Our History
“I have begun my work. I have two boys, ages six and seven.”
This message—written by Oak Park’s Mary Wessels on a postcard addressed to a friend in 1897—is one of the few remaining records of Hephzibah’s beginnings more than a century ago.
Not long after Wessels sent this postcard, a local orphanage was destroyed by fire and she opened her home and her heart to a dozen more children. She named her fledgling children’s home “Hephzibah,” after her own mother.
Learn More about Hephzibah
Read the latest news and stories about Hephzibah.
Hephzibah Kids’ Holiday Joyous Thanks To Many
Creative Philanthropy: Selling kids clothes to benefit Hephzibah
Hephzibah healing leaves a lasting impression
Highlights from our 2020-2021 Annual Report
Helping Oak Park families survive pandemic parenting
Keeping Families Hephzibah Strong
Employee Spotlight: Camiya Honorable
Illinois & Hephzibah: Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis
Brianna’s Story: From Foster Child to Foster Hero
Your Donation Will Impact a Child's Life.
Upcoming Info Sessions