For most of her life, Mary Patti lived and worked in New York City. She loved the vibrant, energetic nature of city life. In many ways, Mary’s personality mirrored that
Hanukkah has meaning for everyone because it recalls a time when a small, devout family of defenders repelled a force of invaders, Homeland Center Chaplain Dann Caldwell told residents attending
On a Friday afternoon in December, the Homeland Center annual holiday party returned for the first time since 2019. The scents of homemade food wafted through the halls. Music filled
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
Before Cathy Leeds joined Homeland Center’s Board of Managers, she knew first-hand about Homeland’s quality service from the years her mother and her father-in-law lived here. “My husband would come home from visiting his dad and say, ‘That is an
Since coming to Homeland two years ago, Anna Guidara has made many friends and has earned a reputation as Homeland’s “prayer chain queen.” When people need a prayer for their health, they stop by Anna’s room, and their requests go
Over the years, Homeland has learned that bringing together a talented group of professionals working toward a shared mission results in a successful workplace. Providing opportunities for employees to get to know each other outside of their job duties builds
Geoff Davenport calls himself “the best Easter egg hunter in the world” and readily admits to a fondness for hard-boiled eggs. During Homeland Center’s Easter egg hunt, however, he was content to watch young children skitter around the room searching for plastic eggs filled to stuffing with candy. He was
On a cold, rainy morning, the Homeland Center sunroom was bursting with light. The walls sparkled in jewel tones of red, orange, green, and blue. In some spots, it appeared as if stained glass windows had been installed — and that, it turned out, was the intent of Homeland’s featured
Miriam Mackert celebrates her 100th birthday with family! When Miriam Mackert was married to a Pennsylvania State Trooper and raising her children, she worked hard and always put family first. On a Saturday in April, 2017, her loved ones put her first with a 100th birthday celebration at Homeland Center that, unbeknownst
Homeland Center’s 150 years of meeting the needs of Central Pennsylvania was kicked-off at our Gala Celebration on Sunday, May 7, 2017, at the Hilton Harrisburg. Charles Osgood from CBS Sunday Morning was the featured speaker. During the Gala key events from Homeland’s rich history also were highlighted, both on
Chef Constance Lewis takes pride in preparing delicious meals! Constance learned to cook by doing. Her mother worked two jobs, and her brother was a high school athlete, so it fell to Lewis to feed him and her younger sister every night. “He loved fried chicken,” she recalls. “He loved
For Lura Hile, helping others as a nurse was a lifetime goal. Lura Hile always knew she wanted to be a nurse. Even as a girl, she set up a nursing station in the backyard of her Harrisburg home. “I wanted to be a nurse from the day I was
Felicia Wallace reviewed her plan for Janet DeLong’s salon treatment. First, she would put Janet’s shampooed, wet hair in curlers. Then, Janet would sit under the dryer for 15 minutes or so. “Then I’ll take her out and fluff her hair a little bit, and she’ll be all dolled up
Homeland Center is seeking donations for a new van specially equipped for wheelchair passengers that will make it possible for more residents to enjoy community outings. The drive to raise $25,000 to $50,000 is underway and expected to conclude by early spring, when the winter hiatus ends and residents resume
Intern Allison Lawruk helps create Homeland’s home-like feel. What is the role of a social worker in a retirement community? At Homeland Center, Allison Lawruk has participated in family planning meetings, organized current-events discussion groups, visited residents to check on their needs, and searched for residents’ lost shoes and hats.
Honesty is “the fundamental basis of any relationship,” and all Homeland employees deliver that essential quality to residents and clients, Homeland Center President and CEO Barry S. Ramper II said at the annual Employee Appreciation Day. “They’re looking at our eyes,” said Ramper. “They’re looking at our mannerism. They’re looking
