When Aimee Schmoltze’s mother began receiving hospice care, she saw the impact of the program on their family. Over a 14-month period, Aimee, her mother and their family developed emotional
Anniversaries remind us of meaningful moments in time that shaped our history and guided our future. Fifteen years ago, Homeland launched Homeland Hospice as an outreach program to provide compassionate
In the early 2000s, Nancy VanKirk’s mother and stepfather lived at Homeland Center. From the attentive care they received, VanKirk knew that Homeland would be her home when the time
After 65 years of marriage, Loretta Colestock lost her husband to Alzheimer’s in 2015. It was a challenging time. In the years after his death, she got tired of rambling around alone in the house, but she also wanted to
“Time to crown the king and queen!” Every prom needs a king and queen, and Carl Barna and Loretta Colestock entered like royalty – which they were! The first Homeland Masquerade Senior Prom was underway. Created by the Homeland Activities
When buying Homeland equipment — from large purchases down to the right chair a resident needs to live and move comfortably — Kelly English makes one thing clear. “I will never sacrifice quality to get a better price for something,”
More than 156 years ago, nine churches and 18 women came together to find a way to meet the growing humanitarian needs in our community after the Civil War. Their work made history and led to the creation of the
For Dietary Supervisor Jermaine Simmons, working at Homeland Center is more than a fulfilling job – it’s a family tradition. He heard great things about Homeland from his grandmother, Amelia Hope, who worked in the laundry, and his aunt, Melody Flemming, a receptionist. When longtime Assistant Director of Nutritional Services
For Jackie Young, the six months she spent in Homeland Center rehabilitating from leg surgery was a time for healing, physical therapy, and reconnecting with old acquaintances. “The people were very nice,” she says. “One aide worked evenings, and she also had taken care of my mother a few years
“Two heads are better than one,” goes the old saying. In the case of Homeland Center, residents benefit from the collective talents of not one but two boards, guiding management and staff through daily operations. Homeland’s Board of Trustees is a traditional board, overseeing finances and business decisions. But unique
As a college senior majoring in social work, Daniqwa Buckner took an internship in a hospital geriatric unit. She didn’t think the work would appeal to her. “When I got there, I loved it,” she says. “Working with the residents, hearing their life stories, and helping on a day-to-day basis
Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” For many of us, taking that first step requires the support and guidance of others. Recently, the staff at Homeland Hospice helped Esther Mutua take that first step to secure medical clearance and support
At the end of February, Debbie Klinger, RN and Director of Homeland Hospice, retired following her nearly eight-year career with the organization. Homeland Hospice is a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania. During her tenure, Debbie has strived to embody the heart and soul of the hospice
Recently, Susan Horvath assisted a nurse with one of Homeland Center’s residents, watching as the caregiver handled her duties efficiently and compassionately. “I’m really impressed with our nursing staff here and the wonderful care they take of the residents,” says Susan, Homeland’s new Director of Skilled Admissions. “They treat the
By Laurie Murray, Volunteer Coordinator, Homeland Hospice National Random Acts of Kindness Day is the day to do something special for another person. Scientific evidence shows that doing kind acts for others as well as receiving or even witnessing kindness has a positive effect. Even the smallest act of kindness
Television commercials portray Valentine’s Day as a time of grand gestures with red roses, jewelry and expensive dinners as the manner to express one’s love. Pete and Pat Crosson of McVeytown always knew what really mattered in love and lived everyday like it was Valentine’s Day. The couple demonstrated their
Angels and reindeer. Snowflakes and snowmen. Santa and seven swans a-swimming. Homeland’s 2020 door decorating contest brought a host of beloved characters to the hallways during an unusual holiday season. In those couple of weeks in December, the people who keep Homeland running smoothly — and always focused on the
