Partner Spotlight
Hospice of Lancaster CountyBrent Keener of Hospice of Lancaster County |
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Tell us a little bit about Hospice of Lancaster County. What do you do? What are you best known for?
Hospice of Lancaster County cares for more than 450 patients and their families who are coping with serious illness and loss each day, in addition to the more than 5,000 adults, teens and children who receive grief and bereavement support each month. Hospice of Lancaster County staff care for patients in their homes, nursing homes, hospitals or in one of our Hospice Inpatient Centers—unique facilities designed to manage pain and other serious symptoms. Many times, the services that we provide are as unique as the patients themselves, tailored to their needs. Hospice of Lancaster County is one of the largest hospice organizations in the state of Pennsylvania. For 30 years, we have been caring for patients and families during one of the most stressful times life has to offer.
When and how did Hospice of Lancaster County start?
During the late 1970s, Rev. Donald C. Wilson started the Lancaster community on a discussion about death, dying and hospice care through his series of articles, "Terminal Candor," written from the perspective of his own illness. The Lancaster community embraced the idea of hospice care and support came from the local hospitals, physicians, churches, health care and service organizations. Rev. Wilson died one month before Hospice of Lancaster County cared for its first patient, on March 11, 1980. That first year, 45 patients were cared for by the organization's two staff members and six volunteers.
How has it grown? How many employees do you currently have?
We now care for approximately 2,700 patients and families each year. We have over 370 employees and over 1,100 volunteers.
Why is your company so successful?
Hospice of Lancaster County is a nonprofit, community organization, strongly supported by the community it serves. At the same time, we recognize that it is because of our employees that the organization enjoys such an extraordinary reputation in the Lancaster County community.
What is the greatest reward in your field? Greatest challenge?
Our greatest reward is in being able to see patients and families well cared for during one of their most challenging times of life. Our greatest challenge is to be able to remain on the cutting edge of being able to provide the best quality end-of-life care possible for patients and families in spite of challenges brought about by health care reform.
What do you like about doing business in this area? How does your company participate in the community?
Hospice of Lancaster County is strongly supported by the community it serves; our employees are involved in a number of community initiatives.
- Our employees and their friends and families take part in the Lancaster Relay for Life. Interest is so high that there are enough resources to support two teams. Throughout the year, employees hold fundraisers to support this organization.
- We also take part in the annual American Heart Association's (AHA) Daffodil Days fundraiser and raise funds and participate in the annual Heart Walk.
- In 2009, Hospice of Lancaster County partnered with the Kenyan Hospice and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA) through the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa's Partnership Initiative. Employees have formed a volunteer committee to help raise funds and support the partnership. KEHPCA comprises seven hospice programs and 19 palliative care programs that could be located in a hospital setting or a freestanding community organization, like one that helps orphans diagnosed with AIDS.
What makes your company a great employer?
Hospice of Lancaster County strives to give attention and appreciation to our employees for how they contribute to the care of our patients and their families, as well as the organization. We strive to accommodate our employees with a comprehensive benefits package and a positive work environment. With personal responsiveness to staff and their needs, Hospice of Lancaster County is a special place, and truly one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania.
How about you – Tell us about your background and role with Hospice of Lancaster County.
I have been in Human Resources for 16 years. I have truly enjoyed my role as the Director of Human Resources with Hospice of Lancaster County since June, 2007. Our leadership team is incredibly supportive of employees and works hard at creating an environment where all employees thrive. Prior to joining Hospice of Lancaster County, I served in a senior HR role at a local property management company and with a local manufacturing organization before that.
Family? Hobbies? Interests? Favorite Vacation Spots?
I have been married (for nearly 18 yrs!) to my best friend and lovely wife, Bonita. We have 4 fabulous children (yes, four!) that range in age from 6 to 14 which keeps us very busy! All of our names start with “B” so many of our friends affectionately refer to our family as "the Keener B'hive."