A Chicago-based nonprofit helping families grieve, heal, and rebuild.
Founded in 2025, Casita La Luna was born to support families and individuals as they navigate grief, loss, and life transitions—through compassion and care.
We imagine a world where no family has to navigate grief alone.
Founded by Diana Morado in 2026, Casita La Luna is a community space for healing, hope, and resilience. When Diana lost her daughter to a congenital heart defect, she recognized the power of community support as she and her family grieved and rebuilt their lives.
In honor of her daughter’s story, Diana opened Casita La Luna to offer a space for anyone navigating grief, loss, or major life transitions.
OUR VALUES
Driven by heart. Rooted in resilience.
Heart
We honor each person who steps through our doors and all of our community members who have lost loved ones. We treat one another like family, lead with our hearts, and affirm the inherent human dignity of everyone we serve.
Intuition
We innately understand that grief and loss come in many forms. Rooted in this knowledge, we meet people where they are with unwavering empathy, intuition, and care.
Community
We heal through connection. We listen deeply to the needs of our community members, building creative solutions to better support their growth and healing. We’re endlessly committed to showing up for one another.
Resilience
We honor the strength it takes to keep going after a major loss, and we hold space for every individual who asks for help, knowing the tenacity it requires.
Meet Our Leadership & Board
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Diana Morado
I’m a proud first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood. I’m a Latina, mother, wife, daughter, sister, business owner, mentor, and community advocate. My husband, Francisco, shares this journey with me. He is also a first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in Chicago, and a devoted father.
My roots trace back to 1995, when my parents opened a small restaurant that taught me resilience, hard work, and the importance of showing up for others. Inspired by those values, I opened my own insurance agency in the same neighborhood that raised me.
The path hasn’t been easy. It was shaped by hard work, personal loss, and the most profound experience of all: losing my daughter to a congenital heart defect. Her strength fuels everything I do. Her legacy lives on through Casita La Luna.
Dora E. Rodriguez
VICE PRESIDENT
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I’m a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Helping people has always been at the core of everything I do. My career started at Action for Children, where I worked with parents to help them get assistance paying for childcare. From there, I worked for an attorney who focused on family law, real estate, and bankruptcy, which gave me a closer look at how the right support can make a real difference for families.
Later, I joined the Illinois Department of Health Services, where I continued my passion for serving the community. When my twin boys started school, I made the tough decision to step away from that job so I could be there to take them to and from school — something that was really important to me.
I’ve always been involved in my family’s Mexican restaurant, and after leaving my state position, I decided to join full-time. Today, I’m a part-owner and manager, and I love being part of something that brings people together.
Samantha Morado
TREASURER
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Growing up, I saw how hard families work to give their children opportunities and how often they need someone to help open doors. That early understanding inspired my career in public service and my commitment to equitable access for all families. Through my work with Chicago Public Schools, I’ve had the privilege of supporting families as they navigate educational systems and connect with vital resources. I’ve witnessed the challenges faced by families who speak little or no English, and I’ve made it my mission to ensure they are heard, respected, and supported. With a background in Public Administration and Communication Sciences and Disorders, I bring both policy knowledge and empathy to my work. As a proud Latina, I value community, connection, and resilience principles that guide me in every role I take on, including my service on this board.
Estela B. Benavente
SECRETARY
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I studied Marketing and have over a decade of experience working in the nonprofit sector. I began my career as a Case Manager and later led the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program, where I connected individuals living with mental health challenges to meaningful employment opportunities in the community. My work focused on empowering people to achieve greater independence and become active, valued members of their communities.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic and while expecting my first daughter, I transitioned from office work to dedicating my time fully to my family. I have been happily married since 2017 and am now a proud mother of two daughters, Zoe and Eloisa.
Outside of my professional experience, I enjoy spending weekends with my family, traveling, and sharing time with friends and loved ones. I am passionate about building connections, fostering inclusion, and supporting initiatives that strengthen the community.
OUR PROGRAMS
Find support in the ways you need most.
Grief Support Groups
Connect with others who share in the complexity of grief — and find healing in a supportive, compassionate environment.
After School Programming
We hold open space for children and families in need of extra support after school through tutoring, storytime, and other events.
Mental Health & Healing
Explore a variety of resources, workshops, and other supports designed to help you navigate grief and rebuild over time.
LOCATED IN BELMONT CRAGIN
Visit us in person
2556 N Laramie Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
(312) 718-7347
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Reach out through our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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Casita La Luna offers a range of grief and loss support services, including grief support groups, after-school programming for children, workshops and community events, and mental health and healing resources.
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No, not at all. At Casita La Luna, we understand that grief takes on many forms. Whether you’re going through a significant life transition, such as divorce, or carrying a deep sense of loss, our doors are always open to you.
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There is never any pressure to share your experience or your feelings. Simply being in a communal space where others understand the weight of carrying grief and pain is a meaningful first step.
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Yes, we offer programs, workshops, and therapy groups in both English and Spanish.
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No. All of our programs and services are offered at no cost to our community members. We believe that access to grief support and healing services should be accessible to anyone who needs it.
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We are here for your needs as residents of Chicago, the Belmont Cragin community, and the surrounding neighborhoods. If you have a specific need that you’d like support with, we’re here to listen. Send us a message here.
Stay connected.
Get updates on upcoming programs, events, and ways to support the Casita La Luna community.
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Your support is vital to the success of Casita La Luna.
