From founders to Board of Managers: Homeland’s unbroken legacy of caring

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collage of homeland board of managers membersWhat makes a house into a home? A friendly smile. A helpful hand. A family feel. A warm environment.

Homeland is blessed with a Board of Managers dedicated to creating and sustaining the welcoming feel that has made Homeland a home for generations of residents, their families, and staff.

The Board of Managers is Homeland’s unique, all-women volunteer group. Its legacy dates to the 18 women who founded the “Home for the Friendless” in 1867 to care for Harrisburg’s widows and orphans left by the Civil War. Together, its members tend to the details and little touches that give Homeland its renowned homelike feel — throwing parties, decorating, and engaging with residents.

Today’s Board of Managers members honor their predecessors by infusing their work with a devotion to the mission and a professionalism that gets the job done.

The beginning

The Civil War remains the bloodiest conflict in American history, and after the guns fell silent, Harrisburg, like communities across the country, was left stunned by the staggering losses its families had suffered.

But 18 women representing nine Harrisburg churches vowed to make a difference and establish a “Home for the Friendless’’ to save the widows and orphaned children from life on the streets.

It was an act made more remarkable by the times: in the 19th century, married women could not legally conduct the business functions required. Undeterred, the members of what became Homeland’s first Board of Lady Managers convinced seven prominent men to lend their support and serve as the Board of Trustees.

“This was a very brave group of women,” said Board of Managers Chair Nancy Hull. “They themselves took upon this task to help the orphans, the renegades, and the widows throughout Harrisburg who needed help and support. I’m sure they had to have some fear involved with the people they called ‘homeless,’ but they knew what had to be done.”

The founders smartly circumvented the era’s restrictions on women by leveraging their skills, names, and husbands’ connections to make things happen. Their “Society for the Home for the Friendless” earned its charter in 1866, and those 18 undaunted women formed themselves into the “Board of Lady Managers” to oversee routine operations.

Remarkably, that facility stands today as the centerpiece of what has grown into Homeland Center and the extension of its highly respected services into the community through Homeland at Home; these include Homeland Hospice, Homeland Palliative Care, Homeland HomeHealth, and Homeland HomeCare.

Continuing the mission

The legacy of those 18 women has stood as soundly as its building. The Board of Managers remains the hands-on organizer of renovations, decorating, and events that the residents highly anticipate, from casino days to sock hops, complete with an Elvis Presley tribute artist.

Nothing escapes the keen eyes of the Board members. They dust Homeland’s enormous collection of Hummel figurines, which brighten the public spaces. When residents said they missed French fries—a difficult dish to serve hot and fresh at an institutional scale—the Board of Managers brought in a French fry truck.

“We realize that for the people who live here, the residents, this is their home for the rest of their lives, so we have to make it a home,” Hull said.

Of course, people make guests feel welcomed at their homes, and Immediate Past Chair Alicelyn Sleber recalls the day an ice cream truck came to Homeland. One resident wanted to stay in her room, awaiting a visit from her granddaughter and her boyfriend, but Sleber said, “Well, bring them!”

“Her face lit up,” Sleber said. “She felt good because she could offer something to them.”

With their intense involvement in Homeland’s daily life, Board members work closely with staff to coordinate events, such as holding a spring tea or taking over the Main Dining Room for the spring party (this year’s theme is “Sound of Music”).

Today’s Board of Managers focuses on big goals while never forgetting Homeland’s rich and productive past.

“We owe it to the founders to honor their legacy and to carry on their hopes of what they wanted to accomplish in the community,’’ Sleber said. “They left us the essence of giving back, the gift of our time and effort to meet the community’s needs. We still offer food, shelter, and the necessities, but we’ve enhanced it. I really think that we are carrying on what they started.”

Mother and Daughter Team Share Their Love of Homeland Hospice

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Mary Williard and Mandy Webster of Homeland Hospice“We love hearing stories from our patients about their lives,” Mary Williard and Mandy Webster say in unison. Their shared passion for their work with Homeland Hospice is obvious as is their similar smile. Mary and Mandy are a dynamic mother and daughter team who provide exceptional care to patients and families in upper Dauphin County and the surrounding area. Homeland Hospice is a hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Mandy, of Halifax, grew up in nursing homes as her mother, Mary, worked in an administrative role for a local nursing home when she was a child. Mandy frequently joined her mother at work and loved to visit residents, often coloring and playing games with them to pass the time. After high school, Mandy became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and began working in the nursing home setting. While she loved her residents, she knew they would benefit from more personalized time.

“Homeland Hospice aides often visited the nursing home,” Mandy says. “I saw how much time they spent with patients and knew that’s what I was meant to do.”

Homeland Hospice helps patients live as fully and comfortably as possible by providing symptom management and pain relief; social and aide care services and complementary therapies; spiritual support and on-call support.

Mandy joined the Homeland team in 2016 and has loved every minute of her work. Her schedule gives her a healthy work-life balance. She is the proud mother of two vivacious daughters who love spending time with their mom. Mandy’s youngest daughter’s name, Evelyn, was inspired by one of Mandy’s first patients.

“Evelyn was very scared when we first met,” Mandy adds. “We worked together to form a strong and beautiful bond. She meant so much to me.”

For Mandy, it’s the team approach to providing the highest quality care that makes her role rewarding. In addition to a CNA, the Homeland Hospice team can include a nurse, social worker, and chaplain, as well as additional therapists as needed. This holistic approach to care ensures all aspects of a patient’s needs are met.

One year after Mandy joined Homeland Hospice, she convinced her mother to join her. Mary, of Dalmatia, had been working for a nursing home and was eager to focus on patient care by spending more time attending to their needs. Mary, a licensed registered nurse, is now a RN Case Manager for Homeland Hospice.

Mary is often the first point of contact for patients and their families. When a patient begins care, she meets with them to develop a comprehensive care plan. This includes assembling a team based on the type of care needed. Providing the highest quality care is her top priority. Like Mandy, she has fond memories of patients. One specific patient shared stories of his fascinating life which she holds close to her heart today.

This patient grew up in a farming family who lived on an island on the Susquehanna River. He would row his boat, along with his sister, to school every day. His sister’s best friend faithfully waited on the bank of the river to greet them.

“After high school, he married his sister’s friend who waited for them every morning,” Mary says. “I like to think of that sweet image when I remember him.”

In her role, Mary interacts with many members of the community as well as family and friends who ask her about hospice. She is quick to alleviate their fears and concerns.

“Many people don’t understand the comfort and peace hospice brings,” Mary adds. “They are surprised by the scope and breadth of our services.”

While Mandy and Mary love caring for their patients, they are touched by the emotion and gratitude they receive in return. Patients thank them profusely for their visits and express concern about them driving in snowy weather.

“Our patients think of us as often as we think of them,” Mandy and Mary agree. “This is what we were meant to do.”

For more information about services for patients and families, call Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

From Homeland to Inventor: Bob Green and The BobTail

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Bob Green holding the BobTail

Homeland HomeHealth nurse LuAnn Randall explains that the goal for any home care patient is universal: To fully return to their normal daily activities to the greatest extent possible. When Bob Green entered LuAnn’s care, that was his goal too. But Bob’s personal experience with his condition inspired another goal – that of helping others – which led to an invention, which is aptly known as The BobTailTM.

The Journey Begins

Bob’s story and the origin of The BobTail began on February 3, 2021, when he received a life-altering diagnosis: bladder cancer.

Like so many bladder cancer patients, Bob found emptying his urostomy bag awkward. A urostomy bag collects urine when the bladder is removed or bypassed. It needs to be pulled out from under the user’s clothing to be emptied, whether standing or sitting. Users must hold the bag with one hand while removing a plug or opening a valve to drain the contents. After Bob’s surgery, he was fitted with a urostomy bag and realized there had to be a simpler, more efficient way to manage the process of draining fluid from the bag.

“Bob felt stifled by the leakage and odor when emptying his pouch, especially in public restrooms or places outside of his home,” LuAnn recalls.

An Innovative Solution

Using his knack for tinkering, he developed The BobTail—a connector designed to seamlessly attach most ostomy bags to a bottle, enabling effortless fluid drainage into a receptacle like a toilet or another container. The simple yet effective device is beneficial for many users, including the elderly and those who might find traditional methods for draining more challenging. After creating an initial prototype, Bob shared it with his medical team. Their enthusiastic response gave him the confidence to pursue the idea further. Over the last two and a half years, Bob has refined his product, ultimately securing multiple patents.

“I didn’t invent this to make money,” Bob says. “I made it to help myself and now help others.”

Coming Together

Creating The BobTail was not without its challenges. Bob needed a valve that didn’t leak and was easy to operate, even for individuals with arthritis. After a long search, he found the perfect match — the Ugo Catheter Valve. With the valve in hand, Bob and his team set to work designing and refining The BobTail. Their efforts resulted in a product now manufactured in Pittsburgh, PA and assembled in Camp Hill, PA.

The BobTail is designed to be durable and user-friendly. Each connector is made using 3D printing technology and is intended to last for two weeks before needing replacement. Users can wash the connector with soap and water, ensuring it remains clean and hygienic. The product is suitable for both men and women and can be used in various settings, offering users a discreet and convenient solution.

“Seeing Bob’s success in inventing The BobTail makes me smile,” LuAnn says. “His story is such an awesome example of how Homeland walks alongside our patients to educate and instruct them in their disease process, and how those same patients move forward to make the world better for others.”

Support and Advocacy

Throughout his journey, Bob has remained committed to supporting others facing similar challenges. He’s been open about his experience, hoping to be a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of bladder cancer. His advocacy extends beyond the product itself. Bob also serves as a Survivor-to-Survivor Advocate for the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) and is a member of the executive committee for the Penn State Hershey Hospital Bladder Cancer Support Group.

Additionally, Bob has showcased The BobTail to health care professionals at the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses (WOCN) conference, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response that reinforced his belief that The BobTail can make a real difference.

“I view The BobTail not just as a practical tool, but as a symbol of resilience for those who use it,” Bob says.

Bob hopes his story will inspire others facing similar challenges, demonstrating that even in difficult times, it’s possible to create something meaningful.

“It’s been quite a ride,” Bob says reflecting on his journey. And with The BobTail, that ride is far from over.

Social Worker Andrew Humes Loves Homeland’s Team Approach to Care

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Andrew Humes, social workerYour choice. Our privilege. For Homeland Hospice this is a promise to deliver the most compassionate care possible to all patients and their families. In his role as a licensed social worker (LSW) with Homeland Hospice, Andrew Humes lives these words every day as he helps patients during their end-of-life journey. Homeland Hospice is a hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Andrew has been with Homeland for nearly three years. He joined the staff after earning his undergraduate and master’s degrees in social work at West Chester University. During his academic tenure he focused on gerontology because he enjoys connecting with seniors and learning their life stories. Following his course work, Andrew interned with a hospice organization in West Chester. He loved his hands-on experience and admired the hospice philosophy of care.

“I was excited to learn about the position with Homeland,” Andrew says. “I was confident I could do the job and make a difference.”

Andrew returned home to Mechanicsburg and immediately embraced his role at Homeland Hospice. Homeland Hospice helps patients live as fully and comfortably as possible by providing symptom and pain relief; care services and therapies; spiritual support and on-call support.

As a social worker, Andrew helps families with the most emotional parts of their journey and ensures they have access to non-medical resources. Patients and families often need a friend who will not judge them as they deal with difficult and painful emotions. Listening and affirming beliefs and feelings helps patients and families find comfort and peace amidst grief. This can look differently depending on the patient.

“I fondly remember a patient whose last wish was to finish a book he was writing,” Andrew recalls. “It was an honor to help make this happen.”

Andrew and his patients often form unique levels of trust and bonds during a short period of time. Andrew knows everyone is different, and he works diligently to find a common ground for conversation and connections.

“Sometimes, patients want to talk about everyday life, like sports,” Andrew adds. “Talking about a recent game can help a patient feel like life is normal, if only for a few minutes.”

Andrew often includes his personal hobbies and passions in his work. As an avid runner, Andrew helped organize the Homeland Hospice 5K and Memory Walk in September of 2024. He shared his enthusiasm for the sport and his love of Homeland during guest appearances on Good Day PA on abc27 and WINK 104.

Two years ago, Andrew and his family were on the receiving end of hospice services when his grandmother was in her final days of life. She received hospice services from an organization close to her home. Andrew saw his mother step into the role of primary caregiver and the toll of grief and worry she carried. This experience made Andrew acutely aware of the impact one can make through extra kindness, support and attention to details.

“I have a better understanding of the needs of families,” Andrew says. “I am a better social worker because of this experience.”

As a sports fan and marching band instructor, Andrew knows it takes everyone working together to be successful. This is what he loves most about Homeland. The team approach to care sets everyone up to meet the needs of families.

“I love connecting with patients and families,” Andrew adds. “This work makes a more complete person.”

For more information about services for patients and families, call Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

Homeland HomeHealth Achieves Five-Star Quality Rating from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

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woman smiling at a homehealth patient

Homeland HomeHealth, a service of Homeland Center’s community outreach program Homeland at Home, has earned a five-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that works in partnership with the nation’s healthcare community to improve quality, equity and outcomes in the health care system.  

CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare Medicare-certified home health agencies and other health care service providers. The system gives each service provider a rating of between one and five stars, five being the highest quality. 

Homeland HomeHealth is currently the only home health agency in its region with a full five-star rating. 

“Homeland HomeHealth’s five-star quality rating is a testament to our team’s dedication to quality care,” said Director of Homeland HomeHealth Lora Bierce, RN, WCC. “Quality is our number one focus every single day. Our patients count on it. They count on us. We are committed to earning their trust through the individualized care and treatment we provide in the comfort of their own home.” 

Homeland HomeHealth’s five-star rating comes on the heels of Homeland Center, Homeland’s Continuing Care Retirement Community in uptown Harrisburg, being named a Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 nursing home ratings. 

Homeland Center is the only facility in Dauphin County that U.S. News awarded high-performing ratings for both long-term care and short-term rehabilitation and an overall rating of 5 out of 5. Ratings were determined by nurse staffing, patient outcomes and whether steps known to be effective in avoiding harm and improving health were built into nursing home routines. 

Occupying a full block in uptown Harrisburg, Homeland Center is a licensed not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community offering personal care, skilled nursing care, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation. Homeland at Home, a community outreach program of Homeland Center, provides hospice care (compassionate end-of-life care), home health services (in-home physician-ordered medical treatment), home care services (in-home non-medical daily living assistance) and palliative care (comfort and relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness).