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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.

1971

Casa Buen Señor is built for the high school students in Cuernavaca in 1971

Casa Buen Señor is built for the high school students in Cuernavaca.

1972

Fundraising office in Canada opened.

1974

Fr. Wasson and the pequeños are grateful to have the help of the Sisters in 1974

Fr. Wasson receives Honorary Franciscan robe. Fr. Wasson and the pequeños are grateful to have the help of the Sisters.

1977

Fr. Wasson awarded the Luis Elizondo Humanitarian Award, a Mexican National Prize given for contribution to the children of Mexico in 1977

Fr. Wasson awarded the Luis Elizondo Humanitarian Award, a Mexican National Prize given for contribution to the children of Mexico. At the time, Fr. Wasson is the only U.S. citizen to have received this award.

1979

The final move takes place to Casa San Salvador in Miacatlán. Reconstruction of dormitories, kitchen, and general rooms completed. Also, the first group of students arrive in July at their new home in Monterrey to study at the university level. Fr. Wasson awarded the Good Samaritan Award.

1981

Fr. Wasson accepts the Franciscan International Award.

1982

Joan Provencio appointed National Director of NPH Mexico.

1984

Fundraising offices in Austria and Germany open. Fr. Wasson writes Gospel in the Dust.

1985

Fr. Wasson brings NPH youth from Mexico to Yarnell, Arizona, to take advantage of scholarships offered in Northern Arizona in 1985

Fr. Wasson brings NPH youth from Mexico to Yarnell, Arizona, to take advantage of scholarships offered in Northern Arizona. This expansion program later becomes the English Language Learning Center. Fr. Wasson asks Reinhart Koehler and Fr. Rick Frechette to start an NPH home in Honduras.

1987

Fr. Wasson and Fr. Rick Frechette travel to NPH Haiti where they witness an overwhelming need for hospice and residential care service in 1987

Fr. Wasson and Fr. Rick Frechette travel to Haiti where they witness an overwhelming need for hospice and residential care services. Nos Petits Frères et Soeurs opens. Fundraising office opens in Switzerland.