In recognition of May as National Nurses Month, Horizon House will be introducing you to a few of our Agency’s outstanding nurses who use their extensive skills to help keep our participants healthy, safe and thriving.

Today, we’d like you to meet Kebeh, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for two Developmental Services participants in Philadelphia.

Kebeh joined Horizon House close to three years ago and was drawn to the Agency’s service model and mission. “I admire Horizon House because they give participants their independence and develop their life skills through reintegration,” she explained. She adds that not only is Horizon House dedicated to enriching the lives of the participants it serves, but the Agency is also committed to connecting its staff to valuable trainings and health and wellness activities that most organizations neglect to promote.

When asked what her daily activities include, Kebah explained that when she arrives each morning, she assesses both participants she serve to gauge the state both are in. She takes their vital signs, asks if they are experiencing any pain and administers medications and treatments. Kebeh also manages their doctor appointments and ensures medication records follow physicians’ orders. One participant needs more supportive help than the other, and Kebeh is happy to provide that care when needed.

Kebeh feels Horizon House is a very special place to work. Being from a different country that condoned people sharing their emotions, Kebeh appreciates working for an employer who cares, listens, and provides the platform for everyone to be heard – staff and participants alike.

“I love working at Horizon House because I am part of a process that truly advocates for the participants we serve,” she said. “They have a voice here at Horizon House, and I am proud to work for an organization that speaks for those who can’t speak for themselves.”

Interested in a rewarding nursing career at Horizon House? You can view our openings here: https://www.hhinc.org/career-opportunities/

In recognition of May as National Nurses Month, Horizon House will be introducing you to a few of our Agency’s outstanding nurses who use their extensive skills to help keep our participants healthy, safe and thriving.

Today, we’d like you to meet Susan, a Registered Nurse at Robbins Bower, a crisis residential program that is part of our Behavioral Health Services division in Lehigh County.

Can you describe what a nurse at Robbins Bower is responsible for and what your daily activities include?
“Everything differs on any given day. That’s part of the beauty of the job, right? It’s a little bit of everything. Participants and staff come to me with any medical questions. I make sure medications are available and accurate.

“We’re a short-term location with our participants spending usually up to 10 days with us. When a participant comes in, I do a full health assessment within the first 24 hours. We go over medications and then I facilitate having the participant see a doctor within 48 hours.”

When did you start with Horizon House and how did you learn about the Agency?
“I’ve been a nurse since 1980. I worked at Allentown State Hospital until it closed in 2010. During the closure, a Horizon House staff member reached out saying she had a site looking for a nurse. I was familiar with Horizon House having also previously worked for a similar organization. I jumped at the opportunity to work with this population in this area.

“I’ve been with Horizon House over 15 years now and it’s just been a wonderful place to work. I love the people I work with. I love the participants I work with. This is a special place that supports you in a number of ways with special people here. I love helping others. I don’t take any of that for granted.”

Did you always see yourself working with the vulnerable populations we serve? How did you find your way into this field?
“I always wanted to work with people with psych needs. I was always interested in psych and it’s all I’ve ever done. I’m passionate about it. We do things in the community to raise awareness. We take part in conferences. We are a part of community groups. We do things to keep participants engaged. And it’s rewarding to see all of that. Mental health has always been my passion.

“Sometimes, it can feel like nurses can be hesitant to get into the psych field because there’s nothing concrete about the treatment. It’s not like dealing with a broken bone where there are universal ways to treat it. Everyone we serve in this field is different. There is a much larger gray area in this field with how you treat someone depending on what their needs are. But I would always encourage someone to try it. You truly get to take care of the whole person.”

What does your work mean to you?
“I love being a nurse. I absolutely love it and I can’t ever picture myself doing anything else. I just love helping others. I love our participants and they mean the world to me. They could well be the most underserved population in this area and it means everything to be able to work with them. I just can’t imagine not being a nurse.”

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Get your golf clubs ready… It’s that time of year again!

We’re thrilled to share that registration for the 2025 Horizon House Golf Outing Classic in Memory of Dr. Larry Real is now open!

We will be returning to Huntingdon Valley Country Club on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 for our annual day of fun and friendship on the links, all the name of supporting our programs, our tremendous staff and the people we serve in need across the Philadelphia region.

You have the ability to register now to play, sponsor or donate. We’re proud to share that all sponsorship levels remain the same as last year.

All sponsorship and registration information can be found in the links on this page. If you have any questions about sponsoring, registering to play or donating, please reach out to Horizon House Communications Manager Greg Paone at gregory.paone@hhinc.org.

We can’t wait to see you there!

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR, REGISTER OR DONATE TODAY!

Horizon House is saddened to share news of the passing of former staff member Brenda Cooper, who died on December 5.

Brenda, who worked at our Agency from 1990-2014, was a staunch supporter of our participants and their rights as individuals. During her 24-year career with us, she devoted herself to improving the lives of those affected by homelessness in Philadelphia. Having held the roles of Outreach Coordinator, Community Resource and Outreach Specialist and Manager of Homeless Outreach, among other roles at Horizon House, Brenda left a long-lasting impact on all she served. She was a driving force behind the Horizon House Navigation Center, an overnight cafe in West Philadelphia for homeless individuals.

Brenda strongly advocated for the rights of homeless Philadelphians and did so without hesitation. Her impact reached across the city as she worked with local politicians and organizations to provide necessary assistance to the homeless population. Brenda worked in partnership with organizations like the Philadelphia Housing Authority and the Veteran’s Administration to ensure that homeless individuals had access to life-affirming amenities.

She truly personified Horizon House’s mission to enhance the quality of life for those in need across our region. Brenda is and will continue to be an inspiration to all of us here at our Agency.

Brenda’s legacy will live on through her two children, five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Her legacy will also live on through those she served and those who continue to enhance their quality of life through the work Brenda accomplished.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Brenda’s family. She will truly be missed.