Our History

June 2014

The first annual Homecare & Hospice Charity Golf Tournament is held

January 2012

In order to provide the most comprehensive care possible, Homecare & Hospice expands its services to include Transitions. A free community service available to anyone with a life-limiting illness.

November 2010

Became a partner in the national We Honor Veterans Program through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

February 8, 2010

Doors officially open to The Good Shepherd Hospice House.

January 2010

Construction is complete on the first ever hospice house in Riley County. The Homecare & Hospice office and staff move from their Poyntz Avenue location to the new hospice house.

October 2008

Homecare & Hospice hosts the Groundbreaking Ceremony at the site of the future hospice house.

2007

Homecare & Hospice secures a $550,000 grant for The Sheltering Embrace Hospice House Campaign from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, OK. This is the largest Mabee Foundation grant received in Riley County history.

October 2005

The first annual Promenade on Poyntz is held.

2005

The Sheltering Embrace Hospice House Campaign begins as the Board of Trustees and Campaign Leadership Committee volunteers began actively fundraising to build the first-ever hospice house in Riley County history.

2003

25th Anniversary celebrated with the community, business, and medical receptions.

October 1999

First annual Flint Hills Festival of Wines is held.

1999

Bill Colvin Legacy Campaign conducted by Foundation.

December 1996

The first annual Light of Life Memorial is held at the Manhattan Town Center.

May 1996

Homecare & Hospice Foundation was formed with a community Board of Trustees to promote and develop initiatives in private fundraising, fiduciary management and volunteerism that support our mission.

December 1992

Certified as Medicare Hospice provider

February 6, 1992

Homecare, Inc. merged with Hospice Care, Inc. to become Homecare & Hospice, Inc.

1986

Changed name to Homecare, Inc. to illustrate a commitment to a full range of in-home services to area residents.

1980s

Community funding and federal grants provided the resources to support services not covered by Medicare and other insurance.

October 1978

Certified as Medicare Home Health provider.

August 4, 1978

Riley County Health and Homemaker Services were incorporated as a voluntary not-for-profit corporation. Operation began with 3 part-time staff providing services that promote health and independence while improving quality of life.

Spring of 1977

A group of local Riley County citizens met to address the problem that many older people in our community were leaving their homes and entering nursing homes primarily because the services to assist them in their homes were not available.

Late 19th Century

Visiting Nurse Associations (VNAs) began providing health care in the homes of families newly immigrating to America’s eastern seaboard cities.