belco, a community-chartered institution, has brought affordable financial services and financial education to help Homeland employees manage their money wisely. As Heisey noted, research shows that easing financial stress can reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and even keep down health care costs.
Homeland’s Employee Wellness Program Coordinator Roxane Hearn, a.k.a. “Dr. Rox,” reflected over a busy year of organizing fun theme weeks meant to keep the focus on health. A Buddy Walk Week encouraged staff to stay active. Kindness Week inspired one employee to bring her massage chair into the Homeland Hospice office. During Self Care Week, employees posted photos of themselves meditating or getting manicures.
Today, Hearn was distributing gift cards rewarding employees for completing the Walking and Wellness Challenge.
Despite a year of disruptions and uncertainty, “everyone’s been doing well,” Hearn said. “They’re taking care of themselves so that they can take care of the residents.”
Homeland Center Dietary Purchasing Supervisor Brian Wallace was enjoying the chance to eat food that someone else prepared. He’s a Homeland Center rookie who joined the team in early 2021, but he knew Homeland and its reputation because his wife, Felicia Wallace, is Homeland’s endeared hairdresser.
The best part about Homeland, he said, is getting the chance to engage with residents – a rarity in other settings where he has worked.
“Here, it’s more personal,” he said. “I like that.”
Wallace appreciates Homeland’s customized approach to dining. When residents have thoughts to share about the food, he meets with them and adjusts their menu.
“It’s satisfying to be able to provide that service and be one-on-one with people,’’ he said. “I’ll get out and talk to residents. We’re trying to give them what they like.”
Employee Appreciation Day offered “a sign of normalcy” to Homeland staff after a challenging year, said Homeland Hospice Chaplain Dann Caldwell. “It’s a reason to celebrate. Celebrate the fact that you have a wonderful place to work, family to care for, and just being together, out in the open air.”
In Central Pennsylvania, the Homeland name is synonymous with quality, compassionate care and a focus on serving the community’s evolving needs.
In keeping with Homeland’s mission of investing in exceptional community outreach, Homeland Hospice was launched 10 years ago. With hope, dignity, compassion, peace and comfort, Homeland Hospice is committed to improving quality of life for families facing a serious illness in the 14 Central PA counties we serve.
Please join us in the coming year as we celebrate the enormous impact on those with whom we have been privileged to uplift and serve!
• A celebration of Homeland Hospice’s 10th Anniversary – “Guitars, Gifts & Gratitude” – is planned on Sunday, November 10th at the Scottish Rite Theatre in Harrisburg. Doors open at 12:30 and the program starts at 2 p.m. Featured artists include local native, Cedar Cliff grad and Nashville’s newest country sensation Ben Gallaher, as well as the Buffalo Mountain Bluegrass Band. Stroll through a unique Guitar Gallery while enjoying the Grand Ole Beer, Cider & Wine Café.
• Sponsorships and program advertising opportunities for this special event are still available. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit homelandathome.org/homeland-hospice-guitars-gifts-gratitude/.
Homeland Hospice’s team of specialists provides holistic-focused hospice care. We offer pain relief, comfort and peace to patients in end-of-life situations.
Homeland is a 501(C) (3) non-profit organization and in keeping with the spirit of its founders, Homeland Hospice costs not covered by insurance are never charged to the patient or family. Similarly, no one has ever been asked to leave Homeland Center due to lack of funds, and the center provides almost $3 million annually on charitable and benevolent care.
Compassionate support to families and loved ones is a primary focus as well. Each month, Homeland Hospice provides caregivers 32 hours of complimentary in-home relief. Bereavement support is available for a full 13 months after the death of a loved one.
Homeland Hospice has touched thousands of lives. We continue to look toward the future, working hand-in-hand with caregivers, friends and medical professionals to offer our support and care for your loved one and family.
Barry Ramper II thanking Homeland employees at the annual recognition event.
Being healthy is its own reward, but that doesn’t stop Homeland Center from sweetening the pot, so to speak, with incentives and challenges encouraging employees to take charge of their health.
“For us to be the best we can be for the group of residents, patients, and clients who’ve entrusted their lives to us, we have to be at our best,” said Homeland President and CEO Barry Ramper II. “That is a responsibility we have.”
That ideal was in the spotlight for the annual Homeland employee recognition event, paired in 2019 for the first time with a health and wellness fair. While Homeland treated employees to food-truck burritos, gift cards, massages, and fun raffle prizes, they also got a dose of health education. Tables featured information on skin health, cardiovascular disease, the consequences of smoking, and bone density.
What’s the number?
Homeland officials saw an opportunity to blend the wellness fair with annual recognition day. Raffle prizes that attracted a crowd included big-screen TVs, furniture, air pressure fryers and instant pots, gift cards, and a five-burner grill.
“They’re more relaxed, and they can take advantage of the screenings,” said Homeland Health and Wellness Director Roxane Hearn. “This is something we’re going to do every year from now on.”
Ohhh, that feels good!
Offering chair massages for the first time added a special touch.
“That’s what today’s all about, appreciating the employees,” said Roxane.
Roxane reminded employees that her health coaching is a free benefit, offered to help keep Homeland employees healthy and on the job. She reminded those gathered under a tent in the Homeland parking lot that the true measures of good health aren’t weight but body fat and “visceral fat” – the health-diminishing fat stored around the abdominal cavity.
“If that’s off, you’re not healthy,” Roxane told the gathered employees. “The weight number, that’s up to you. I want you to be healthy.”
The event also recognized Homeland employees who have met their personal health goals. Angelo Evans, a Homeland Hospice CNA, had been to see Roxanne only two weeks beforehand. In just two weeks of going to the gym and cutting sugar and carbs, his visceral fat dropped four points.
Angelo said he finally decided to consult with Roxanne “just to get healthy.” With his excess weight, even simple tasks left him short of breath. Two weeks into his turnaround, he was feeling better and putting his newfound energy into his job. His goal now is to “continue being healthy.”
“I feel great,” he said.
In his work with Homeland Hospice, Angelo said, “I love everything. I love taking care of people.”
Dahlia Dixon, a Homeland Center staffer in the Activities and Dietary departments, said she could see at the event “a lot of great opportunities for people to check in with their health.”
“It’s getting people the resources they need to start taking charge of their health, and it all starts with awareness,” she said.
Dahlia has loved her two years working at Homeland. “I really enjoy being with the residents and hearing their stories,” she said. “I like taking them outside and enjoying that quality time with them.”
Ramper congratulated those who have achieved their wellness goals and then made a surprise announcement about a contest scheduled for July 1 to Dec. 31. Two employees at Homeland at Home and at Homeland Center who achieve the most significant wellness gains would receive $2,500 each. The contest is meant to encourage lifestyle changes that change lives.
“You will gain in years of life expectancy, not having medication, and not having other complications,” Ramper said. “It starts with you making a choice.”
Ramper told the dedicated employees of Homeland that he “could not work nor would I be able to choose to work, with group more highly committed, focused, heartfelt-actioned individuals.”
“There is no group better, I’ll go as far as outside of central Pennsylvania, for skilled nursing, personal care, home health, home care and hospice,” he said. “I thank you all.”
As employees accepted their awards for longevity, recognized in five-year intervals from five years to 35, those who wished to say a few words all expressed their gratitude.
“Thanks for five good years at Homeland,” enthused Homeland Hospice Chaplain Dann Caldwell. “I’m about to finish number six in a couple of weeks. Thank you, Homeland!”
Melissa McCreary, another employee celebrating five years, spoke from the heart.
“Thank you,” she said. “This is the best place I’ve ever worked. I’m so happy.”
The following employees were honored for their years of service:
5 years
Chastity Anderson
Dann Caldwell
Jarvis Dodoo
Andrew Ford
Aprile Greene
Kay Herre
Steven Hoover
Tracey Jennings
Whitley Johnson
Debbie Klinger
Trevor Maben
Melissa McCreary
Gail Oakley
Lumane Oxceva
Pamela Ramsey
Marilyn Reid
Debra Robinson
Elizabeth Ruiz
Dana Seidensticker
Keyaira Stanton
Isaac Strausser
Bessie Yohe
10 years
Tina Coble
Christina Dinger
Deborah Donato
Courtney Jackson
Dawn Mason
Margie McClure
Nicole Polliard
15 years
Denise Anderson
20 years
Cherie Griffin
25 years
Barbara Jones
35 years
Evelyn Fry
1901 North Fifth Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
717-221-7900
GPS:
1924 N. 6th Street
Contact Us Today
2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Hospice: 717-221-7890
HomeHealth: 717-412-0166
HomeCare: 717-221-7892
Contact Us Today