building stronger communities for More Than 130 years
Hoyleton Orphan’s Home Established
A former seminary property was deeded to Zion Evangelical Church in Hoyleton, Illinois. The church and a newly-established Orphan’s Home Association launched the Hoyleton Orphan’s Home.
Building gets two new wings
The Indiana District joined the Orphans’ Home district making to make necessary additions of two wings across both ends of the building. On September 27, 1903, the renovated Home was rededicated.
Fire Destroys Orphanage
A chimney fire completely destroyed the orphanage in 1915, prompting the construction of a “fireproof” brick building in 1916.
Time for School
Children who live at the orphanage begin attending school there as well. Most of the children sing in the Orphan’s Choir, an ensemble that performs for weddings, funerals and civic events.
Encouraged Career Paths
Boys were encouraged to be pastors while girls prepared to be handmaids to the privileged.
50 years of Hoyleton
Hoyleton Children’s Home celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1945.
No Longer Called Orphanage
The word “orphanage” was dropped from the facility’s official name.
Programs Geared Toward Residential
Services at the Children’s Home became known as the Residential Program at Hoyleton as more and more children came to us through the court system. Some of these children were from broken homes, some were victims of abuse, and others suffered from mental or emotional disorders.
Celebrating 100 Years
This decade brought a major milestone for Hoyleton Youth and Family Services: we celebrated our 100th Anniversary in 1995!
New Residential Locations
Hoyleton’s Residential Programs evolve in innovative new ways. They now include not only the Children’s Home, but also Hope House, the Independent Living Program, and the Transitional Living Program.
Rediscovering History
Time capsule discovered when clearing out the current Administration building which was originally built as a Children's Home in 1915.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for new Residential Campus - December 2024
