The health and safety of the individuals we serve, our staff and their families are our number one priority. The Coronavirus Crisis has impacted all of our lives. We will be using our website, email, and social media to provide updates as needed. Keeping in contact is important as the situation has been rapidly evolving.
Horizon House will continue to offer ESSENTIAL life-sustaining services to people we serve, while adhering to CDC guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATES AND MORE INFORMATION
Together we will make a difference. Stay informed... be safe!
Our Commitment to Fighting Racial Injustice: A Message from President & CEO Jeff Wilush
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Horizon House provides a welcoming environment where all can flourish.
Dr. Larry Real, 1949-2021
Horizon House is saddened to announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend, Dr. Larry Real. A giant here at Horizon House with a heart for helping and serving our participants, Larry passed away on March 25 following a brave battle with cancer.
For over a decade, Larry served Horizon House in many ways. He originally came to us in 2009 when he was the first psychiatrist named to our Board of Directors. Shortly after, in 2010, he joined us full-time as our Medical Director, a role perfectly suited for his warm spirit as he was able to leave a profound impact on our participants by helping them live better lives. He used his unique abilities to drive his belief that recovery is achievable for all.
Larry joined the city of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual Disability Services as its Chief Medical Officer in 2015, but came back to Horizon House in 2018 to resume his role as Medical Director. In addition to returning to Horizon House, Larry also served as the Co-Director of the Fellowship in Public Psychiatry program at the University of Pennsylvania.
“Larry’s commitment to Horizon House, and especially to those we serve, is an example of the compassion and opportunities that we aspire to provide to all,” said Horizon House President and CEO Jeff Wilush. “He was a leader in his field and also here at Horizon House, and someone we looked to for his steady leadership. Larry’s presence and guidance will truly be missed throughout our entire agency. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and the participants whose lives he touched over the many years he served us.”
Recognized by his colleagues and peers with numerous awards throughout his medical career, Larry is survived by his son Daniel, his son Michael (Aviva Isenberg), his brother Dr. Mark Real (Karen), his brother Hal (Anne Sheppard) and his partner over the last 10 years, Madeleine Gardberg.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry’s memory may be made to Horizon House (please click for more information on how to donate) or World Cafe Live’s education programs (click here for more information).
Thank you for sharing your talents and life with all of us, Larry. Your spirit will live on forever here at Horizon House. You will be missed!
Horizon House 50/50 Raffle Tickets On Sale Now!
Let’s make Spring be your lucky season!
Horizon House is holding a 50/50 raffle to support the men and women we serve.
It is easy to buy your raffle tickets. CLICK HERE and select how many tickets you would like to buy.
We will add your name on the tickets for the drawing at the Horizon House Golf Outing on June 1. You will be contacted by a Horizon House representative if you are the lucky winner.
Best of Luck!!!
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Join Us In Giving A Big Shout Out To Our Direct Support Staff!
This past week was National Direct Support Professionals week. The Direct Support Staff were there every step of the way during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Throughout the crisis they remained consistent and strong to make sure everyone in the community was cared for and that services continued in new creative ways. We are extremely thankful for all that they have done. Today we express our appreciation and honor the Horizon House Direct Service Staff.
The Community Truly Appreciates Our Direct Support Staff !
We would like the share some of the testimonials sent to us from members of community this past week:
They Have Touched The Hearts of The Families They Serve
Below is a special message from a family member.
Thank You Mia!
Mia S. – my daughter Carlota’s CLA house manager, has gone, above and beyond, in her support for Carlota during this pandemic time.
When the mandate to isolate took place, Carlota was confused and with the loss of her routines she got increasingly disoriented and sad. Carlota has always enjoyed going out for her volunteer work. In addition, she loves attending Sunday church with me and other family members. Carlota has always looked forward to join her family for Sunday meals after church. Carlota has been in pain missing events of family events. She has always anticipated with much pleasure, family birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s and Father’s Day, 4th of July and so on) and just getting together with her family. Last year, Carlota, one of her sisters and I, went to the beach for a couple days and I know that Carlota missed going this year.
As soon as we were able to go back to church again, Mia immediately worried about Carlota’s clothes for church and appearance, Carlota promptly got a nice hair cut and appropriate clothes for church.
Overall, during this difficult time, Mia has done everything she can to alleviate Carlota’s anxiety and depression. I know Mia has comforted and reassured Carlota so she would not fall apart. Mia has taken Carlota to outings and walks and has constantly been in touch with me, Carlota’s mother, to inform me of how Carlota has been doing in these difficult times and brainstorm of what could help Carlota.
Mia has helped Carlota get in zoom meetings for her own birthday so she could get together with family and also join other zoom meetings celebrating family members. She specifically came to the house to help Carlota to join on her birthday zoom when it was clear that Carlota could not get into that zoom meeting on her own. It was a weekend and I do not think she was supposed to even work that day.
I cannot thank enough Mia for her support of Carlota during these hard times.
Thanks Bobby!
I have no words to fully describe how grateful I am to Bobby for her support to Carlota, my daughter, at her CLA.Bobby is one of the staff members that supports my daughter Carlota and her roommate at an Horizon CLA.
Bobby’s sunny and warm disposition, gentle caring way and smile really brighten the day.
Bobby has been sensitive to how pandemic isolation has been affecting Carlota. I know he tried his best to support her during each opportunity she had to make contact with family such as going into zoom meetings with family.
Bobby is always willing to go the extra mile on proving support for Carlota. One outstanding moment that comes to mind was Carlota’s last birthday. I usually celebrate this event at my house so Carlota’s family and friends can come together in celebrating Carlota. However, this was not possible this year and to my great surprise – Mia S. and Bobby K. decided to do a celebration for both Carlota and her roommate. The organized a cookout at the CLA building apartment garden. My husband, a sister of Carlota’s and I were able to attend. This was such a joyful event. Both, Carlota and her roommate had dressed and accessorizing themselves for the celebration. Bobby and Mia prepared quite a spread and Bobby manned the grill. This cookout was lot of work for Mia and Bobby and they did it with such joy.
Thanks Bobby for your support to my daughter Carlota!
Thanks Rebel Hill Team!
Although I do tell the wonderful women workers at Rebel Hill Road that Sharon really appreciates all they do for her. They’ve made it so nice for her that she thinks she’s a paying customer at a fancy hotel!My sister Sharon lives there and loves it. Sharon has been with Horizon House for at least 44 years. Although she has a loving family, she really loves living with the other ladies like her and having the attention of such wonderful people at the house and at 30th Street. She loves her “workshop” when she used to go to PEP at Broad & Federal, and now at DEC in Norristown.
Elizabeth A. is a saint. No matter what is going on with Sharon, the world, the van, the rest of the staff, etc, Elizabeth keeps her cool and her sense of humor. She has lost a dear coworker (Cecelia) this year and has had 2 of Sharon’s housemates (Veronica and Lena) die in spite of her excellent and tender care. Many times she has talked me off the ledge as Sharon calls & tells me confusing and wrong things and then, because I can’t get the exact truth out of Sharon, I end up texting EA. We have had some good laughs over it.
I appreciate the rest of the staff too: the other Elizabeth, Lily, and night staff that I never talk to. I’m sure there are more and I thank them too. Sincerely, Del M. (Sharon’s sister for 66 out of my 69 years!).
Food Resources For Those In Need
Free Food For Families
Bucks County Opportunity Council
Where to find free, nutritious food during COVID-19 (Philadelphia)
Montgomery County PA Emergency Food Sites and School Lunch Information
Delaware County Food and Meal Assistance COVID-19
Feeding America- Hunger in Delaware
Free Meals For Students
Free meals for students while schools are closed
Free Meals For Older Adults
Philadelphia County
Grab-and-go meals will be available for seniors between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at three older adult centers: Northeast, Mann, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Delaware County
Grocery Shopping Services Available to Senior Citizens
Bucks County
Government Human Services Area Agency on Aging
Horizon House 28th Annual Golf Outing
Your safety and wellness is our #1 priority! We will be back together soon! In the meantime, let’s take a look back at last year’s golf outing!
New Market West, 5901 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 386-3838
