OUR STAFF
Julie Evans Executive Director
According to my father, I have always been a social worker, so it was apparently no surprise when I chose the field as my profession. I have had the privilege of serving individuals in many diverse settings (HIV/AIDS, homeless healthcare, breast cancer and Parkinson disease) whether as a social worker or a nonprofit executive.
Serving as Executive Director of Roots & Roads Community Hospice Foundation since 2018 has been the perfect melding of my life’s work. I’m able to connect caring donors, who want to enhance the end-of-life experience, with hospice patients who are unable to afford necessary items and services not covered by insurance. My goal is to effectively, efficiently and passionately lead Roots & Roads into a prosperous and impactful future.
Hospice care has had a significant impact on my life. When I was seven years old, my mother, who was battling cancer, wished to die at home. Hospice was not well known or easily accessible at that time. Fearing negative effects of children seeing their mother die, my dad took mom to the hospital despite her wishes. This is something that I regret to this day.
Several years later, at the age of 15, my brother was diagnosed with cancer. Although he died within three months, I had the privilege of sharing life with him until the end. We were able to keep him at home with the help of a local hospice. Remembering those moments with my brother brings me lasting comfort.
Most recently, I had the privilege of being with my dad during his final moments, having just arrived and sending my sister and step-mom off for respite. I turned on the T.V. to watch Sunday football, a tradition for me and my dad - he died less than an hour later.
Hospice has been a blessing for me, and for the significant people in my life. I am grateful to have benefited from services to which others don’t have access due to lack of knowledge, resources or support. It is an honor to work for the Roots & Road Community Hospice Foundation in its vision to transform the end-of-life experience into the final act of living well!
I would love to hear from you about how we can partner to make the biggest impact in our end-of-life community. I can be reached via e-mail (julie@rootsandroads.org) or phone (520-351-5441).
Jennifer C. Arvizu Operations Manager
It is my great privilege to work at Roots & Roads, Community Hospice Foundation as the Operations Manager, where, along with the Executive Director, Board Members, and our generous donors, we strive to achieve the Foundation’s vision of transforming the end-of-life experience into the final act of living well.
Through my own experiences with hospice, having worked for a local hospice provider, and having had several loved ones on service, I developed a deep appreciation for the services and benefits that hospice provides not only for the patients but for their loved ones as well.
During my five years with hospice, I realized that it is a benefit that too few people are aware of, or have accurate knowledge about, and this can often lead to unnecessary pain and suffering at end-of-life. When my husband’s grandfather was diagnosed with cancer, at the age of 102, our family chose hospice care, and this proved to be a blessing during his transition. Through the care provided by his clinical team, he was able to live out his final days with comfort and dignity.
As part of the team at Roots and Roads, I am driven to assist the Foundation in honoring its vision through its three mission areas: 1) Providing financial assistance to hospice patients, 2) Providing education about end-of-life and the importance of advance directives, and 3) Promoting quality end-of-life care research.
I would love to hear from you about how we can work together to honor and support those at end-of-life. I am available via e-mail or phone at 520-351-5441.
David Fife Director of Community Engagement
For more than 20 years, as a pastor and hospice worker, I have had the privilege of participating in this community’s discussions about end-of-life care. Patients and family members, caregivers, and hospice staff have taught me time and again that in order to provide the best care, we must begin by honoring each individual’s values and journey. I am deeply grateful to work with Roots and Roads Community Hospice Foundation in order to further its mission to transform the end-of-life experience into the final act of living well. This goal is realized when hospices partner with us to provide needed support and resources that fall outside of Medicare and insurance benefits; when the foundation facilitates creative and innovative educational opportunities focused on end-of-life issues; when we open a safe space to voice those questions and concerns, we can be afraid to raise; and when we partner with one another to develop needed alternative therapies to bring greater comfort and compassion to patients and families.
Facing a life-limiting illness can be a time of sadness and fear. And, when each person is treated with dignity, when they feel heard, and when they are surrounded with the support they need, it can also open to healing through expressions of love, offers of forgiveness, and joy found in simple daily routines. Roots and Roads Foundation partners with individuals and organizations to develop the community support needed to realize this vision for each person.
Ways to Give
Honor a special person in your life with a gift to Roots & Roads Community Hospice Foundation.
Family Stories
Read the stories of families who have been supported by Roots & Roads Community Hospice Foundation.