Homeland Hospice is One of Life’s Miracles for Ginny Jones

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Ginny Jones holding a white dogGinny Jones has been guided by miracles throughout her life. During times of darkness, support has found her and helped her take the next step. For her part, Ginny’s faith in God and humanity ensures her heart is always open to the unexpected grace that blesses us when we need it most. When Ginny’s beloved husband, Art, was in his final days of life, Homeland Hospice was the miracle she needed. Homeland Hospice is a hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Art battled lung cancer for many years and often utilized Homeland’s HomeHealth services to recover at home. When pneumonia set in and a medical cure was no longer possible, his doctor recommended hospice services. For Art and Ginny, choosing Homeland was an easy decision.

“I didn’t know Homeland had a hospice program,” Ginny says. “We were impressed with the support from HomeHealth and immediately said yes to hospice.”

Ginny connected with the Homeland Hospice team on a Friday afternoon and within a few hours a white package was delivered with instructions to refrigerate immediately. A hospital bed arrived a few days later.

Less than 24 hours later, Ginny placed a dire call to Homeland. Art’s health had dramatically declined and he was growing more and more agitated. Her Homeland nurse instructed Ginny to look inside her refrigerator for medication which immediately brought Art comfort and Ginny peace. This solitary act of foresight was an answer to Ginny’s prayers and the start of Art’s peaceful end-of-life journey.

“The medicine is in your refrigerator,” Ginny says, “I will never forget these words. Homeland knew what I needed before I did.”

Over the next few weeks, the Homeland team surrounded Ginny and Art with support to ensure Art’s final days were as comfortable as possible. Art also had a special furry friend named Charlie, a Buchon Frise, who doubles as a therapy dog when visiting hospitals. Charlie sat on a love seat with his head between the bed rails to be as close to Art as possible.

“The morning Art died, Charlie left a dog toy on his bed,” Ginny says. “He knew it was time to say goodbye.”

Art died peacefully four days after his 85th birthday. He and Ginny were married for more than 51 years. In his final year of life, Art found his faith, which gave both of them peace.

During their decades together, Art and Ginny overcame obstacles which helped Ginny find her voice as an advocate for those in need and put her faith into action through ministry work. The couple had two daughters. Sarah was born with a mental health disorder which required her to be placed in a care facility when she was eight years old. Advocating for Sarah and children with similar challenges gave Ginny a voice she didn’t know she had. Ginny spent much of her career working to connect families with resources.

When Sarah entered her adult years and was able to live in her own apartment, she struggled to furnish her space with limited resources. Ginny was inspired and formed New Digs Ministry, Inc., in 2007 to provide gently used furniture and household goods to adults with mental health issues. New Digs has grown over the years to expand its scope of services to assist anyone in need of help when making a fresh start.

As Ginny, a self-described planner, looks toward her next phase in life, she plans to become a hospice volunteer. Charlie will be by her side to provide comfort in a way only a dog can. Ginny wants her peers to know about Homeland Hospice and shares information with her church congregation so others are prepared when facing an end-of-life journey.

“I have been blessed by Homeland,” Ginny says. “I want everyone to know this service is available.”

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

Homeland Director of Development Troy Beaver: Finding purpose in relationships

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Troy Beaver employee headshotTroy Beaver was weighing three job offers when his dad’s hospice nurse told him what keeps her going every day.

“It’s knowing that this could be this person’s last day on earth, and maybe I do something that puts a smile on their face,” she told him. “I could be the last positive thing that happens to this person in their lifetime.”

At that moment, Beaver decided to reject those offers – all in corporations like the one he had just left – and heed the voice urging him to find work that made a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Today, Beaver is Homeland’s new director of development, filling the role held by beloved Betty Hungerford after she retired. He is responsible for supporting Homeland’s fiscal health and long-term viability through philanthropic and charitable giving.

When the opportunity came along, he wasn’t sure he was right for the role. He spent months talking to people at Homeland – including Hungerford – “and prayed long and hard about it.”

“Now, since I’ve been here, I’ve been asking myself why I didn’t do this 30 years ago,” he said.

Beaver was born and raised in Chambersburg, PA. At age 19, he entered the U.S. Air Force, utilizing his fluency in Spanish to serve in military intelligence during a time of political turmoil in Central America.

Even before separating from the military after four years, he started working at Citibank in Hagerstown, MD, filling a need for someone to work with Spanish-speaking customers.

That job blossomed into a director in Citibank operations, taking him all over the world including Europe, South America, Central America and India.

After about 30 years, he started wondering if he wanted to continue.

“I had a feeling that there was something different,” he said. “There’s got to be something more.”

Around that time Citibank downsized and eliminated his job, and after meeting with Barry Ramper II, Homeland President and CEO, it was suggested he could be right for Homeland’s development director.

Beaver’s wife reminded him that he had been praying for “something different,” and the answer was right in front of him.

At Homeland, Beaver has discovered people impassioned about their work in ways that are different than the corporate settings in which he previously worked.

“The staff here embraces the fact that this is a person’s home,” he said. “It’s not a care home. It is their home. That’s the big difference.”

Amid the financial pressures facing today’s nonprofits, Beaver is striving to build on Homeland’s base of donors for decades to come.

“Homeland is 158-years strong,” Beaver said. “But we recognize that we need to always be thinking about how we can ensure we are here to care for our community for generations to come.”

While Beaver brings experience using technology to streamline the search for potential donors, he knows that software isn’t what obtains grants and donations. His solemn task is to build relationships. Hungerford, who was Homeland’s development director for 20 years, reminded him that building relationships takes time.

“Building trust is the most important thing,” he said. “And that takes really getting to know people.”

Beaver and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 36 years and have two sons and a granddaughter. In his leisure time, he plays one of his 12 guitars, including a custom-made Jennings that “is the most incredible guitar, with incredible detail.”

With his former Christian rock band, Prodigal, he has recorded two CDs and jokes that he is an “international recording star” because three of those CDs sold outside the U.S.

Beaver looks forward to continuing to get to know Homeland residents and building relationships with donors.

“I’m getting a really big friend base here,” he said. “All I can hope for is that in the time I’ve gotten to know Homeland’s residents and its family of supporters, I’ve been a bright spot for them and made them happy.”

Homeland Partner Securewire Technologies Serves as 2024 Trilogy of Trust Sponsor

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securewire technologies is a trilogy of trust sponsorAn 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.

2025 Lottery Calendar: Honoring the Service of Local Veterans

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the cover of the 2025 homeland lottery calendarHomeland’s 2025 Lottery Calendar is on sale! The calendar honors the service and sacrifice of local Veterans served by Homeland Hospice and residents of Homeland Center. This heartfelt piece includes photos and stories of bravery and patriotism from Veterans who put country above self, as well as family members and volunteers impacted by military service.

“As an Air Force Veteran, this calendar fills me with pride,” says Homeland Director of Development Troy Beaver. “The people featured are truly remarkable and inspiring.”

Homeland’s Lottery Calendar has become a tradition for friends, volunteers and supporters of Homeland’s work. In fact, this is the 9th annual calendar. The monthly calendar costs $25 and supports the organization’s benevolent care programs. About 1,200 calendars are produced and sold annually, and everyone who purchases a calendar is eligible to be entered into daily drawings for cash prizes ranging from $30-$100.

The theme for the 2025 Lottery Calendar is an extension of Homeland Hospice’s 15th anniversary, which was celebrated with a special event held on November 23, 2024, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. “History, Heart & Honor… Hats off to the Homeland Hospice 15th” recognized local Veterans as well as the history of the hospice movement and hospice patients and staff. Homeland “tipped their hats to all Veterans” by featuring stories from the calendar along with patriotic musical performances and a gallery of heart canvases crafted by families in remembrance of a loved one.

Proceeds from calendar sales provide financial support and additional services to Homeland residents, patients and clients in need as well as hospice supportive services. Homeland provides approximately $4 million in benevolent care annually for those in need. Through the lottery calendar, more than $70,000 has been raised since 2015 to support Homeland’s benevolent care program.

Homeland believes that every interaction with a resident, client or patient is an opportunity to create a memorable moment, making an ordinary day a special day. This is especially true for residents and patients who no longer have the financial means to pay. A hallmark of Homeland is that no one is ever asked to leave because they can no longer afford care.

“Our quality of care is second to none,” Troy adds. “Funds raised help ensure patients and residents in need get the very best care possible for as long as they need it.”

To purchase a calendar, visit this order form or contact Homeland’s Development Office at (717) 221-7885.

Homeland’s Bereavement Team Offers Comprehensive and Compassionate Support

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Noelle Valentine, MSW, LSW

Noelle Valentine, MSW, LSW

Learning how to navigate the unchartered waters of grief after the death of a loved one requires a strong support system and the development of coping mechanisms to find hope for the future. Homeland Hospice provides a holistic approach to grief support using a team of compassionate counselors. Homeland Hospice is a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Homeland’s Noelle Valentine, MSW, LSW, Lead Bereavement Counselor, and Alexis Conkle, MSW, Bereavement Counselor, walk with families during their grief journey.

“Bereavement support is rewarding work,” Noelle says. “I’m humbled by the strength and compassion I learn from every family.”

While the steps of grief may form a pattern to healing, everyone’s process and timing is tied to their personal story. Through the shared understanding of loss, many people find comfort in Homeland’s bereavement support groups, which include a Men’s Breakfast and Ladies Lunch Series. The individual process of handling heartache can often best be addressed through individual counseling. The duality of support needed on a pathway through grief is why Homeland offers one-on-one consultations and support groups.

Alexis Conkle, MSW

Alexis Conkle, MSW

“I enjoy working directly with families and helping them through the challenges of grief,” Alexis says. “I admire the strong bonds the Homeland team forms with families, as it makes this work a calling and not a job.”

In addition, Homeland offers hands-on activities including making memory pillows from a loved one’s clothing and grief art classes to serve as an avenue for expression. These opportunities along with events like Homeland’s 5K and Memory Walk provide a sense of community and an opportunity to form friendships with others who understand the journey. It is common for strangers to become close friends as they work through their grief together.

“We understand healing takes time,” Noelle and Alexis remark. “We will walk with you through your bereavement journey.”

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 Noelle Valentine at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

Homeland Hospice CNA Angie Bucci: Service from the Heart

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Homeland Hospice CNA Angie Bucci smiles in front of a treeAngie Bucci of Shippensburg has a heart for hospice work. She enjoys connecting with her patients and their families to provide the most compassionate care possible. For more than 12 years she has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for Homeland Hospice, a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout central Pennsylvania. For Angie, her career is not about a job to do. It is an opportunity to connect with others to profoundly change a person’s life through kindness and support.

Angie joined the Homeland team after working and caring for patients in the hospital setting. While she appreciated the training she received, the pace of hospital work did not provide time to connect with individual patients and meet their direct needs. She has found Homeland Hospice to be the perfect match to her skills and interests.

“I love the one-on-one time I have with patients,” Angie says. “I feel I can truly provide the help and friendship they need.”

Over the years, Angie has gotten to know many patients well and form lasting bonds with them and their families. In her role, she spends about an hour with each person during each visit, during which she has conversations and learns what is on their minds and in their hearts.

“This work is very rewarding,” Angie adds. “It feels good to help people.”

Homeland Hospice CNAs are an integral part of the care team and often get to spend the most time with patients. They provide personal care with tasks like bathing and grooming, remind patients about medications and assist with light housekeeping. All services are customized to meet the individualized needs of patients and their families.

The role of CNAs and the importance of increasing the number of people in the profession has skyrocketed as the Baby Boomer generation ages. To help meet this need, Homeland has developed an accredited CNA training program to develop current talent at Homeland as well as recruit and train new employees for all of Homeland’s work, which includes Homeland Center, Homeland HomeHealth, Homeland HomeCare and Homeland Palliative Care.

Angie recommends that anyone who has a passion for serving others consider this path as a potential career.

“It is all about heart,” Angie says. “I love what I do.”

For more information about Homeland’s CNA training course, call (717) 221-7797.

Aimee Schmoltze Called to Hospice Work After Seeing Its Impact Firsthand

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Aimee Schmoltze smiling next to a post on a porchWhen Aimee Schmoltze’s mother began receiving hospice care, she saw the impact of the program on their family. Over a 14-month period, Aimee, her mother and their family developed emotional bonds with the hospice staff who provided compassionate care during a very difficult time. This was a formative experience for Aimee. Amidst her grief, she felt called to the work of hospice. Today, Aimee is a registered nurse and case manager for Homeland Hospice, a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Aimee’s career began as a medical assistant. While she loved her job, she wanted to have a greater impact on the lives of her patients and decided to become a registered nurse. As a registered nurse and case manager for Homeland, she meets patients at the beginning of their journey with Homeland. She assesses their needs, orders any needed medical supplies and creates a care plan for aid.

This initial meeting is often very overwhelming for patients and their families as they come to terms with the severity of the patient’s medical condition. During this emotional time, Aimee is there to provide a calm, comforting presence.

“I assure patients they are not alone,” Aimee says. “We will be there every step of the way.”

Caring for the broad spectrum of needs patients face including their fears, concerns and worries is what Aimee loves most about her job. This was the life-changing work she saw when her mother was in her final months of life. Aimee understands the journey also includes families and the struggles they face during this time.

“I can see the relief on their faces when I relieve the pain their loved one is experiencing,” Aimee adds. “Open communications and education can wash away the worry caregivers experience.”

In her role, Aimee finds that many people don’t understand the breadth and scope of hospice services or the philosophy behind the hospice approach. Hospice care is available to a patient when a medical cure is no longer possible or a decision to stop aggressive treatment has been made. 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.

For Aimee, the dedicated time she spends with patients and the bonds she forms with them and their families fills her heart and soul with gratitude.

“I love this work,” Aimee says. “I am doing exactly what I was put on Earth to do.”

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

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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The Unsaid Reward Speaks the Loudest for Kristine Crockett

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Kristine (Kris) Crockett, RN, CHPN, Director of Homeland Hospice and Homeland Palliative CareKristine (Kris) Crockett, RN, CHPN, Director of Homeland Hospice and Homeland Palliative Care, approaches life with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to serve others. For more than 25 years, she has provided compassionate end-of-life care as a hospice nurse and administrator. The road to her current role with Homeland has been filled with gratifying experiences beginning with her service in the Army. As a proud veteran, Kris feels a special bond with the veterans served by Homeland Hospice.

Kris entered the Army when she was 17 years old, after achieving an impressive score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, which is administered in high school to identify candidates for military service. At the time, Kris was unsure what type of career she wanted to pursue and decided to serve our country while learning a vocation. As a minor, Kris needed the approval of her parents.

“My family was very supportive,” Kris says. “This was the start of a new chapter in my life.”

Kris intended to serve in the Army Reserves, but soon decided to enlist for active duty. Her original goal was to enter medic training, but there were no openings at the time. Instead, she entered military policing and eventually became a guard at a correctional facility in California. During more than nine years in the Army, Kris lived in Texas, Honduras, South Korea and California.

“My time in the service was so rewarding,” Kris adds. “I formed friendships that still exist.”

Often, it was the unsaid thank you or acknowledgement of a job well done between colleagues that spoke the loudest to Kris. Words of gratitude or praise were simply understood between her military brethren.

Following her time in the Army, Kris returned to central Pennsylvania and pursued a medical career. She became a licensed practical nurse and began working as she raised her children. Over the years, she earned her associates degree and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

In the early 1990s, Kris worked as a nurse at York House Hospice, which provided compassionate end-of-life support for people dying of AIDS. At the time, York had one of the highest populations of AIDS patients in the state. Far too many people had no place to die with dignity, medical care and unconditional support. York House Hospice was a beacon of hope for the people it served.

Kris joined Homeland Hospice in 2012 as a weekend on-call nurse. She quickly found the same connection she had with her colleagues in the Army with her patients and their families. She didn’t need to hear the words of gratitude spoken, for she could see it in the eyes of those she helped.

“I have always connected with my patients and their families,” Kris says. “It is a powerful bond.”

Since 2012, Kris has advanced in her career and also helped Homeland expand its comprehensive continuum of services to include palliative care.

Kris is particularly proud of Homeland’s We Honor Veterans program, created by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The program works to improve the quality of health care for all who served. Whenever possible, Kris strives to connect with veterans receiving care to thank them for their service. This unique connection is one of the many reasons Kris feels a call to service at Homeland.

“This is the most rewarding job I have ever had,” Kris says. “I love this work.”

Homeland Hospice is a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania. For more information, contact Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.