Casa de la Luz Hospice marks 25 years of compassionate service to Oro Valley and Tucson this November. Since 1998, this locally based hospice has provided expert end-of-life and palliative care, guiding families through life’s most difficult moments with dignity and respect.
History and Mission
Co-founders Lynette Jaramillo and Agnes Poore opened Casa de la Luz with a vision to blend medical expertise with spiritual and emotional support. Their guiding principle was that every patient deserves comfort in body, mind, and spirit. Over the past quarter century, the hospice team has grown to include nurses, social workers, chaplains, counselors, and volunteers — each trained to manage pain, ease symptoms, and honor individual wishes in home settings or inpatient facilities.
Casa de la Luz now serves hundreds of families each year, offering personalized care plans that focus on quality of life and family involvement at every step.
Community Bereavement Programs
Beyond bedside care, Casa de la Luz extends support through free bereavement services open to anyone grieving a loss. Offerings include:
- Weekly support groups for adults, teens, and children
- Monthly grief education workshops led by licensed counselors
- Quarterly remembrance ceremonies and art therapy sessions
- One-on-one counseling and referrals to community resources
These programs promote healing by building resilience, fostering connection, and helping participants develop healthy coping strategies.
Patient and Family Stories
“When my father entered Casa de la Luz, we felt relieved knowing he would receive expert care and compassion,” says the Rodriguez family. “The team guided us through each decision and provided us with support we did not expect.”
Another family recalls how art therapy sessions helped their mother express feelings she could not speak. These creative activities often become highlights of a patient’s care journey.
The Jarpor Boardroom Dedication
In recognition of their leadership, Casa de la Luz will name its new meeting space “The Jarpor Boardroom” after Lynette Jaramillo and Agnes Poore. Located at the main hospice campus on Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, this boardroom will host staff trainings, volunteer orientations, and community advisory meetings, ensuring their legacy endures in every future program.
Volunteer and Career Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart of Casa de la Luz. Roles include patient companionship, administrative support, and event coordination. Each volunteer receives training in grief support and infection control to ensure safe and effective service. Career positions for nurses, social workers, and bereavement counselors are also available. Joining the team means making a real impact in Southern Arizona.
Community Partnerships
Casa de la Luz collaborates with local hospitals, faith groups, and nonprofits to extend its reach. Partnerships with community centers and senior living facilities bring palliative care education to caregivers and residents. Annual fundraising events benefit these joint efforts and raise awareness of advance care planning.
Upcoming 25th Anniversary Events
- Open House: Campus tours and light refreshments on November 10, 2023
- Gala Benefit: A seated dinner and silent auction on November 17, 2023
- Volunteer Recognition: Awards ceremony honoring long-term volunteers on November 20, 2023
- Community Day: Bereavement program demonstrations and family activities on November 25, 2023
All events are free and open to the public. Registration details are available on the Casa de la Luz website.
Official Proclamation
Mayor Joseph C. Winfield has proclaimed November 2023 as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month in Oro Valley. The proclamation honors the role of hospice teams in enhancing quality of life and supporting families through serious illness. Read the full proclamation (PDF).
Looking Forward
As Casa de la Luz enters its 26th year, the focus will be on expanding home-based palliative programs and launching virtual bereavement groups to reach rural families. Plans also include enhanced training for staff in cultural competency and trauma-informed care.
To learn more about services, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming events, visit the Oro Valley Voice news page or contact Casa de la Luz directly.