Hillsides has always created safe places for children; strengthened families, provided special education; and advocated for children's rights. From its inception in 1913 as an Episcopal Orphanage, The Church Home for Children, until its present-day status as a private, nonprofit foster care and treatment center, Hillsides has never wavered from its commitment to creating a safe place for children. Although it began as an orphanage, Hillsides now works to end the cycle of child abuse that destroys children and tears families apart. Loving care, therapeutic healing, special education, family crisis intervention and children's rights advocacy are at the heart of the agency's mission. These priorities At Hillsides, children suffering from abuse and mental illness can still find a "safe place" to call home. Today, the children's charity located in Pasadena serves families in crisis throughout Los Angeles County.