Hillcrest Home, located in Harrison, Arkansas, began its operation in 1953 under the direction of the Mission Interest Committee (M.I.C) of the Beachy Amish Mennonite Churches. M.I.C was established in the early 1950’s in an effort to create a structured environment in which young people could serve. This concern arose after several Mennonite young men chose to participate in alternative fields of service, instead of joining the armed forces during World War II. This factor inspired M.I.C. to assume the responsibility for the operation of Hillcrest Home.
Since 1953, the Hillcrest Home facility has been leased from Boone County to M.I.C. The Home is staffed in part by volunteers from various conservative Mennonite churches across the United States. Most range in age from eighteen to mid-twenties, and the typical term of service is 15 months. Volunteers receive full room and board, as well as several other employment benefits, plus a monthly allowance for personal expenses. The rest of their pay is dedicated to mission work. For nearly all, it is a life changing experience. The give-and-take required to live day by day with forty young people from different backgrounds in relative peace is tremendous. Without a deep dedication to Christ it would be impossible.