Bryan Richards always arrives a half hour early every morning for his 11am – 7pm shift. “I look forward to coming to work,” he said. “I’m ready to go. I’m
Ask Mary Robinson one of her favorite gospel songs, and she’s happy to sing it for you. “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine,” Mary sings from her home in Homeland’s Skilled
Homeland’s Board of Trustees in September held its annual meeting, during which the Board and Homeland staff celebrated several significant accomplishments and achievements that the organization experienced during the past 12 months.
Graduation days are special for graduates and everyone involved in their learning. Getting to the “big day” takes hard work and sacrifice by students and support from family members. Graduation also is a time for educators to celebrate the success
In loving memory of Ellsworth Miller as he passed peacefully in May 2023. “Good morning Old Glory,” are the first words Ellsworth (Ells) Miller, 96, has said for the past seven years. His daily routine began and ended with a
“In sickness and in health” are five simple words couples pledge on their wedding day. These words become the most sacred of promises during challenging times. Debra and Mike of Dauphin County have kept this vow for 57 years of marriage. During
After leaving for six years to take the top spot at the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, Jennifer Ross said she is happy to be back at Homeland Center and again be “a strong, supportive presence for our residents and
Challenging times can bring out the best or worst in people. Some individuals focus on problems and uncontrollable circumstances, while others find opportunities to share their compassion with others. Laurie Murry, volunteer coordinator for Homeland Hospice, works to find and spread light in the darkest of times. During COVID-19, her
“We’re going to the beach today,” Dr. Roxane Hearn told a group of Homeland Center residents. Sure enough, the residents went to the beach. Mentally, at least, they wiggled their toes in warm sand. More importantly, they created calm places for mental getaways and for replacing stressful thoughts with happy
It wasn’t always easy for Clyde Johnson, but after a lifetime of service to community, church, and country, he is happy to be at Homeland Center. “They treat me just like a king,” he says. “I can’t even describe it.” Clyde, the fourth of 11 children, grew up in Reedsville,
In the United States, nearly 68 million people have hypertension, which is commonly called high blood pressure. If not treated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and kidney disease. With one in three people impacted by this disease, understanding its causes and treatment
We all need human connections, especially during the journey of grief. A smile or caring embrace from individuals in our support network can provide us courage to share our most intimate feelings of loss, and give us the strength to believe in a better tomorrow. The impact of social
The last Monday in May is recognized as Memorial Day, a special time to remember soldiers lost in wars and conflicts. Small towns hold parades and families come together for picnics. As a country, the president or vice president lays a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb
At Homeland, even the heroes on the frontlines and in core services need inspiration to get through hectic days. Fortunately, they have heroes of their own to turn to, in the form of four chaplains and a wellness adviser. While Homeland Center’s stringent actions are protecting residents from COVID-19, leadership
Despite being raised in Brooklyn, one of Lee Spitalny’s fondest memories is riding horses when she was a girl. “There was a bridle path in one area,” Lee says. “My friend and I would take a bus dressed in our jodhpurs and boots, feeling very ‘la-di-da.’ We would ride around
Major Henry “Hank” Heim planned every detail of his funeral. Similar to the funeral of President John F. Kennedy, Hank wanted his final farewell to represent valor, honor and duty with representation from active service members. For Hank, his funeral would be a love-letter to the country he honored
At Homeland Center, residents are playing bingo, singing favorite tunes, creating fun crafts, eating pizza, and chatting with family – but not in the usual manner. As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, the activities department went into high gear to keep residents safe but still able to enjoy the events