In 1973, a teacher from New York shared a dream of hosting a weekend retreat for individuals with physical disabilities. The generous response of friends, combined with his determination, turned this vision into reality. The first retreat launched successfully in New York in April 1974, paving the way for HEC to expand to other cities across the U.S., Canada, and Australia.

Many of those who have driven the establishment of HEC chapters are participants who found their weekend retreats profoundly moving. In 1981, two such individuals initiated HEC in St. Louis. Today, one or two retreats are held each year, with an average attendance of 50 participants.

HEC emerged from the need for dialogue between able-bodied individuals and those with disabilities. Through this dialogue, the labels of "able-bodied" and "disabled" diminish, allowing people—despite their differences—to nurture their faith and celebrate their goodness together.

HEC thrives on the Gospel message that in the eyes of God, there is no slave nor master, rich nor poor, disabled nor able-bodied.