Hephzibah is Oak Park's oldest social service agency. Founded in 1897 when a village resident named Mary Wessels opened her home to two young boys. With Mary, these children found safety, sustenance, comfort and love. 

 Today, more than a century later, Hephzibah's mission is a multifaceted one. We offer short-and long-term group homes for children traumatized by neglect and abuse, child welfare and family services, foster care and adoption programs and award-winning day care on a sliding scale for families of all income levels. 

 I am raising funds this this agency because I truly believe Hephzibah is about transforming lives. We bring to Hephzibah on a daily basis, a deep passion for creating an environment where children can grow into beautiful, strong, caring members of society.