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Home Care, Seniors, Respit Care, New Family, Serving the Whole Family
For more than a decade, Home Helpers’ caregivers have been providing in-home services and companionship for seniors and anyone needing assistance with daily activities of living.
Arlene Jacobs and Emma Blackwelder are the owners of the Home Helpers agency, in Eastern Hillsborough County; serving Tampa, Temple Terrace, Valrico, Brandon, Riverview, Dover, Seffner.
“We want to provide our clients with a safe and affordable way to remain active and independent,” states Jacobs. “Our caregivers provide services wherever they are needed; not only in private residences, but also retirement communities, nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and more.”
Home Helpers' services are tailored to meet the needs of every unique client. The company provides in-home services on an hourly, daily or weekly basis. Customizable services and flexible scheduling enable Home Helpers to develop a custom care plan for each client that can be adjusted as a client’s functional needs change.
“At Home Helpers, we are committed to Making Life Easier® for our clients by providing them with superior, non-medical, personal care,” states Blackwelder, “whether it is providing transportation, preparing a meal, or simply keeping your loved ones company while you run errands.”
The decision to go into business for Jacobs and Blackwelder stems from their shared commitment to be involved in their community. Both have been active volunteers serving on committees at local schools, various associations and nonprofit organizations, including American Cancer Society: Relay for Life, American Business Women’s Association, the Boy Scouts, Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus, Patel Conservatory at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, among others.
“Emma and I believe that our families are of the utmost importance to us. Yet, we understand that others may not have their own family around them and it is our desire to provide the support through Home Helpers that everyone deserves,” says Jacobs. "We would trust all of our Home Helpers caregivers with our own families."
Families in Eastern Hillsborough County can enjoy peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are maintaining their independence and receiving the highest quality, non-medical, personalized care available. To receive more information, please contact their office at (813) 655-9098 or email homehelp@tampabay.rr.com.
Call us today! We offer flexible care plans to fit any budget or need.
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| Thank you! - Thursday, May 28, 2009Thank you, Emma and Arlene, for your service.
Elizabeth is wonderful. All the kids loved her. She is awesome.
Santa K., Valrico, FL
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| Thank You from Cynthia - Monday, July 14, 2008Cynthia H.
Land O’Lakes, Florida
July 14, 2008
Home Helpers #58313
Post Office Box 1205
Seffner, Florida 33583-1205
Dear Emma:
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful services that your caregivers are currently providing to my parents.
It has been very difficult with my father’s hospital stay and current time in the rehab facility. The fact that your caregivers have been there with him during the times I have needed to take care of my personal business has been crucial in his ongoing care. I truly appreciate the fact that your caregivers treat my father as if he were their own parent and their attentiveness to his treatment. All of the caregivers who have taken shifts with him goes over and above their expectations.
My mother is absolutely thrilled with Loretta and the fact that she will come in each day with a smile on her face and give her a hug really means a lot to her. She has truly helped my mother to remain socialized and it’s nice to have the security of knowing Loretta is with her and that my mother is comfortable going with her to her doctor’s appointments, lunch and, most of all, shopping. Loretta is truly an asset to your company.
As I prepare to leave for my vacation next week, it is nice to have the confidence that you and your caregivers will be by their sides.
Sincerely,
Cynthia H.
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Meet Our Staff
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| Beth V - Tuesday, May 26, 2009Beth is always eager to answer the call. She is helpful and a warm and caring individual. We are glad to have her aboard!
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| Margaret W. - Tuesday, May 26, 2009Margaret is a people person, with a background in Real Estate. She has a knack of seeing what needs to be done before anything needs to be said. She is always helpful and attentive to her clients.
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| Elizabeth S. - Tuesday, May 26, 2009Elizabeth really knows how to get a job done. She is a delight to have around. As a mother of her own children, she has been invaluable in family caregiving situations and all of the children just love her. However, she also is extremely good with elderly clients, as well. We have been blessed with her joining our team.
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| Kevin S - Tuesday, May 26, 2009Kevin, a former security officer, is friendly and outgoing. He is happy to offer a hand around the house!
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| Laura N. - Friday, January 02, 2009Laura is a returning student at USF. She is studying for a degree in Social Work. Her cheerful demeanor will brighten anyone's day. She notices the little things, and will go the extra mile for you. Her life experiences make her an exceptional caregiver.
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| Loretta S. - Friday, January 02, 2009Loretta is semi-retired and brings with her both personal experience as a caregiver for members of her own family, but also as a customer service provider in her past careers. Loretta will always greet you with a smile on her face and a bounce in her step.
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| Linda R. - Friday, January 02, 2009 Linda was a stay at home with her two children, who are now 14 and 16. As a military spouse, she spent a great deal of time at home while her husband was overseas. Linda also is very active on base with the support group that provides resources and support for families whose loved ones are deployed. Linda is a very patient and caring person who gives 100% of her effort to helping our clients.
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| Debbie S. - Friday, January 02, 2009Debbie’s experience as a Life Coach and a mother of seven children and two grandchildren gives her the loving and sensitive touch that we strive to give to all of our clients. You will always feel as though your loved ones are a part of her family when she is with them.
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| Christina N. - Friday, January 02, 2009Christina is a Happiness Coach who brings with her a positive attitude into your loved ones’ environment. She will always greet you with a smile and brightens the room whenever she is around. She has a history of experience working with seniors as a Home Health Aide and CNA as well.
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| Matthew M. - Friday, January 02, 2009Matthew is a High School Senior. Matt is always there with a helping hand. He has been a caregiver who will run errands, change your lightbulbs, feed your pets, mow your lawn, and even build your garden carts! Although he is quiet, he gets the job done and always with a smile on his face.
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| Jessica S. - Friday, January 02, 2009Jessica is a college student at USF. She is always smiling and enjoys music. She brightens any room that she walks into and brings a positive attitude with her at all times.
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| Katie C. - Friday, January 02, 2009Katie’s experience in customer service and her bubbly personality give her the ability to bring an uplifting environment for your loved ones. She is always smiling and loves to help organize. She has brought joy into homes of clients who were lonely before.
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| Emma M. Blackwelder - Monday, February 04, 2008
Emma M. Blackwelder is a native Floridian who has lived in the Seffner community for 21 years. During that period of time, she worked in public accounting for 16 years and was a stay-at-home mom for 5 years. She has a husband and two teenage sons and values her family as her utmost priority. By owning this Home Helpers franchise, she feels that she is able to not only provide a much-needed service to the community, but will also be able to do what she loves the most ,which is helping other people.
Community Involvement:
Volunteer at Seffner Elementary School.
Volunteer with the Seffner Cub Scout Pack 105 for 12 years including various leadership roles such as Treasurer, Den Leader and, currently, Committee Chairperson.
Volunteer with Nativity Boy Scout Troop 89 for 4 years.
Treasurer of the Mann Middle School Band for 2 years.
Treasurer of the Seffner Chamber of Commerce
Survivor Chair, American Cancer Society's Seffner/Mango Relay for Life
Awards:
Recipient of Shield of Service Award, Boy Scouts of America 2003.
Recipient of Key Leader Award, Boy Scouts of America, 2004.
Recipient of District Award of Merit and Letter of Commendation, Boy Scouts of America, Timucua District, 2005.
During her career in public accounting, Emma grew from an administrative support position to a paraprofessional position, in which she held responsibilities for sensitive client and firm data.
Emma is also active in several chambers of commerce and networking groups, She is also on the planning board for the American Cancer Society's Seffner/Mango Relay for Life.
Updated
02/09
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| Arlene Jacobs, M.S. - Monday, February 04, 2008
Arlene Elizabeth Von der Porten Jacobs has lived in Valrico, Florida, for the past 10 years with her husband Mark William Jacobs and their children, a son and a daughter.
She received her Bachelor’s degree from Vassar College in Bio-Psychology, and a Master of Science degree from the University of Florida in Nutritional Biochemistry. She has held various positions from researcher in cardiology at a VA hospital, associate professor at a community college, contributing writer for various magazines and newspapers, classifieds department manager of a local newspaper group, as well as sales and then general manager for an import company. However, if asked, she states that her most important job has been as a mother to her two children.
While continuing to work, Arlene has made time to volunteer in the community. She has been active in the schools: serving as a member of the School Advisory Committee (SAC) for both Seffner Elementary School and Mann Middle School, as well as a Media Assistant, Home Room Mom, Chorus Production Assistant, Field Trip Chaperone, among others. She has spent time volunteering also with North Brandon Little League, the Patel Conservatory, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Youth Theater Company, Brandon Youth Theater, and for the Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus, acting as a Chaperone, Fundraiser Chairperson, and Activities Planner Chair. She also volunteered with Junior Achievement and is active in the American Business Women’s Association. She is on the planning board for the American Cancer Society's Seffner/Mango Relay for Life.
When not working or volunteering her time, Arlene enjoys creative writing and contributes to several online writing communities; including the upkeep of some web sites. She dabbles in web-page design and can write HTML code.
She is interested in the martial arts and has studied a few styles of TaeKwonDo, Karate and TaiChi.
Updated
02/09
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Serving the Communities of:
Eastern Hillsborough County

Arlene E. Jacobs, M.S.
President
Emma M. Blackwelder
Vice President
PO BOX 1205
Seffner, FL 33583-1205
Phone: 813-655-9098
Fax: 813-936-4048
Employment: 813-936-4048
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| Baby Expo - Tuesday, February 10, 2009Expectant parents and parents of new born babies learn about many of the services available to them through the business community serving Wesley Chapel, Florida.
See Home Helpers and other interviews at:
http://ourtownfla.com/baby_expo_page.htm
The Baby Expo was held at Windfair Professional Center
Photos and videos journal by Anthony V. Masella Jr. on February 7, 2009 read more ...
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| Seffner Choice Awards - Monday, February 09, 2009
What a spectacular event!!! 2009 Seffner Chamber Choice Awards was a great success. If you missed out, check out the pictures! Congratulations to all the recipients of all the awards and nominees:
Sharon Carter Community Service Award — Terry Flott, Seffner Community Alliance
Non-Profit organization 2008—Cookson Hills Toy Run, accepted by Sheri Brown
Business of the Year 1-10 Employees—Seffner Ace Hardware,accepted by Richard Kelly
NOTE: Home Helpers & Direct Link was nominated for the Business of the Year 1-10 Employees, though we were not the winner of the award. It was quite an honor to be nominated!
Business of the Year 11+ Employees— Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, accepted by Todd Miller and Bill Ward
Member of the Year— Humberto Bravo, Railroad Industrial Federal Credit Union
Also the Armwood ROTC took home a plaque for their Seffner Community involvement.
There was live entertainment, food and a great atmosphere. Thank you to all the sponsors who contributed to this great event. Also big “Thank you!” to all those who participated in the Cub Scouts Cake Auction. Their most valuable cake went for over $100. Great Job!
Thank you sponsors: Dignity Memorial, Magruder Agency, Inc., Lenna Hall, Tampa Bay Data, Home Helpers & Direct Link, TECO (Tampa Electric).
read more ...
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| Brandon Senior Fun Fest - Thursday, October 02, 200812th Annual Senior Connection Fun Fest (Sept. 26, 2008)
The best part about the Senior Fun Fest? Making "all the elders and seniors aware of what's going on around, all the different services and associations they can get with," said Pat Peart, wearing a shirt from the Hillsborough County Department of Aging Services, in Seffner, Fla.
Kay Seymour, said the Fun Fest hosted by the Senior Connection magazine is "wonderful." She added: "Everything, everybody, is so nice. It's important to get people involved, especially seniors."
Home Helpers of Eastern Hillborough County sponsored an information booth at the Festival. read more ...
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| Caregiver gets Award - Wednesday, September 03, 2008
The Brandon News, Brandon, FL, Aug 30, 2008
Laura Nessola, an employee of Home Helpers of Hillsborough County, received the Stephen Bufton Memorial Education Fund Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 from the American Business Women’s Association. Laura is currently attending the University of South Florida and is pursuing her degree in social work. This Scholarship is awarded annually.
Home Helpers, in Eastern Hillsborough County (www.homehelpers.cc) is co-owned by Emma Moran and Arlene Jacobs and provides in-home non-medical care for the entire family. Grita Perry is the President of the Brandon Sunburst Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (www.abwa.org) that meets the first Tuesday of each month at Giordano’s at 5:30 p.m.
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