For Ken Stoner of Etters, discovering his new identity after the death of his beloved wife Sarah has been a difficult journey. With the support of his family and new friends from Homeland Hospice’s men’s breakfast group, Ken is tapping into his creative and entrepreneurial spirit to find new purpose.

“I attended my first men’s breakfast on my first wedding anniversary without my wife,” Ken says. “The men in the group understand the challenge of finding strength through grief.”

Last fall, Ken transformed a portion of his home into an airbnb, which he affectionately calls Home on the Hill. Since it’s opening in November, Ken has hosted individuals and families from as far away as China. In the coming months, Ken wants to learn how to use Facebook to promote his business. His long-term plans include expanding his rental space to accommodate more travelers.

Guests staying at Home on the Hill are often treated to one of Ken’s delicious homemade pies. Ken began baking following the death of his wife as a way to stay busy. After months of practice, he has mastered recipes for seven pies and always makes his own crust.

Ken finds the greatest joy in baking is sharing his pies with friends, including the men in the breakfast group. At the men’s breakfast in August, the group encouraged Ken to enter his apple pie in the Annual New Cumberland Apple Festival.

“I never imaged I would open an airbnb or start baking,” Ken says. “I’m learning to take on new challenges to help me through my grief.”

In the coming months, Ken will begin volunteering with Homeland Hospice. As an avid guitar, piano and ukulele player, Ken hopes to share his love of music with hospice patients. He remembers the important role music played in comforting his wife during her illness and hopes to bring this sense of peace to others.

Ken’s journey through grief reflects the transformation many individuals encounter. Along the road of heartache, new opportunities and friendships can help individuals discover a part of themselves.

“The changes I’ve made have been a blessing,” Ken adds. “They have given me purpose.

Homeland Hospice’s bereavement support program is available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief.

The men’s breakfasts are held on the second Thursday of each month from 9 -10:30 a.m. at Gordon’s Family Restaurant in Harrisburg.

To learn more, please contact Brian Medkeff-Rose at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

“It’s often difficult to talk to other men about grief,” Michael says at a recent men’s breakfast provided by Homeland Hospice. “This group understands that losing a loved one is a journey.”

Michael began attending Homeland Hospice’s breakfast series more than two years ago after the death of his mother. Through the group, he has found a supportive network of friends who understand that grief doesn’t operate on a fixed timeline. Together, they help one another find new purpose amidst the pain of loss.

“Sometimes I feel like the ‘odd man out’ because I’m grieving the loss of my mother while the other men have lost their spouses,” Michael adds. “Everyone in the group understands heartache. They listen and offer their support.

At the most recent breakfast in August, attendees talked about their happy and challenging moments of their summer. For many, vacations with family members and time with friends provided a necessary respite.

“It’s okay to take a break from your grief,” Brian Medkeff-Rose, M.Div., M.A., Bereavement Counselor at Homeland Hospice says. “Self-care is important to keep your mind and body healthy.

For several of the men, the loss of a loved one coupled with retirement has compounded their loneliness and loss of identity. Finding meaningful ways to fill their days has led many to volunteerism.

Ken, who began attending the men’s breakfast series earlier this year, has become a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He takes great pride caring for those he serves, making sure to check in on individuals when delivering their meals. At the urging of the men in the group, Ken recently renewed his passport so he can volunteer internationally.

“My wife and I volunteered in Liberia in 1979,” Ken says. “I used my skills and experiences to fix the air conditioning system at a local hospital. I’m thinking about going back to volunteer again.”

“I appreciate the support of the group,” Ken adds. “Everyone has been welcoming and kind. We truly relate to one another.”

At the end of the breakfast, the men talked about upcoming anniversaries marking the death of their loved ones.

“We will always grieve the death of our loved ones,” Brian says. “Transformation is part of the process, and we’re here for you each step of the way.”

The men’s breakfasts are held on the second Thursday of each month from 9 -10:30 a.m. at Gordon’s Family Restaurant in Harrisburg.

Homeland Hospice’s bereavement support program is available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief. To learn more, please contact Brian Medkeff-Rose at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

Throughout his life, Chaplain Mark P. Harris, M.A., M.Div., Spiritual Counselor at Homeland Hospice, has responded to the call to serve others. On his journey to becoming a spiritual counselor, Mark learned valuable life-lessons, which enriched his understanding of faith and his compassion for others.

Mark joined the United States Navy after high school and became a hospital corpsman, providing medical support to sailors and marines nationally and internationally. In 2000, Mark transitioned from active to reserve status. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, he wanted to do more. He returned to active duty and trained other corpsman for deployment. Mark’s time in the Navy was a period of spiritual growth.

“As a corpsman, I focused on physical wellness,” Mark says. “I was feeling a higher calling. I wanted to help people on their spiritual journey, even during their darkest hours.”

Mark enrolled in online courses through Liberty University and earned a Masters of Arts in theological studies and divinity. While on his way to becoming a Navy chaplain, Mark was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He retired from the Navy and began to plan the next step in his career.

When the opportunity to work for Homeland Hospice arose, Mark recalled the advice he received from a fellow chaplain. “If you ever have the chance to work for hospice, run toward the opportunity.”

Mark joined the Homeland team in 2017. In his role, Mark helps patients and family members deal with spiritual issues, repair strained relationships to bring peace to the patient, and supports individuals during their final hours.

“I meet people where they are on their journey,” Mark says. “I assure them they are not alone.”

Recently, Mark served as a guest speaker at the Silver Lake Institute and Asbury Retreat Center’s 145^th Anniversary. The Center, located in in Western New York, draws individuals from all parts of the nation to learn and enjoy various aspects of art, music, social justice and spirituality.

In his homily, “Faith in the Sunshine and Storm,” Mark spoke about finding faith and holding on to it during good and difficult times.

“I learn so much from the people I serve,” Mark adds. “It’s an honor to help others during their final journey.”

Spiritual counseling is a component of Homeland’s holistic approach to health care. Counselors and chaplains respect each individual’s beliefs and offer support and encouragement. In addition, Homeland offers bereavement support to families for a full 13 months following the death of a loved one.

To learn more, please contact Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

Strong bonds with family and friends are a common theme in Sara Slothower’s life. Loving and supportive parents shaped her childhood, and brought her to Harrisburg where she met her husband and raised her family. Friendships formed through her volunteer work ultimately brought her to Homeland Center where she has lived for the past three years. In October, Sara will celebrate her 100^th birthday.

Sara grew up in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, a small town close to Pittsburgh. She was the eldest of four children and fondly remembers attending a small country school and playing baseball in her youth.

“I had wonderful parents,” Sara recalls. “We loved swimming and having picnics in the summer.”

Her fondest memories are her family’s annual visits to Kennywood, a popular amusement park.

“I rode the merry-go-round and ate ice cream all day,” Sara remembers. “It was the highlight of my summer.”

At 17, Sara moved to Harrisburg after her father took on a new job. She completed her senior year at John Harris High School, now known as Harrisburg High School. Sara remembers the challenges of adapting to an urban school after growing up in the country.

“My father often reminded me of the opportunities available at a larger school,” Sara adds. “I struggled to adjust until I met my husband Wilbur.”

After marrying, Sara and Wilbur moved to Paxton Street where they raised their children Janet, Tom and Richard (not pictured).

Like her childhood, Sara loved summers with her husband and children. The family owned a cottage in Stoney Creek. Wilbur would spend weekends at the cottage and return to work while Sara and her children enjoyed the outdoors.

When her children were in school, Sara went to work at Sear’s Service Center and then Feller’s Store in Harrisburg.

Sara’s love of people led her to volunteering at Dauphin Manor. For 10 years, she volunteered at the gift shop and helped plan birthday parties for the residents. Sara enjoyed selecting the perfect cakes and making gifts to ensure residents felt special on their birthday.

While volunteering, Sara met Barry Ramper II, now Homeland Center President and CEO. At the time, Barry was Administrator of Dauphin Manor. Sara and Barry became friends and stayed in touch over the years.

In 1997, Sara’s beloved Wilbur died. She lived independently for years, always making important life decisions with confidence. At 95, she decided to stop driving and at 97 chose to move to Homeland. Knowing Barry made the transition easy.

At Homeland, Sara enjoys playing bingo, pokeno and the occasional game of pinochle. Her most cherished time is spent with her daughter, Janet, and son, Tom. Her son Richard lives in Georgia, but makes regular calls to stay in touch. In addition to her children, Sara has four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

This spring, Sara and Barry were featured on billboards for Homeland Center. For Mother’s Day, Tom drove his mother around Harrisburg to see the billboards. Sara proudly displays the photo used on the billboards in her room.

As she approaches her 100^th birthday, Sara is grateful for a life filled with family and friends.

From her years of planning birthday parties for her children and the residents of Dauphin Manor, Sara knows what she wants for her 100^th birthday celebration.

“Carrot cake with cream cheese icing and vanilla ice cream,” Sara says with a smile. “Cake with my family would be a perfect birthday.”

Homeland Center has a 150-year tradition of caring for residents like family. Located in Dauphin County, Homeland is a five-star skilled nursing and personal care facility. Since opening its doors in 1867, Homeland has served thousands of individuals and families. Today, 145 residents call it home.

“The clouds are starting to part thanks to this great network of support,” Cathy remarks at a recent women’s luncheon provided by Homeland Hospice. “We understand each other because we’re all going through the same thing.”

Cathy has attended the women’s luncheon series since it was launched last year. She learned about the monthly luncheons while participating in Homeland’s six-week bereavement support group.

Homeland Hospice provides bereavement support through phone calls, mailings, one-on-one consultations and support groups up to 13 months after the death of a loved one. Support groups offer self-awareness, healing, helping others, a sense of community and coping skills.

Cathy credits Homeland’s support, and the positive attitudes of her “luncheon friends,” with helping her cope with the death of her husband.

“After the luncheon in April, I felt so good I encouraged a friend from the luncheon to book a cruise with me,” Cathy adds. “We’re heading to Bermuda!”

At the luncheon in May, attendees talked about their challenges and joys during the past month and plans for the coming month. Returning attendees, like Cathy, helped welcome new guests to the group.

“The first time I came to a luncheon, I didn’t know anyone,” Peggy says. “I was sad and lost. I didn’t know how to start the conversation about who I was going to be, but everyone understood.”

“These are my people,” Peggy adds with a laugh.

This shared understanding of grief makes the women’s luncheon series a dynamic time for women to navigate their journey in a safe and supportive space. No topic is off limits and everyone has an opportunity to share.

At the recent luncheon, attendees laughed when telling a favorite story of a loved one, as well as discussed poignant topics, like donating their deceased spouses’ clothing to charity. Whatever the subject, all voices were heard and supported.

“This is a place where you can talk about the difficult topics no one wants to discuss,” Peggy adds. “We share our ups and downs.”

At the end of the luncheon, Brian Medkeff-Rose, M.Div., M.A., Bereavement Counselor at Homeland Hospice reminded attendees about the process of grief.

“We never stop grieving,” Brian says. “Transformation is part of the process and we’re here for you each step of the way.”

The Women’s Soup and Salad Luncheons are held the third Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Isaac’s Grill at the West Shore Plaza.

Homeland Hospice’s bereavement support program is available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief.

To learn more, please contact Brian Medkeff-Rose at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.