In 1946, Samuel Kersten, Jr., returned from service in the US Army during World War II. With support from his father, he started WaterSaver Faucet Co., with the goal of building a business to manufacture high quality faucets, valves and related products for use in science laboratories. From modest beginnings, the business grew slowly but steadily, ultimately becoming the leader in its field.
As the company grew and prospered, in 1957 Mr. Kersten and his wife Elaine established the Kersten Family Foundation as a vehicle for expressing their desire to support the community in which they lived. The foundation supported educational, medical and cultural institutions in Chicago such as The University of Chicago, Highland Park Hospital, the Ravinia Festival and others. In addition, the foundation supported the Chicago Jewish community, which included establishing the Elaine Kersten Children’s Center in Northbrook, Illinois.
After the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Kersten, the assets remaining in the foundation were disbursed in accordance with their direction. Leadership of the foundation then passed to Steve and Priscilla Kersten. Since that time, the mission of the foundation has evolved in significant ways. In 2007, the name was changed to the Square One Foundation to reflect this evolution. The name signifies our belief that that we are only at the beginning of a journey to make a positive impact on our world.
