Sue Zaccano toured three retirement facilities looking for the right place for her mom. She specifically wanted a nonprofit that would continue caring for her mom after she expended her
Miniatures of bright copper kettles, white dresses with blue satin, warm woolen mittens, and wild geese flying with the moon on their wings hung from the chandeliers of Homeland’s Main
Ory Bower’s experience with Homeland Hospice has come full circle. He began as a volunteer in 2018, and was quickly inspired by Homeland’s mission to make a difference in the lives of
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
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
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,”
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
Babs Phillips is a longtime Board of Managers member who has seen Homeland grow to meet the community’s needs while maintaining its status as a premier care facility. “It’s the employees,” she said. “They maintain a caring attitude. It starts at the top and extends throughout the organization.’’ Babs has
by Laurie Bassler, MSW, Homeland Hospice I have an uncle who asked me “why anyone would want a social worker present when their loved one is dying?” Typically, a social worker’s job is to assist with concrete needs, like helping to ensure a loved one is in a safe environment
With his decades in food service, George Shum has learned that the small details make a big difference. “We ensure our plates are preheated to keep the food warm,” said Homeland Center’s chef manager. “It’s simple but important.” George joined Homeland in the spring of 2022, bringing his listening and
Rita Van Meter of Lewistown was known as the “miracle lady” by staff at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital after she survived a medical episode in August of 2022. During her hospitalization, Rita suffered a heart attack and received last rites from her priest at Sacred Heart Church of Lewistown. She spent nine
From her earliest years, Marilyn LaDieu had relatives who were artists and who always encouraged her in her artistic pursuits. “I have memories of people saying, ‘Oh, Marilyn’s an artist. She can draw that,’” said LaDieu. “I’ve run into many people over the years who always wanted to try art
Joyce Zandieh is a new resident at Homeland, but since moving into her personal care suite, people can see a difference. “My friends say they can feel a change in me since I came here,” she said. “I always had to figure out who would cut my grass. Will the
Dr. Suzanne Sheaffer of Harrisburg has held many titles in her life. She is a Gold Star mother, nurse, volunteer and tireless advocate for victim’s rights. She is a steadfast fighter for those who need a champion, and believes every experience has a silver lining. Suzanne is marshalling her strength and
Our pets are loyal and trusted members of our family. Their unconditional love and friendship brighten our darkest days and make the good days even better. Research has shown that pets, especially dogs and cats, can even reduce stress hormone levels and increase levels of feel-good hormones. The undeniable comfort pets bring
Of all the things Dorothy Yoder loves about Homeland Center, her favorite is the van trips. Excursions take residents to lunch at a favorite restaurant or visit local sites. “This past Christmas, we went to see a park in Elizabethtown where every single tree was lit up and covered with
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 of the city. She laughed easily and often and was always game for an adventure. To know Mary, was to
