History

Hospice of the Valleys began in the early 1982 by two sisters in Sun City, California who had a dream that people in their community facing end-of-life needed specialized care to relieve suffering and provide comfort. They received hospice training as volunteers and began going door-to-door asking for money on their patients' behalf. They also began holding garage sales and eventually opened a thrift shop, using the proceeds to fund hospice care.

At the same time, the hospice movement was gaining momentum all over the United States. The sisters' efforts reflected the grassroots movement that took shape all across the country as other hospices began popping up. What unified those movements were compassionate people committed to helping patients live in comfort until death occurred and their deep desire to help families through the grieving process.

Eventually, hospices evolved from volunteer-based, grassroots organizations into health care companies with paid staff and quality practices. As more people learned about what hospice offers, they began to choose hospice care for their loved ones and themselves.

Today there are thousands of hospices all across the country. Some are part of hospitals or health systems, others are independent; some are nonprofit agencies, and others are for-profit companies. In Southwest Riverside County, approximately 16 hospices are actively serving patients at end-of-life.

As the only non-profit hospice headquartered in the Murrieta/Temecula area, Hospice of the Valleys prides itself as 'the recognized leader of excellence in comprehensive end-of-life care.' Our tagline reflects our mission to foster "Reverence for Life, Relief of Suffering, Compassion in Loss."