Our History

A lot has changed over our history but one thing has always remained the same—creating hope for children across Missouri!

Every Child’s Hope (ECH) began serving the St. Louis region before the Civil War, before the close of westward expansion. Our mission has evolved over nearly 170 years, but caring for vulnerable children has remained at the heart of each program.

ECH helps thousands of people each year through our trauma-informed services. We empower youth, strengthen families, and improve the quality of life across Missouri by helping individuals find healing and hope.

1858

Every Child’s Hope (ECH) is founded by Rev. Louis Nollau as an orphanage for children whose immigrant parents had died from cholera outbreaks in St. Louis. Then called the German Protestant Orphan’s Home, the staff took in children who were found roaming the streets and sleeping in doorways.

1866

Sixty boys and girls move to the “country” – the current location of our main campus at 8240 St. Charles Rock Road – which was a half-day’s ride from the city by farm wagon. Our census will grow to 300 youth over the next 40 years.

1945

Our first name change takes place when we become the Evangelical Children’s Home as a response to World War II.

1978

ECH expands into the Kansas City region by opening a girls’ residential treatment program.

2001

The ECH School opens to serve youth grades K through 12 living in our residential treatment program as well as students from the community who struggle in a traditional learning environment.

2008

ECH begins our Outpatient Psychiatric program, offering affordable, high-quality psychiatric and medication management to youth in St. Louis.

2009

Evangelical Children’s Home becomes Every Child’s Hope (ECH) to better reflect how the agency is evolving to meet the needs of the community.

2023

ECH celebrates 165 years of service to children and families.

2024

The William N. Dill Youth Development Center opens its doors on our main campus, offering a state-of-the-art, residential place of healing for youth and families.

2025

ECH’s foster care program grows throughout Missouri, doubling in size over five years to help families heal and children find permanency.