History & Mission of The Hickman West Chester PA
After more than 131 years, we continue to honor our tradition and build for the future.
The Hickman, founded in 1891, is a non-profit, personal care community serving people of all races and faiths. The fulfillment of our mission is made possible through the generosity of previous and current philanthropic donors.
Late in the 1800s, Quakers and area residents Sallie Sharpless and Lydia Hall saw a need to provide a safe and caring, home-like environment for older single women who had no families to support them. In 1891, their vision resulted in the first Friends’ boarding home in the Borough of West Chester, providing room, board, and individualized care for older individuals.
Located on a historic campus in the Borough of West Chester, Pennsylvania, known as Quaker Hill, the original buildings were expanded. In December 2016, The Hickman broke ground on the Anna T. Jeanes residence, which was completed in 2018.
The Hickman Mission Statement
The Hickman is a senior living community located in the heart of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Guided by Quaker principles and traditions that value all life and welcome diversity, The Hickman offers individualized care allowing older adults the opportunity to enjoy a productive life and to explore the richness of all of life’s possibilities.
Our Vision Statement
The Hickman will be the heart of a comprehensive program of care and services for older persons. The quality of the personalized care which characterized The Hickman for over a century will continue as we expand our facility and range of services.
Our Diversity Statement
The Hickman believes that its community, composed of board, staff, and residents, is enriched by its diversity. Quaker values lead to a policy of inclusion, of seeking out diversity, and of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, age, ability, or sexual orientation.
Our commitment to diversity flows from our common Quaker identity and values. Friends believe that each human life is sacred – that there is “That of God in every person.” This conviction has led to more than three centuries of Quaker action to promote equality, respect for difference, and the dignity of all people. The Hickman is committed to making its community a part of this heritage.
