Our Mission


"We exist to provide a peaceful, homelike, loving atmosphere where individuals with a terminal diagnosis may pass away in quiet dignity."


At Sunshine Haven, our dedicated caregivers provide round-the-clock (24/7) palliative and comfort care, following the individualized Plan of Care established by each patient's or resident's Hospice Agency Physician. We serve Cameron County, Hidalgo County and Willacy County and we have provided palliative care to over 1,800 patients since 2000.

Our comprehensive services include, but are not limited to:

Personal Daily Care

Bathing, grooming, feeding, cooking, and cleaning

Pain & Symptom Management

Administration of prescribed medications for pain, nausea, fever, respiratory issues, and anxiety

Mobility & Comfort Support

Repositioning every two (2) hours to prevent bed sores, diaper and blue pad changes, suctioning, and foley catheter care

Wound Care & Bed Sore Management

As needed upon admission and ongoing, per hospice guidance

Housekeeping & Laundry

Patient laundry (wash, dry, and fold) and maintenance of a clean, comfortable environment

Medical Coordination

Ongoing documentation, communication with Hospice staff, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) providers, and family members

Family Support

Regular updates and meetings with family members to discuss patient status and care needs

Our Commitment


Sunshine Haven is committed to ensuring that each patient receives compassionate, dignified, and individualized care in coordination with their hospice team and loved ones.

We are licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and because of our license as a Special Care Facility, we are not allowed to bill Medicare or Medicaid.


Volunteers

For Sunshine Haven, Volunteers are extremely important because they serve as the backbone of our organization. With the wide range of opportunities, volunteers have the freedom to find what best suits their talents to help out Sunshine Haven.

Volunteers serve as a member of our team by sharing expertise and talents in a manner that provides comfort and enriches the quality of life for those served. Volunteers serve and provide the following: cook, clean, shop, yard work, give hospitality to families and loved ones of residents, public relations and fundraising, serve as board members. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please call (956) 350-8400 or come by our center.

Lois del Castillo

Lois del Castillo

Our History

Sunshine Haven, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization providing 24/7 end-of-life care in a peaceful, homelike setting. The vision for Sunshine Haven began in 1998, led by a dedicated group of Brownsville residents under the leadership of Lois del Castillo, a Registered Nurse. Recognizing the critical need for compassionate end-of-life care in Cameron County, Mrs. del Castillo and the founding members took action.

The group formally incorporated as Sunshine Haven, Inc., and in December 1999, was granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status by the Internal Revenue Service. Soon after, they secured a welcoming, wheelchair-accessible home in Olmito - a quiet, semi-rural community on the north side of Brownsville.

Sunshine Haven was officially dedicated on November 4, 2000, and welcomed its first patient just two days later. Since opening its doors, Sunshine Haven has provided care to over 1,800 terminally ill individuals, ranging in age from just three days old to over 100 years.

Rooted in compassion and community support, Sunshine Haven continues its mission to serve those in need of comfort, dignity, and peace during life's final journey.

Board of Directors

Edward C. Camarillo

Executive Director
Sunshine Haven Hospice

Michelle Davis

Board President
Owner of Counselor on the Go

Teri Retana

Board Vice President
Retiree

Adriana Cavazos

Board Secretary
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Christina Duran

Board Member
Senior Liaison for Amedisys Hospice

Gilbert Sandoval Jr.

Board Member
Director of Supportive Medicine Business Development at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Health Hospice

Greg Goga

Board Member
Realtor

Katy Abete

Board Member
Educator

Emma Leal

Board Member
Retired Health Care Professional

Celia Cavazos

Board Member
Social Worker with Case Management LBSW at Valley Baptist Medical Center

Silvia Vidal

Board Member
Licensed Masters Social Worker
Director of Case Management at Valley Regional Medical Center

Margaret Rubi

Board Member
Clinical Assistant Professor UTRGV School of Nursing

Jessica De Luna

Board Member
Vice President /Branch Manager at Texas National Bank

Gracie Reyes

Non-Voting Board Member
Bingo Gardens Representative