Our Story
110 years of helping children heal
Hillsides is a leading health and human services nonprofit with programs throughout Southern California. For 110 years, the organization has helped children, youth, and families heal through trauma-informed care, behavioral health treatment, and foster care and adoption services. Hillsides also provides support to young adults with transitional housing, life skills training, and job training and placement.
Hillsides was founded in 1913 by a compassionate young Deaconess of the Episcopal Church, Evelyn Wile who opened a home in Highland Park for neglected and abandoned children. Wile envisioned a campus of cottages where children could enjoy a country-like environment with sunshine, fresh air, and open space. Her dream came true in 1918 when she moved the children to cottages on 17 acres in the San Rafael hills of Pasadena, the site of various Hillsides programs to this day.
In the century that followed, Hillsides grew to expand its offerings through an on-campus school, satellite offices, new programs and partnerships.
Hillsides is a strong advocate for and practitioner of trauma-informed care, an approach within the behavioral health community that understands, recognizes, and responds to the effects of all types of trauma. Our trauma-informed approach aims to create an environment that is sensitive to the needs of those affected by trauma. Looking through this lens, we respond in a kind and compassionate manner and extend this approach not only to clients, but also to internal staff and our broader community.
Another pillar of Hillsides is our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We work to create an environment that promotes safety, empowerment, and justice for the entire Hillsides community. Our team incorporates DEI principles into the organizational structure, policies, workforce, and service we provide to clients to help heal wounds and create a space where all individuals are safe to be their genuine selves.
What we stand for
Our Values
