Liz Toci felt at home when she came to Homeland Center for a job interview. “When I walked in the door, I thought it was a beautiful place,” says Homeland’s
Valerie Moyer doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t doing artwork. “It’s like breathing,” she says. “I was called to do it. It’s a gift from God and Kutztown University.”
Carol and Joe Moomaw of Mechanicsburg have known and loved each other all of their lives. As children they played together with Joe often pulling Carol’s ponytail to get her
Since 1867, Homeland Center has been committed to meeting the ever-changing needs of the community. In keeping with this tradition, Homeland HomeHealth and Homeland HomeCare were established five years ago to provide a continuum of services for patients and their
Judy Hess has lovely memories of childhood in Hershey, named for the famous chocolate company where her father worked in the Hershey Foods power plant. She would see the renowned founder — Milton Hershey — driving around town. “Mr. Hershey
As you or a loved one are nearing the end-of-life, physical symptom and pain relief is essential but it’s only a part of Homeland Hospice’s overall healthcare approach. Helping patients and their families manage the emotional and mental aspect of
Homeland Center’s personalized Restorative Nursing Program assures that Skilled Care residents realize their full potential and enjoy the best possible quality of life. “We focus on their unique needs,” says Roseann Comarnitsky, director of the Homeland Restorative Nursing Program. “They
Homeland Center resident Ray Caldwell remembers the joy of French fries on a warm night. “As a kid, I’d go to local fairs in the street,” he said. “In the summertime, people had fairs, maybe a block fair or carnival. Fries were always one of the main items. It was
When Ronald Brinkley visits Homeland Hospice patients, he believes he gets more out of the encounters than they do. “It’s been a blessing and truly a privilege,” said Brinkley. “You get to know them well. Most of them are very gracious and thankful that somebody came to see them.” Brinkley
As published at “Moments of Life,” National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, April 2016 Karen, a long-time Homeland Hospice volunteer, was assigned to visit Mary Frances shortly after she was admitted to hospice services. Mary Frances lived in a skilled nursing facility, and although she had family who visited and
In 2012, Andy Lank’s parents died within eight months of each other. In the midst of caring for them and then grieving their deaths, Andy and his wife, Sherry, found consolation from the people of Homeland Hospice. “They really helped us through the grieving process and were able to ask
On the rainy day when Don and Lorraine Englander first met, he was whistling “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.” That was around 1978, and it has been their song ever since. Today, the Englanders live in separate Homeland wings but they get together every day to talk, laugh, watch
In their 67 years of marriage, Flora and Jeff Jespersen have discovered a thing or two about lasting relationships. “It takes a little bit of tolerance for each other,” said Jeff Jespersen. The Jespersens also enjoy the unexpected, and for Valentine’s Day, they got a real surprise – their election
While Homeland Center’s role has changed since it was founded almost 150 years ago, one thing has remained the same – the commitment of the staff to those who depend on them for care. More than 200 Homeland Center and Homeland Hospice staff gathered this month for the annual recognition
2015 Homeland Door Decorating Contest Winners: 115 – Martha Finley & Wanda Kardos 207 – Harold Hixon & Raymond Caldwell E6 – Wanda Berger & Agatha Goodwin 1N2 – Eleanor Allen Nativity scenes and reindeer. Snowmen and penguins. All brightened the hallways of Homeland Center this Christmas, as residents adorned
Herm Minkoff stands in the Homeland Diner before a group of residents. On the table are news clippings and books. “Who has been following the stock market?” he asks. “It’s up,” says one resident. “About 300.” It’s been a volatile couple of weeks, Minkoff agrees. “The stock market right now is
World War II took loved ones. It opened doors to opportunity, service, and sacrifice. It was a time when many Homeland residents matured quickly from children to adults, and it all started with the bombing of the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. On Dec. 7,
