Our History

Celebrating a legacy of care, compassion & community

In 1996, visionary leaders from Harris Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital (now Ascension Providence), and Huguley Hospital (now a Texas Health Resources partner) shared a common goal: to create a not-for-profit, community-based hospice dedicated to providing the highest quality end-of-life care for children and adults across the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Waco communities.

That vision became a reality on May 1, 1996, with the founding of Community Hospice of Texas in the DFW area and Providence Hospice in the Waco region—forming what would become the largest not-for-profit hospice in the state.

Expanding Care Across Our Communities

Building on a strong foundation, the organization continued to grow to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves. In 1998, the Hospice House at Huguley opened as the first inpatient hospice unit in North Texas, expanding access to specialized end-of-life care. Partnerships with leading hospitals later led to dedicated hospice wings at Texas Health Downtown Fort Worth, Arlington Memorial Hospital, and Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco. In 2007, the opening of the Cleburne office further extended care to patients and families in surrounding communities.

Pioneering Pediatric Care

As the first pediatric hospice provider in the DFW and Waco areas, the organization helped define what compassionate end-of-life care looks like for children and their families. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by families caring for a child with a life-limiting illness, the Little Doves Pediatric Hospice Program was established in 1996 to provide specialized pediatric hospice care and support. Today, Little Doves serves patients from pre-birth through young adulthood, partners with leading pediatric medical centers and specialists throughout the region, and remains the only provider of pediatric hospice care in the Waco area.

Evolving to Meet Community Needs

In 2019, Community Hospice of Texas and Providence Hospice united under one name—Community Healthcare of Texas—reflecting the organization’s broader commitment to serving patients and families facing serious or terminal illness. While the organization operates as Community Healthcare of Texas across North Texas, it continues to serve Central Texas as Providence Hospice, honoring a trusted name that has cared for Waco-area families for decades.

In 2023, that commitment expanded with the addition of Palliative Care services, helping patients manage pain, symptoms, and stress while improving quality of life alongside curative treatment.

A Lasting Community Impact

Today, Community Healthcare of Texas serves patients and families across 22 counties through longstanding partnerships with Texas Health Resources and Ascension. Since 2003, the organization has maintained accreditation through CHAP, the nation’s first accrediting body dedicated to community-based healthcare, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the highest standards of quality and excellence.

Since opening its doors in 1996, Community Healthcare of Texas and Providence Hospice have served more than 80,000 patients and families. With the support of generous donors and community partners, the organization has also provided more than $30 million in underinsured care, ensuring compassionate, nonprofit hospice and palliative care remain accessible to those who need it most.