Catering to you.
Adapting to change.

Hearthstone is the only continuing care retirement community in McHenry County. We first opened our doors in 1886 and since then we’ve continually adapted to the market’s growing demands.

Today, we offer a variety of living options and services, including our Early Learning Center. Through our full continuum of care, seniors have access to health care, housing, and services which promote optimum health while preserving dignity and respect in a Christian environment.

Our history

In 1886, the Rev. Thomas Arnold was moved by the plight of orphaned children whom he observed on the streets of Chicago. Out of his compassion, he began caring for children in his own home and incorporated in 1888 as the Chicago Industrial Home for Children. In 1891, Rev. Arnold moved his “family” of children to Woodstock, Illinois, and the organization became known as the Woodstock Children’s Home.

In 1903, the leadership of the organization envisioned the creation of a home for the care of the elderly, and founded what would become known as Hearthstone Communities on property adjacent to the Children’s Home.

Today, we continually evaluate the needs and desires of our residents and our community. In 2017 Hearthstone began a formal affiliation with Heritage Ministries located in Gerry, NY. Both organizations have traveled a similar historical path, each having started as orphanages in 1886 by clergy members of the Free Methodist Church. Heritage is an industry leader, with locations across the United States. Heritage now serves over 2,500 individuals annually with over 1,500 employees across all communities.