Phoebe Berks Chaplain Retires

Chaplain Naomi Kolb Dublanica retired from her position as part time chaplain at Phoebe Berks this fall. Chaplain Naomi has been a valued asset to the Phoebe Berks community since completing her Clinical Pastoral Education internship with Phoebe in 2006. Phoebe Berks residents and staff members had a chance to offer good wishes at a farewell service and reception in September.

Chaplain Naomi had a long career as a local physician before retiring and being called to the spiritual service of others. She is a member of St Paul’s UCC in Amityville, Berks County. During her tenure at Phoebe Berks, she developed the curriculum for and facilitated a “grief and growth” group for those whose loved ones died in the past year.

As part of her service at the Berks community, she visited residents across the campus—in independent living, personal care, memory support, and skilled care. One of her favorite responsibilities as chaplain was leading the devotion services in the Village Gardens personal care memory support and Tranquility Place, and adult day service for those with memory impairment. She also introduced an inspirational story and poetry hour in the memory support units and a “chaplain’s chat” program in the Village Commons personal care community.

In addition, Chaplain Naomi led the Abiders program, a volunteer ministry largely comprised of independent living residents who act as companions to residents who are actively dying and don’t have loved ones nearby. Chaplain Naomi led countless chapel worship services, memorials, and funerals during her time at Phoebe.