Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
HILLCREST SERVICE LEAGUE
HILLCREST SERVICE LEAGUE. Hillcrest Service League was a volunteer organization established to serve HILLCREST FAMILY SERVICES. The Hillcrest Service League began in 1965 when Hillcrest Family Services was faced with a difficult problem. Hillcrest originally employed social workers who had obtained the bachelor's degree. In 1965 the State of Iowa required that a certain number hold the master's degree. Without at least five social workers, Hillcrest was faced with not being accepted as a member of the widely recognized Child Welfare League of America.
To remedy the situation, Hillcrest Service League was founded by Harriet Heitzman, Margaret Peterson, Helen Province, Elizabeth Sigman, and Miriam Walker. Their plan was to raise sufficient money so that scholarships could be awarded to staff members enabling them to attend graduate school. The person accepting a scholarship promised to remain at Hillcrest for at least two years. If they moved to another job, the recipient was expected to repay the money. To raise money, the founders established a resale shop to be operated by volunteers. A budget was established using donations from the league's own members. Space for the shop was found at 551 Main Street.
Donations of appliances, books, clothing, linens, and toys were soon coming in from around the state. The items sold so quickly that a work committee was assigned to make items for sale. Methodist churches from around Iowa answered an appeal to help rebuild the store's inventory. When urban renewal led to the store being torn down, the business was relocated to 1079 Main Street.
During its peak years "Things N' Things," the League's store, sold enough to raise $17,000 in scholarship money. While scholarships for social workers remained the primary objective, a fund for residents was begun for graduating seniors in the residential treatment program. The League also used money to purchase furniture and supplies for Hillcrest House.
After nearly two decades of service, the Hillcrest Service League went out of business. The store closed as a victim of declining donations and fewer volunteers.