Beneath the glowing chandeliers and soaring ceilings of the Mediterranean-style King Mansion, more than 65 members of the 1867 Society gathered together, forming a life-sized tableau of the values that inspired the formation of the precursor to Homeland Center 158 years ago: compassion and trust.

As guests dined on fine hors d’oeuvres from JDK Catering, sipped chilled drinks, admired the Mansion’s elegant architectural handiwork, and conversed with friends, the larger message of the gathering soon became evident: Homeland could never have thrived for 158 years without the members of the Society and their generous support.

After an hour of mingling, with the soft sounds of Aaron Gainer, Homeland Hospice’s music therapist, playing softly in the background, the gathering moved to the expansive ballroom for brief remarks from five speakers who all echoed common themes.

Much like the 18 women from nine churches who founded the “Home for the Friendless” 158 years ago in post-Civil War Harrisburg, these guests took action to show the true heart of Harrisburg.

Barry Ramper II, Homeland’s CEO, noted, “Trust and care are the hallmarks of our history. We cannot maintain this goal without you.”

Director of Development Troy Beaver noted that he joined Homeland’s leadership team last summer, and Homeland instantly felt like home, just as it rapidly does for its residents. He also mentioned Homeland’s national recognition of excellence from U.S. News and World Report.

Bob Light of Securewire Technologies, the sponsor of the appreciation reception, said his company and Homeland are built upon and operate on a “foundation of trust.”

“It’s a huge honor to be part of this,” Light affirmed. “Customer service is what we do.”

Rev. Karin Pejack of Zion Lutheran Church noted that local historic icons, Mrs. Cameron and Mrs. Dock, rented a pew in her church decades ago. Her 19th-century church had included a box for contributions for the Home for the Friendless when Zion was located at 4th and Market Streets.

Rev. Pejack applauded the four chaplains now serving at Homeland and the church cooperation that allowed the Home for the Friendless to “serve neighbors in the city with love and compassion.”

“Many of our supporters have had a friend or relative who was cared for either by the staff at Homeland Center or by someone who worked for one of the Homeland at Home service lines,” Beaver said. “These people have experienced firsthand the caring and passion that each staff member brings to the job every day, and this is what makes Homeland the top provider of quality care.”

Dr. Charlie Fetterhoff, Chair of Homeland’s Board of Trustees, said he was a charter member of the Society thanks to the outstanding leadership of Betty Hungerford, Homeland’s well-known retired Director of Development, and now a Homeland resident and member of the Board of Managers.

“For those who had never heard of Homeland, I would ask them, ‘How many institutions have lasted 158 years and excelled at the highest level that long?’ There is a total commitment to the residents,’’ Fetterhoff said. “You can feel what sets Homeland apart as soon as you walk through the doors.”

He recalled how his mom spent her last three years at Homeland, first in Personal Care and then Skilled Care. His sister also spent her last seven years in Skilled Care.

Fetterhoff and the other members of the 1867 Society at the gathering reflected on quality care and compassion the organization’s efforts help make possible.

“In my hundreds of visits there over those years, I only encountered staff rendering loving care of the highest quality.” Fetterhoff said. “They are all great and caring people.”

Homeland Center (www.homelandcenter.org) offers levels of care including personal care, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Homeland also provides hospice, home care, home health and palliative care services to serve the diverse and changing needs of families throughout central Pennsylvania. For more information or to arrange a tour, please call 717-221-7900.