Mission
About Us
More than a century of compassionate care.
For over 125 years, Hillcrest Family Services has put people at the center of everything we do, uniquely meeting people where they are, and then helping them get to where they want to be.
Our Mission, Vision, & Values
Our core mission is to be the leading provider of patient-focused, mental health and brain health care, offering a holistic approach that is focused on trust.
Our specialized care teams make providing ‘compassionate care’ their top priority, which creates a collaborative environment, where our clients feel a sense of belonging, inclusiveness, and hope.
Vision
Hillcrest will be the trusted provider of compassionate, holistic, behavioral health care, bringing hope to every community we serve.
Our Values
Compassion
We cultivate a supportive environment showing kindness, respect, and empathy for our clients and for each other.
We genuinely care for and about each other. We listen with our ears and with our hearts, we offer support when needed and celebrate each other's joys and successes together.
Collaboration
Every day we work together to accomplish something bigger than ourselves. We know the best solutions come when we honor and learn from each other's experiences and perspectives.
Through collaboration we partner to solve complex problems and achieve life-changing results for those we serve.
Trustworthiness
At our core, we believe in earning and fostering trust by consistently demonstrating integrity, reliability, and transparency in everything we say and do.
Others can depend on us to be honest, take ownership of our commitments, deliver high-quality work, and be accountable when things do not go as planned.
Community Involvement
We view our community as those we work with and alongside, both inside and outside of Hillcrest. We seek to always serve the greater interests for our clients, our colleagues, and our communities, and to partner with those who share our common interests and goals.
We connect with people in ways that foster belonging, a shared purpose, and a deep connection to our mission to bring help for today and hope for tomorrow.
Our History
Our history is deeply rooted in the principles of acceptance, compassion and care.
We started in 1896 as the Women’s Rescue Society in Dubuque, Iowa.
That was the same year the first unofficial game of basketball was played just down the road when the University of Iowa played the University of Chicago.
It was also the same year that Greece hosted the first modern Olympic games, and the year the X-Ray was invented.
But for Dr. Nancy Hill, the first woman to practice medicine in Dubuque, it was time to start caring for unmarried mothers and their infants who were not necessarily receiving the best care.
1896
Dr. Nancy Hill, MD, founded the Women’s Rescue Society and started the Industrial Training School for Girls in Dubuque on the site still used for administrative offices.
1914
Deaconess Anna Blanche Cook, Anna B. Lawther and other women of the Dubuque community opened the Hillcrest Deaconess Home and Baby Fold for infants under two years of age.
1924
Renamed the Hillcrest Baby Fold in honor of Dr. Nancy Hill.
1928
Became a charter member of the Dubuque Community Chest now known as United Way Dubuque Area Tri-states.
Explore Hillcrest
Learn more about who we are, where we provide services, and how we help.
Our Leadership
Guided by a clear vision, our leaders’ dedication drives the care, outcomes, and impact our clients and families rely on.
Leadership
Our Services
Hillcrest provides a full spectrum of care to meet the diverse needs of our community.
Services
Our Locations
Serving our communities with compassionate care, meaningful connection, and trusted support.
Locations