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Art from the Heart: Celebrating Homeland Hospice’s 15th Anniversary

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anniversary heart created by Homeland Center Director of Nursing Jennifer Tate-DeFreitasWhen 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 Tate-DeFreitas. “These are the hands that care for you.” 

Homeland Hospice collected 52 decorated hearts from generous sponsors. All were displayed at the anniversary celebration themed “History, Heart & Honor.” The hearts were decorated by selected artists and crafters. 

Appropriately for February, 15 of the hearts are on display in Homeland Center’s Florida Room art gallery for residents, staff, and visitors to enjoy. Another 15 will be displayed in March. 

The idea was a spinoff from Homeland Hospice’s 10th-anniversary “Guitars, Gifts, and Gratitude” celebration when sponsors supported the decoration of wood guitar forms. For the 15th anniversary, hearts were chosen for their universal feel – accessible and relatable enough for anyone to participate. Sponsors ranged from Homeland staff teams and board members to donors and friends of Homeland, including Homeland Center’s new neighbor, the Catherine Hershey Schools for Learning Harrisburg.  

Tate-DeFreitas decorated two hearts on behalf of Homeland Center’s skilled care team. She said that for people in the last phases of life, Homeland Center staff members share a commitment to heartfelt care with Homeland Hospice.  

“Your effect on that portion of their life can be very impactful, so you have to make sure that it’s meaningful and uplifting and quality, and that you respect dignity because all of those are important,” she said.  

Homeland at Home team members also contributed their funds and talents for hearts to join the gallery. Homeland HomeCare Assistant Director Bobbie Jo Weigel corralled her staff of CNAs to put their handprints on a heart under the phrase, “May your hands be an extension of your heart, and may you do the work of love with them.” 

The artwork aligns with the work of the HomeCare aides because “we go into people’s houses with our hearts and our hands,” said Weigel. “We provide hands-on care, and most of our clients are dear to us in our hearts.” 

The HomeCare aides who help their patients with daily tasks, such as light housekeeping and administering medications, found it easy to support Homeland Hospice because “with Homeland, we feel like we’re one big family,” Weigel said. “We all help each other out.”  

Homeland Hospice weekend on-call nurse Erin Zinobile appreciates the teamwork and “great crew” of her workplace, as well as the environment where she can get help and answers from a colleague at any time. 

“A lot of us say that it’s not easy by any means to be a hospice nurse, but I really do feel like you can put your heart into it and make a difference,” she said. 

Even amid their busy and consequential workdays, the Homeland Hospice nurses joined forces to sponsor a heart. Zinobile was the natural person to tap for decorating it, for her artistic and quilting abilities. As a working mom in a stressful job, art is the therapy that helps her care for herself and keep her own heart healthy, she said. Her Homeland Hospice heart, in mixed media, depicts words the nursing staff chose – care, faith, presence, comfort, compassion, grace, and love. 

“This was to represent all the nurses, and the idea was to put in words what we do,” she said. 

Joining the “History, Heart & Honor” celebration reminded nurses that “we’re part of something bigger than ourselves,” Zinobile added. “You get to see your footprint in the world.”  

Tate-DeFreitas also noticed a heart that the Homeland HomeHealth team encircled with a stethoscope.  

“That’s what we drape over our necks, and that lays over our hearts,” she said. “That’s the instrument we use to listen to your heart.” 

Staff members chipped in with their own funds in each Homeland department that sponsored a heart. 

What does it mean to Homeland staff to share their own treasure and talents to support and advance the work of Homeland Hospice?  

“That says to me that we are one, even though we’re many parts,” said Tate De-Freitas. “We’re still one.” 

View the full gallery of decorated hearts here: https://www.homelandevents.org/15th-anniversary-heart-photos/

Homeland Partner Securewire Technologies Serves as 2024 Trilogy of Trust Sponsor

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securewire technologies - sponsor for the hospice 15thAn anniversary is more than commemorating the passage of time. It is a celebration of the people and relationships that have made each year special. As Homeland Hospice celebrated its 15th anniversary with its “History, Heart & Honor… Hats off to the Homeland Hospice 15th” event on Saturday, November 23, we honored and thanked Securewire Technologies for serving as Homeland’s 2024 Trilogy of Trust sponsor.

As Homeland’s 2024 Trilogy of Trust sponsor, Securewire Technologies supported Homeland’s three signature events throughout the year. In addition to Homeland Hospice’s 15th anniversary event, Securewire Technologies also sponsored Homeland’s 1867 Society Appreciation Reception in May and the 2024 Homeland Hospice 5K in September.

These events would not have been possible without the generosity and support of Securewire Technologies. Not only do the events help connect the community to the meaningful work of Homeland, but they also raise much needed funds to support Homeland Center’s benevolent care program. Homeland provides approximately $4 million in benevolent care annually to ensure all residents, patients and clients receive high-quality, supportive care when they need it most.

Homeland’s relationship with Securewire Technologies started last fall when Kelly English, Homeland’s Director of Emergency Preparedness and Purchasing, connected with Bob Light, owner of Securewire Technologies. Securewire Technologies was selected to upgrade Homeland’s security systems. The partnership grew beyond a business transaction as both organizations found a shared mission in providing the best care possible for families in need.

“Giving back to others is a priority for Bob,” Kelly says. “Securewire has truly gone above and beyond to support Homeland.”

Bob was eager to say “yes” to the opportunity to support Homeland’s three signature events in 2024. As the Trilogy of Trust sponsor, Securewire Technologies donated $35,000 for Homeland’s events.

“In many ways, our organizations are kindred spirits,” Bob says. “We both care for families during difficult times.”

In addition to the meaningful donation of funds, Bob and several Securewire Technologies employees have attended Homeland events, including Homeland’s Annual 5K and Memory Walk. Both organizations treat customers like family and strive to provide outstanding, compassionate servic

Thanks to Bob and Securewire, Homeland’s event season has provided remarkable opportunities for families and the community to better understand the work of Homeland and the hospice philosophy.

“We are humbled and honored to be part of Homeland’s work,” Bob adds. “Helping one another is how we make our community a better place to live.”

For more information about Homeland’s events, visit www.homelandcenter.org and homelandathome.org.

Homeland Hospice to Celebrate Its 15th Anniversary with “History, Heart & Honor” Event

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history heart and honor event logoAnniversaries 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 care to patients on their end-of-life journey. The years have been filled with an overarching theme of love. Hundreds of patients, families, volunteers and staff have shared their hearts with us making Homeland Hospice more than an organization. We are a family.

Homeland Hospice will celebrate its 15th anniversary with “History, Heart & Honor… Hats off to the Homeland 15th,” a special celebration on Saturday, November 23, from 2-5 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg.  The event will honor Homeland’s history, the history of the hospice movement, our hospice patients and staff – and particularly our beloved veterans who continue to inspire us with their dedication and sacrifice.

purple, yellow, and orange heart graphicsOn this special anniversary, we will “tip our hats to all veterans,” and celebrate their dedicated contributions to our community. To show our appreciation, Homeland is pleased to provide 300 complimentary tickets to veterans.

Planning for this event began more than a year ago with longtime volunteers, like Alicelyn Sleber, who are lending their creativity and love of Homeland to create an experience for all attendees. Alicelyn is the immediate past chair of Homeland Center’s Board of Managers.

“We are bringing the spirit of love, commitment and patriotism to the day,” Alicelyn says.  “This will be a celebration like no other.”

The event will include a pre-show reception where guests will have the opportunity to browse a “Stories of the Heart” gallery featuring heart canvases artistically crafted by Homeland’s grief families to express their love and remembrance and by sponsoring groups and individuals. The gallery will also feature stories of Veterans Homeland has been privileged to serve and stories of Homeland Hospice team members who share their passion for providing exceptional end-of-life care.

In true Homeland style, we will let our hearts sing and our spirits soar during special performances. Decorated Veteran-turned-country singer Keni Thomas will headline the celebration. Thomas will share life lessons from when he served as a U.S. Army Ranger in the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia, which was recounted in the book and film Black Hawk Down, and perform his own music featuring themes of patriotism and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges.Roy Justice, singing historian, on stage

“Keni’s music is heartfelt and patriotic,” Alicelyn adds. “I think we will all be inspired by his performance and message of perseverance.”

Keni will also host a book signing at the event, and copies of his book Get It On! What It Means to Lead the Way will be available for purchase.

Roy Justice, a singing historian, will open for Keni. Roy will perform a folk-style song about Homeland’s history written especially for this occasion. Roy’s interest in music and storytelling comes from his own historical ancestry. He is a distant cousin to the Civil War poet and musician Sydney Lanier.

The service and sacrifice of veterans is deeply rooted in Homeland’s history. Homeland was founded in 1867 as the “Home for the Friendless” to serve families impacted by the devastation of the Civil War. Today, Homeland Center is a personal care home, memory care home, skilled nursing facility and rehabilitation facility. Homeland also provides hospice, home care, home health and palliative care services to serve the diverse and changing needs of families throughout central Pennsylvania.

All are welcome to attend this family-friendly event. Patriot’s Pub & Grub will be on site offering a selection of snacks for guests to purchase and a cash bar. In honor of the event’s theme, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite hat and best denim. We hope you join us as we celebrate Homeland Hospice’s 15th anniversary and the remarkable service of our local veterans.

“It is an honor to be part Homeland’s work,” Alicelyn adds. “Our community is a better place because of Homeland Hospice.”

For tickets and information, visit the Homeland Events page.

Homeland 5K and Memory Walk: A Time to Remember and Honor Loved Ones

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Anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one knows the journey through grief doesn’t have a timeline. Memories can flood our minds at inopportune moments at the grocery store or at milestone events when there is an empty seat at the table where our loved one used to sit. Homeland Hospice held its 10th Annual 5K and Memory Walk on September 14 to provide a safe and supportive space for families to honor a lost loved one.

More than 300 runners, walkers, staff members and volunteers gathered for this special Homeland tradition. Runners and walkers wore purple event t-shirts with the names of loved ones remembered. Many participants walked in groups with their furry family members in tow wearing colorful bandanas provided by Homeland. Among the purple sea of participants was Kathy Page and her friend Kim Sowers. This was Kathy’s sixth year walking in honor of her husband Charlie who received hospice services before his death in 2019.

“I support the event every year,” Cathy says. “I am proud to see Charlie’s name on the t-shirt.”

When Kim’s mother, Gail, needed support services, Cathy recommended Homeland based on the compassionate care Charlie received. Kim’s mother has passed away, making this Kim’s first walk.

For others, the event was about supporting Homeland’s mission and connecting with friends and colleagues. Hannah Dudginski of Enola works for Homeland but rarely gets to connect with her coworkers. She brought along her sisters Madeline and Sarah.

“It is great to see everyone,” Hannah says. “We love supporting this event.”

A unique aspect of the event includes interactive stations to help families process their grief. Alexis Conkle, MSW, a Homeland Bereavement Counselor, helped create the activities at each station. The first station focused on gratitude and release. Participants could write personal messages to their loved ones on a special piece of paper which dissolved when placed in water.

“This station is emotional and personal for families,” Alexis says. “At the same time, it can provide relief for many people whose hearts are heavy because they have something to say to their loved one.”

At the second station, runners and walkers received small candles with an uplifting quote about the power of light during dark times of our lives.

Homeland’s beloved teddy bear, named Rosemary, also made a special appearance at the third station. Rosemary is a perennial herb that symbolizes love and remembrance and is often incorporated into special Homeland events.

Runners and walkers could have their photos taken with Rosemary who was in the driver’s seat of a car. Racers could also write the name of their loved one on a magnet and place it on the car.

Homeland Hospice provided a new station this year in honor of its 15th Anniversary, which will be celebrated with a special event on Saturday, November 23, 2024. “History, Heart & Honor” will include a display of handmade works of art in the shape of a heart. Participants at the race were encouraged to decorate a heart with adjectives about their loved one for the upcoming event.

As the walkers and racers completed the course, they enjoyed apples, bananas, granola bars and burritos over conversation and relaxation.

Funds raised benefit Homeland Hospice supportive services like massage, music therapy and additional in-home relief hours as well as residents of Homeland Center whose financial resources have been exhausted. Homeland Hospice is a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

For more information about Homeland Hospice, call (717) 221-7890.

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Homeland Hospice 5K and Memory Walk Set for Sept. 14

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homeland hospice 5k and memorywalkHomeland Hospice, a nonprofit outreach program of Homeland Center in Harrisburg, will host its 10th annual 5K and Memory Walk on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 8:30 a.m. at the Rossmoyne Business Center at 5000 Ritter Road in Mechanicsburg. The event serves to remember loved ones lost and raise funds to support those who need care today.

“The purpose of the Homeland Hospice 5K and Memory Walk is to remember,” said Homeland Hospice Assistant Director of Development Myra Badorf. “It is for families to remember their loved ones and for Homeland, as an organization, to remember and honor the community and people we are blessed to care for on a daily basis. We are grateful for the generous support of local businesses and individuals who make this special annual Homeland tradition possible.”

Homeland Hospice depends on the generosity of donors for its enhanced care for hospice patients such as massage therapy, music therapy, and extra in-home-relief hours for caregivers, as well as for residents at Homeland Center whose financial resources have been exhausted.

Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. The top three 5K male and female champions will receive cash prizes – $350 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd place and $100 for 3rd place. Ribbons will also be presented to the top three male and top three female finishers in eight different age brackets. Additional prizes will include largest team, oldest and youngest participants, and treats for all the adorable dogs. After the 5K and Memory Walk, Homeland will honor loved ones, provide light refreshments and award the event prizes.

The event is open to the public and online registration is now open. In-person registration also will be available on race day from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. Registration is required to participate in the event. Homeland Hospice is also seeking 5K and Memory Walk sponsors. Visit the event page for more details.

Homeland’s Founding Churches and Visionary Women Featured in 2024 Lottery Calendar

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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 “Society for the Home for the Friendless” which is now Homeland Center. Historic photos of the churches along with insight about the founding female leaders are featured in Homeland Center’s 2024 Lottery Calendar which is now on sale.

The lottery calendar has become a tradition for friends, volunteers and supporters of Homeland’s work. The monthly calendar costs $25 and supports the organization’s benevolent care programs. More than 1,000 calendars are produced and sold and everyone who purchases a calendar is eligible to be entered into daily drawings for cash prizes.

“This year’s calendar is exceptional and truly unique,” says Homeland Board of Trustees member Marion Alexander. “It offers far more than dates and potential prizes.”

The calendar tells a story about the power of faith and purpose coming together to serve Harrisburg families and lay the groundwork for today’s Homeland Center. Plans for the calendar began more than a year ago with the help of David Morrison and Jeb Stuart of the Historic Harrisburg Association, along with Homeland volunteers including Marion.

“Homeland’s foundation was built by the compassionate leadership of 18 women,” Marion adds. “This vision continues today through the Board of Managers.”

When the “Home for the Friendless” was formed, the Board of Lady Managers, as it was called, served to help meet the needs of its orphans and widows. More than 156 years later, the Board of Managers includes 18 women who work to make Homeland a home for all residents.

Proceeds from calendar sales provide financial support and additional services to Homeland residents, patients and clients in need. Homeland provides more than $3 million in benevolent care annually to ensure all residents, patients and clients receive high-quality, supportive care when they need it most. Through the Lottery Calendar more than $70,000 has been raised since 2015 to support Homeland’s benevolent care program.

To learn more about our nine founding churches, please visit our Nine-Founding-Churches page.