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Timeline

A Chronological Look at the History of NPH

The story of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos began in 1953 when Father William Wasson responded with compassion and love to a theft by a young boy. His act of kindness paved the way for an enduring philosophy of service, rooted in Christian values, to take hold and spread, breaking the cycle of poverty for children and families. Over the years, more than 20,000 children have grown up in the NPH family. Fr. Wasson’s vision spread from Mexico to Honduras, Haiti, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, and then south to Peru and Bolivia.

Each country’s programs and services are adapted to the needs of the children in each community.

1953

Fr. William Wasson, founder of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, is ordained in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and assigned to a chapel in the market in 1953

Fr. William Wasson, founder of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, is ordained in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and assigned to a chapel in the market.

1954

In 1954, Fr. Wasson is given custody of the first boy after he was caught stealing from the church poor box because “he was hungry.”

Fr. Wasson is given custody of the first boy after he was caught stealing from the church poor box because “he was hungry.”

1957

In 1957, The local judge continues to send Fr. Wasson boys would be sentenced to incarceration for petty crimes

The local judge proceeds to sentence the boy for petty crime.

1958

Fr. Wasson shares his love of learning with the pequeños with the goal of creating future teachers in 1958

Fr. Wasson shares his love of learning with the pequeños with the goal of creating future teachers.

1959

Girls joins the NPH family in 1959

Girls joins the NPH family.

1963

Fr. Wasson and lifelong friend Dr. Michael Maccoby meet in 1963

Fr. Wasson and lifelong friend Dr. Michael Maccoby meet. After nine years, 396 pequeños, or little ones, make up the NPH family.

1964

NPH builds its own high school in Cuernavaca.

1965

The first NPH USA (then Friends of Our Little Brothers) offices incorporated in 1965

The first NPH USA (then Friends of Our Little Brothers) offices incorporated. A portion of the NPH Family moves to Hacienda Alcolman.

1968

Our Little Brothers and Sisters, Inc., established in Virginia by Frank and Polly Krafft to raise funds for NPH in 1968

Our Little Brothers and Sisters, Inc., established in Virginia by Frank and Polly Krafft to raise funds for NPH.

1970

Casa San Salvador in Miacatlán, Mexico, is acquired on behalf of NPH. Work begins to refurbish the old sugar plantation.

Casa San Salvador in Miacatlán, Mexico, is acquired. Work begins to refurbish the old sugar plantation.