...we believe people should never have to face death, serious illness or grief alone. This simple belief has motivated our staff and volunteers to serve our community for over 30 years.

Hospices began forty years ago, as a volunteer grassroots movement, and brought dying out of the back wards of hospitals into the light of a compassionate caring community. We continue to support:

• those living with a life threatening or terminal illness
• those grieving the loss of a loved one
• a crisis response team for the community
• community members wanting to explore end-of-life and quality of life issues

Established as a grassroots, community based program, Hospice of San Luis Obispo County was incorporated in 1977 and has grown from a one room office above the rectory of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church to three locations.; a 5200 sq. foot home in San Luis Obispo, a second office in Paso Robles, and shared counseling space in Arroyo Grande. Starting with a client census of eight, Hospice of San Luis Obispo County now flourishes as a comprehensive end-of-life resource center that supports and educates over 4,000 community residents annually with compassion and dignity.

Our volunteer Hospice provides a wide spectrum of non-medical respite and support programs, grief, loss, and wellness counseling. Community crisis response, professional training, and community education is also offered. Our client services are free of charge.

As the only volunteer hospice in the county, we rely 100% on community donations, fund-raising events, grants, and bequests. We also depend on more than 200 volunteers who generously give of their time and talent.

Their courage and passion renew our strength to do it again in 2012.