Homestead Village Values and Philosphy

"We" statements.  Homestead Village's Values and Philosophy of Care boldly assert eleven "We" statements. Each states what we believe.  The governing leadership expects every stakeholder of Homestead Village to uphold and follow these creeds.  It is not a choice - it is a necessity to fulfill Homestead Village's mission, vision and purpose.  In our modern society, it is frowned upon to demand that people do anything.  Instead we ask, encourage and appeal to people to behave and participate in a certain fashion.  The Homestead Village Values and Philosophy of care are not a choice.   As you read each statement, it is clear that a reasonable person would readily agree with each and every one.  So the real challenge is not in accepting these statements, it is living them:

• Every day, 
• Both the good days and bad, 
• With people who are pleasant, fun and exciting to be around and with those who require a little extra grace.  
• With residents and employee team members and other stakeholders.  
• When we are calm and when we stressed.

Our values and philosophy of care were not written for the good times. They were written to guide us through the challenges, the rough patches in our individual lives and in the collective lives of our community.  As we read each statement, we need to commit ourselves to fulfilling its expectations. When we do, our mission and vision will be fulfilled as well.

Our Values

We value every member of the Homestead Village community.

We practice and expect high ethical standards, applying the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity, and commitment.

We strive to provide exceptional service, holding each individual in utmost esteem.

We support an environment that improves quality of life, fulfills individual aspirations, values diversity, and holds our Mission paramount.

We seek to minister to each individual’s body, mind and spirit.

We acknowledge and respect one another’s spiritual beliefs while honoring our Christian heritage.

Our Philosophy of Care

We believe in the dignity, inherent worth and right to self-determination of each individual resident.

We strive to meet the health and wellness needs of residents at all levels along the continuum of care.

We provide an environment that enhances and encourages continued personal growth and life satisfaction.

We make decisions utilizing open and honest communication involving residents, their families, and members of the health team,

We exercise thoughtful stewardship of the resources of the resident, Homestead Village and the greater community.

Whether you are a resident, employee team member, board member, family member or other stakeholder,  these values guide us in our daily tasks and in our interactions with one another.

The Life Enrichment Team at Homestead Village Makes a World of Difference

When you think Life Enrichment at Homestead Village, the first names that comes to mind our Karen Longenecker and her assistant, Maureen Deibert.  Karen, with Maureen's assistance, creates the wonderful programs each month detailed in the Adventures in Life.  Karen has been our Life Enrichment Coordinator since 2006 and came to Homestead Village with 25 years of experience.  In fact she will celebrate her tenth anniversary in August of this year.  Maureen has assisted her for about five years. Karen has a degree in Psychology from Millersville University and is married to our chaplain, David Longenecker.  Karen's passion for life enrichment and her tremendous experience are on display every month as she helps to facilitate outstanding residential living life enrichment.


Numerous other Homestead Village staff contribute to quality life enrichment at Homestead Village.  They include Ben Hayes, Katie Whallon and Virginia Lewis.  Ben Hayes has helped coordinate the life enrichment in the Apostles Center since 2004.

Ben has attended both Alvernia and Imaculatta colleges working toward his Bachelors Degree.
He has participated in all of the major culture change activities in the Apostles Center and continues to actively develop and improve the life enrichment services, especially in Radcliffe House.

This past year, Katie Whallon and Ginny Lewis joined the Life Enrichment team as coordinators for our two memory support programs.  Both have jump started their respective programs.  Katie has revolutionized the programs in Fickes House with the assistance of House Coordinator, Rachelle Rineer.  Ginny has continued the excellent programming in Gelhard House with the help of the nurse leader, Beth Tefsay.

Katie Whallon graduated from Gordon College with a degree in Business and minors in recreation and leisure studies, and non-profit organization management and social entrepreneurship.  Ginny graduated from LaRoche College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Gerontology Minor.

This team of dedicated professionals is making a difference in our community and the lives of persons served at Homestead Village.