Casa de la Luz Hospice Celebrates New Campus

Dr. David Jaskar, Casa's Medical Director, cuts the ribbon.

Casa de la Luz Hospice cut the ribbon on its new campus yesterday afternoon with the help of Rep. Steve Farley, Rep. Vic Williams, Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath and Oro Valley Vice Mayor Lou Waters. They also welcomed guests from the Oro Valley Town Council as well as representatives from the offices of Sen. John McCain, Rep. Ron Barber, and Rep. Raul Grijalva.

More than 300 people attended the ribbon cutting and open house reception, including community members, hospice employees, and hospice volunteers. Guests enjoyed tours through the Casa de la Luz Hospice buildings, as well as wine tastings from three Southern Arizona wineries and appetizers from Blue House Catering. The wineries at the event were Lightning Ridge Cellars, Callaghan Vineyards, and Arizona Hops & Vines. 

The new campus marks a significant milestone in the hospice’s 14-year history. Tucsonans Lynette Jaramillo and Agnes C. Poore founded the hospice in 1998, and the organization has since grown to serve the most hospice patients in Pima County. Casa de la Luz employs almost 200 individuals and has more than 100 active volunteers.

“We’re all enjoying being on one campus again,” said Jaramillo, chief executive officer. “The new campus symbolizes Casa’s growth over the years as a company, and our commitment to serving our patients and community.”

The project was completed in partnership with Rob Caylor of Caylor Construction, Frank Mascia of CDG Architects, and interior decorater Ruthann Melzer.

“This campus gives us the space to support our staff and to encourage the hospice team philosophy,” said Poore, chief clinical officer. “This new campus gives us the opportunity to grow our organization and our ability to provide superior end of life care to our community.”