By the community, for the community
By: Craig Dresang, CEO, YoloCares
It can be easy for leaders to focus on problems. Afterall, problem-solving is a big part of the job. We are expected to make improvements. To be better than we were last year. To anticipate challenges and prepare for them. Human brains naturally notice threats and errors faster than positive events.
Yet, when YoloCares ended its fiscal year on June 30th, the senior leadership team paused to take inventory of goals accomplished and milestones achieved during the previous 12 months. Admittedly, it is an impressive list. But even more remarkable is that the organization’s accomplishments were exclusively for the benefit of the communities served by YoloCares. No one who works or serves at the organization personally benefits from agency triumphs. There are no investors or shareholders, and no dividends to be paid out. Instead, each success was designed to absolutely benefit the people we serve. So, it is in that spirit that we share the wealth and progress of this community-governed, community-led, and community-grounded organization.
Quality of Care Ranked in Top 1% Nationally
Two years ago, YoloCares set out to achieve a 4-Star rating (for quality of care) from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS). The goal was highlighted in the agency’s three-year strategic plan. This summer, that goal was achieved a year earlier than anticipated. In fact, a composite of the organization’s quality indicators place YoloCares in the top one percent of all 6,957 hospice providers nationwide and across California. Out of 2,221 hospice providers in California, only 64 have achieved a 4-Star rating. Another standardized quality indicator, called the Hospice Care Index, consistently scores the agency at 10 out of 10 possible points. A factor that allows the agency’s care to stand out is related to its model of being available 24/7, 365 days a year. By design, YoloCares strives to remove any communication barriers that could exist between clinical staff and their patients. Individual scores that routinely rank above state and national averages are related to pain and symptom management, and patients receiving timely help. Staff are exceptional about checking in, and communicating, with patients and families.
National Ranking as a Best Place To Work
For the fifth year, YoloCares has been nationally recognized as a Best Place to Work by Modern Healthcare. Operating as a prominent healthcare provider in the Sacramento region, it is celebrated for its strong team culture, competitive pay, and comprehensive employee benefits. In addition, people of color now represent 64 precent of the agency’s workforce. Some stand-out statistics from Modern Healthcare’s anonymous survey found that over 95 percent of staff take pride in the organization, feel they are a part of a team with a common purpose, and love what they do. The agency’s voluntary turnover rate (the number of people who choose to leave) has remained at five percent or lower for the past decade . . . compared to an industry standard of 18-24 percent.
Palliative Care Lauded by Partnership Health
Once every three years Partnership HealthPlan of California conducts an audit with its palliative care providers. The auditor reviews the organization’s quality of care, clinical documentation, provider response times, triage support, ability to provide 24/7 coverage, and the completion of advance care planning with patients. Recently, YoloCares received a 100 percent pass rate on its three-year review. There were no findings and no required corrective action tasks needed. The auditor concluded her process by telling the YoloCares team, “I have no feedback for you because everything tied to your program looks so good.” She was especially impressed with the program’s chaplain support, social work visits, and the involvement of community healthcare workers.
Perfect Visit Training Tied to Quality
The organization’s Perfect Visit model of care celebrated its fifth successful year in 2026. The model has been attributed to exceptional quality scores and family satisfaction. Every staff member is required to complete The Perfect Visit training and certification upon hire and then annually. Even the employees who answer phones, work in the finance department, or in information technology, are required to complete this training.
Galileo Place Receives High Marks from State of California
Galileo Place, the only Platinum-Standard adult day program in the region, received high marks during this year’s annual State licensing survey. After spending several hours at the adult day program, the state licensing representative said, “This facility is so beautiful. I hope your clients know how lucky they are to be here.” However, what truly sets the program apart are the diverse offerings of well-planned activities, support for the caregivers, ongoing education, and meaningful opportunities for socialization. The physical space is marked with light, abundant color and a carefully curated collection of furnishings and art. A family room, art studio, library, game room, kitchen, meditation suite and therapy garden are all specially designed to make participants feel comfortable, engaged and at home. Participants receive physical and cognitive exercise through group workouts and mind-sharpening games, and most importantly, social interaction and a sense of purpose and community. Support with managing or practicing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as walking, eating or personal hygiene are available depending on the capabilities of each participant.
A West Coast First – Joshua’s House Opens
Joshua’s House, the West Coast’s first housing community for people who are terminally ill and homeless, accepted its first patient in August of 2025. The 15-bed campus is exclusively dedicated to providing world-class end-of-life care for terminally ill individuals experiencing homelessness. Since opening, 70 patients have been cared for, and more than 1,500 days of care have been provided.
A Sacramento Kings Collaboration
In partnership with the Sacramento Kings and the Sutter Health Foundation, The Center for Loss & Hope at YoloCares launched Griefball, an innovative two-day weekend camp that combines basketball with somatic grief practices to help boys and young men, ages 7-25, who have experienced the death of a loved one. The program brings together Jr. Kings coaches, grief specialists, and trained volunteers to address the growing mental health challenges facing boys and young men. Research consistently shows that boys and young men are less likely to seek support after a significant loss, yet more likely to express unresolved grief through anger, withdrawal, depression, and violence. Griefball meets participants where they already feel comfortable, in movement, teamwork, and shared challenge, using basketball as a pathway to emotional healing and connection.
Embracing Biophilic Design
YoloCares continues to find that nature can play a significant role in the healing and grieving process. Grant funding from the State of California, allowed the agency to extend the footprint of the Irene Mastick Healing Garden and finish construction of an outdoor pavilion at Galileo Place. Thanks to the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Joshua’s House also boasts a new healing garden of California native plants for patient-residents to enjoy. And finally, the Center for Loss and Hope (YoloCares’ bereavement arm) hosts multiple programs that connect grieving people to nature. Programs like Earthwalks, the annual Tahoe Grief Retreat, and Camp Hope, are opportunities that allow our community to unplug from daily life and connect with the restorative power of nature.
Fiscal Soundness Continues
YoloCares ended its fiscal year on June 30th with a modest $300,000 net profit which will be re-invested in quality programming and clinical education. The agency routinely maintains positive operating performance and healthy accounts receivable. With the introduction of a robust Joint Commission Certified palliative care program, Enhanced Care Management, and an adult day offering, YoloCares has diversified its revenue sources beyond hospice. In addition, YoloCares raised a record $3.4 million in philanthropic support over the past year.