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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.

2002

Fundraising office in Spain opens.

2003

NPH Dominican Republic opens in San Pedro de Macoris with seven children in 2003

NPH Dominican Republic opens in San Pedro de Macoris with seven children. Fr. Wasson celebrates his Golden Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of his priesthood. On December 21, Fr. Wasson celebrates his 80th birthday.

2004

Fr. Wasson opens a NPH home in Peru in 2004

Fr. Wasson opens a home in Peru. NPH celebrates 50 years of serving children. NPH International Medical Services Department established.

2005

Bolivia is the latest home to join the NPH family in 2005

Bolivia is the latest home to join the NPH family.

2006

Memorials are held in each NPH home and all around the world to mourn the loss of Father Wasson in 2006

Fr. Wasson dies August 16 at age 82. He is buried alongside his parents in Yarnell, Arizona, USA. Memorials are held in each NPH home and all around the world to mourn the loss of an inspirational leader and father figure to thousands.

2007

First Annual NPH International Soccer Tournament hosted at NPH El Salvador in 2007

First Annual NPH International Soccer Tournament hosted at NPH El Salvador.

2008

NPH Bolivia family moves to its new home, Casa Padre Wasson in 2008

NPH Bolivia family moves to its new home, Casa Padre Wasson.

2009

City of the Children of Matamoros, a new NPH home in northern Mexico, opens its doors.

City of the Children of Matamoros, a new home in northern Mexico, opens its doors.

2010

NPH responds to devastating twin disasters in Haiti—an earthquake and a cholera outbreak

Devastating twin disasters in Haiti—an earthquake and a cholera outbreak—spur new and expanded programs in childcare, health care, and emergency aid.

2011

NPH Peru family moves to its new home in San Vicente de Cañete

NPH Peru family moves to its new home in San Vicente de Cañete. Fundraising office in New Zealand opens. NPH leadership program known as the Seattle Institute opens with a charter class of five students in Washington State, USA.