Hephzibah has been caring for abused and neglected youth in Oak Park since 1897, back when Hephzibah Home was “just an orphanage.” Today, Hephzibah Home is a Residential Treatment Program, where children in crisis come to stabilize before returning home or transitioning to a foster family. But Hephzibah is bigger than that – it’s a resource that more than 1,000 local families turn to before a crisis strikes.

     We’ve learned that children and families do best when they receive support early. Our Intact Family Program visits homes, provides Positive Parenting support, and creates opportunities for community resourcing among struggling families. Hephzibah’s Day Care Program offers every D97 elementary school family affordable childcare, supplemental education, and more time for work or study.

Why Now?

     Families everywhere are facing growing barriers to housing, childcare, healthcare, paid time off, and overall economic stability. Now is the time for communities to come together to strengthen and support families, so all children can grow up in a safe and stable environment. Research shows that supporting families early, before harm occurs, reduces the need for costly downstream services and improves lifelong outcomes for children.

What Can You Do?

Maybe you or someone you know is at the end of their rope, needing help now before things start to spiral out of control. You can SHARE this message with your friends, or DONATE to Hephzibah’s preventative programs. As always, CONTACT your representatives and advocate for continued funding for family services like Hephzibah!