Here in the United States, March is National Women’s History Month. Throughout our nation’s history, women have proven themselves to be strong, resilient and inspiring leaders, innovators and champions for change. This is especially true of Hephzibah’s founder, Mary Wessels. In 1897, Mary said “I have begun my work” after she took in her first two boys, aged six and seven. After a local orphanage burned down soon after, she took in a dozen more. The doors to Mary’s vision to help children had opened, and Hephzibah was born.
Little did Mary know that when she founded Hephzibah, named after her own mother, that the lasting impact of her efforts to help children and families would continue on for over 125 years and would become Oak Park’s longest standing social service agency.
Over time, and through many historical upheavals, Hephzibah would continue to grow as an organization to accommodate and serve the ever-changing needs of the community—a vision Mary felt deeply about maintaining. What began as one woman’s quest to help children more than a century ago has evolved into a full-service, internationally recognized agency with a multi-faceted mission to enhance the safety and well-being of children while preserving the dignity of parents and families.
Just as Mary Wessel’s vision was embraced by our community in 1897, we embrace the meaningful and life-changing contributions of all women not only to Hephzibah, but to our country and the world. We would not exist today if it weren’t for the heartfelt and earnest passion of Mary to assist children and families, and for that, we are grateful.
