As Hephzibah’s 125th anniversary approaches and we dwell on its history, invariably Keith Elkins’ name comes up. A long-time friend of Hephzibah, Keith came to Hephzibah Home, with his sister Muriel, in October 1933, one day after his 4th birthday. ”My parents were among the casualties of the Depression,” Keith says. ”They couldn`t keep the family together, so my sister and I lived at Hephzibah for three years until they decided to make another go of it.”
Keith believes his years at Hephzibah were the happiest of his childhood and they continue to affect his life.
“Well into adulthood I treasure the gift that Hephzibah gave me – the gift of hope.”
His proudest achievement is not what he has done professionally, but what he has done personally -– broken the chain of family dysfunction and helped raise a healthy daughter in a secure and caring home. “I was able to do my part in creating a family for her to grow up healthier and provide the safety, security, stability, caring, consistency and fairness that I found only at Hephzibah as a child myself,” he wrote.
What Hephzibah did for Keith we continue to do for our young children in care: Provide a safe and nurturing environment of hope and healing that will put them on a path to a healthy and secure life.
Your support allows us to continue to bring hope and healing to children traumatized by abuse and neglect. This past year we served close to 60 children at Hephzibah Home. This year, all donations made through December 31 will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to generous Hephzibah supporters. Please donate today.
Thank you for supporting Hephzibah’s work with children and families.
P.S. If you are looking for an additional way to give and promote giving this holiday season, consider creating and sharing your personal fundraising page for Hephzibah!
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Caption for photo above: Keith Elkins (right) with his daughter Julie at the 2007 Hephzibah Home Reunion.
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