Spring 2022
Newsletter Where Compassion Meets Action
A brighter future for Florence Crittenton families In December 2021, with the help of grant funding from CDBG, ARPA and private individuals, Florence Crittenton was delighted to purchase the historic Cooney Property in Helena! This purchase represents the realization and just beginning of a decades long dream for a true campus, enabling us to serve many more families in our community and across the state.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Director • P. 2
Shelby's Story • P. 3
Project Sunshine • P. 4-6
Mother's Day • P. 7 Upcoming Events• P. 8
Acknowledgements • P. 9-11 Phone 406.442.6950 Fax: 406.442.6571 inquiries@florencecrittenton.org
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spring 2022 MISSION STATEMENT
Florence Crittenton provides innovative, comprehensive services and nurturing programs that engage and empower children, young adults and young families to thrive and build productive lives.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sarah Corbally, President Ron Waterman, Vice President Jim Carney, Treasurer Lisa Nelson, Secretary Amy Dietchler Collette Hanson Creeana Rygg Danielle Durkin Jamie McCullough
WHO WE ARE Florence Crittenton is a leader in family and early childhood services. We provide effective intervention and prevention services to families of young children. With the support of partners like you, Florence Crittenton offers a comprehensive array of services, including therapeutic residential care, home visiting, community parenting classes, outpatient treatment services for mental health and substance use disorders and early education and childcare oopportunities for children 0-5.
Dear Friends, Greetings from Florence Crittenton! As the weather begins to turn (or at least attempts to here in Montana!) and we see the first signs of the new growth of the year, we too at Florence Crittenton are coming out of a long winter and ready for growth and a bright future.
I have always loved the word perseverance. It’s one of those great words you see on posters in schools, offices, and in the fitness room in a hotel. It is widely used in these situations because it’s a word we all want to live up to, we all want to say that we met a challenge and we persevered. However, it can be hard to actually live that coveted word when things are really tough. The past 2 years have brought challenges to our staff, clients, and organization that I could have never imagined. The beginning of 2021 brought some of our toughest days as the pandemic seemingly made a final sweeping pass at our state and the world. We had to make difficult decisions about how to staff every program during outbreaks that inevitably plagued our staff and clients, while doing everything we could to bring in new clients, as we knew we were the safest place for them and their children during this time. I can say with confidence and pride that our staff and clients met the definition of perseverance. Staff rallied around each other to step in when others were sick in all programs, often filling roles that had nothing to do with their day jobs. Clients came through and helped their fellow residents…and all the while our Administrative and Development teams and Board (with the help of our incredible supporters!) managed to close a historic purchase of a new campus, landing one of the largest CDBG grants in Montana’s history. Perseverance at its finest. As we emerge from these dark and challenging times, we are guided by sunshine. There are many challenges ahead, but we will do as we always have and face them head on, with a sense of purpose and belief…belief that the families we serve deserve a chance to thrive, belief that we have what it takes to persevere, and belief that the community will continue to stand behind us. Thank you for believing. May the sunshine and warmth of the spring days ahead fill you with hope and growth.
Carrie Krepps, Executive Director
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shelby's Story I grew up in a single parent home, my Dad was in and out of prison, and my mom was struggling with addictions. I lived with my Grandma sometimes and spent a lot of time from about age 9 worrying about my little brother. I was often stressed and trying to make sure he had food and clean clothes. I had to grow up really fast in that environment. I started using substances when I was 13, it started with smoking pot and then experimenting with alcohol. By the time I was 16, I was using Meth and things started spiraling out of control. Using substances got a grip on me because it felt good to be outside of my mind. My life was so chaotic with living between my parents when my dad got out of prison. He was using and selling prescription pills and I had no stability. I was couch surfing and still worrying about my brother who was not protected. He had started using drugs too and getting in fights which was so stressful. When I was 19 I met my husband. He had 2 daughters I was helping to raise and I became pregnant with our son and three months after I had him I started using drugs again. My husband was using and selling drugs, so it was really hard not to use. My dad committed suicide and I was the person that found him and my brother was in prerelease and was really struggling with our dad’s death. In 2015 my brother also committed suicide in my apartment and I found him. With so much grief I was spiraling further and further into addiction until eventually our home was raided and I ended up going to jail. The children were taken to foster care and it was a really difficult time. I ended up divorcing my husband and my son was fostered by his aunt and is now living with his dad. I was in jail for 9 months and then went to a 60-day treatment program. It really just opened the door to my grief, sickness and addiction. Sixty days is not long enough to heal and recover. I then went to prerelease and became pregnant. After my baby was born, I started using and this was when I was introduced to Heroin. It took me to a dark hole. Heroin is something I never thought I would do but it helped be feel calm and relaxed. I became pregnant with my daughter soon after this and was caught using drugs while on probation and was sent to prison. At this point I hit rock bottom. I was pregnant in prison with my son in foster care. I thought I can’t do this anymore; I have to change and it was heartbreaking to be away from my son. After going into preterm labor, I was put on bed rest in a prison cell and moved to a different facility closer to a NICU. It was so awful to be in a prison cell on best rest all alone. Not long after that I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl. I was able to spend 2 days with her in hospital and then she was taken to foster care and I went back to prison. It was devastating to me. I was so grateful to be able to see her for 2 visits for 2 hours per week and after 6 months I was sentenced to 3 years suspended sentence and the judge recommended I come to Florence Crittenton. I was so excited for this opportunity I couldn’t believe I finally got to be with my babies. I arrived at Florence Crittenton very nervous and scared but found everyone to be really nice. It was so amazing to be reunited with my children and to be given this chance. After a while I started to realize that I really had a team behind me that cared about me. They were all rooting for me and my kids. I have never had a support system before. I am now almost 3 years sober and I feel like I am experiencing a whole new world. I never thought I would be out of addiction, and I never thought I could feel this happy and be a mom again. I have worked through a lot of grief with my therapist, dealt with my addictions with the help of my treatment team, taken a ton of parenting classes and made some friends that feel like family to me. My kids participate in the early childhood programs and are blossoming! They are happy and healthy and I am so grateful they will grow up without the worries that I had and that they know they are loved and can have a stable, loving, childhood. I am excited to be moving into my own apartment on my birthday next week. The apartment is part of Florence Crittenton’s transitional living program so I will still be able to still receive support from my counselors and case manager. My children will continue to go preschool and this enables me to continue my studies at Helena College. My goal is to become a licensed addictions counselor. Looking back I thank God for all the hard times and struggles that got me to where I am today and I want to use those experiences to touch the lives of other addicts. I am so grateful for this program, and for all the people that work so hard to make it happen. I don’t think I would be sober and I wouldn’t have my children if it wasn’t for Florence Crittenton. Being reunited with my children was everything to me, to see them grow and have such a close bond with them is so important. I feel like I have been given a chance to build a new life for myself and my kids and I am so excited for our future.
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project sunshine Making History in Helena: Florence Crittenton and the Cooney Campus Florence Crittenton has officially launched a capital campaign called “Project Sunshine,” inspired by our continuous goal of creating bright futures for families. While we plan for the next century of serving families, it is important to recognize the longstanding history Florence Crittenton and the Cooney Campus have in our community, and all the successes and challenges that led to this pivotal moment for our organization and the families we serve. The Cooney Campus is known by several names, including the Cooney Convalescent Home, Miner's Hospital, and Old Cooney Home. The site first served as a public hospital in 1866, and in 1891 became known as the Lewis and Clark County Hospital, with a focus on serving those who could not afford private medical care. On October 18, 1935, a major earthquake destroyed the original structure. The current historic main hospital building was built in 1937–1939 to replace it. The Helena office of J. G. Link & Company were the architects responsible for the Art Deco/Early Moderne design of the facility, featuring a flat roof, colored concrete, and diamond-shaped tiles. The hospital became the county-owned convalescent home. Dr. Cooney, in whose honor the hospital and street was renamed, began working there in the 1920s. In 1984, the Cooney Convalescent Home moved to a new location, and the building was converted to office space in the late 90's, to be occupied by various healthcare practitioners and organizations in the following decades. Florence Crittenton’s roots in Helena began with a little girl named Florence who was born to Charles and Josephine Crittenton in 1877. Tragically, at age 5, she contracted scarlet fever and passed away. Her parents were grief stricken and following a spiritual awakening, Charles Crittenton was compelled to act, to leave a legacy in his daughter’s name that would provide hope, compassion and dignity to young women and their children. Charles travelled the country in a railroad car and donated $500 to any group willing to set up an organization to help women and children. In April of 1900, Florence Crittenton purchased a six-room building in Helena to house “troubled, sick, and homeless” women and teens. Since then, Florence Crittenton has occupied several different locations and continues to adapt in order to meet the needs of pregnant and parenting women in Montana. For over 120 years, the mission has remained the same: to provide comprehensive services to help young parents build the most productive lives for themselves and their families.
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Capital campaign Recognizing the need for expanded services beyond what our current residence at 901 N Harris could support, we began looking for a location that had ample space for our residential, early childhood, and community programs with room to grow. We found just that at the Cooney Campus. The previous owners, Paul and Kelly Arneson, expressed great support of Florence Crittenton’s plans for the property and graciously donated a portion of the sale price as well as the majority of the furniture and equipment on the campus.
We spent the last year cultivating partnerships with Lewis & Clark County Commissioners & staff, as well as private foundations and donors, to raise funds to acquire the property. Today, Florence Crittenton is the proud owner of the Cooney Campus. Looking forward, Florence Crittenton will be completing renovations to the campus to meet the needs of each of our programs. The campus features a main 3-level facility, two single-family homes, and a duplex. The garden level of the facility will house our Child Enrichment Center, providing high-quality, accessible childcare to children aged 0-5.
The first level will house our administrative offices and community services, including home-visiting, visit coaching, parenting education, and outpatient substance use services. The third level will house our two residential programs, the Youth Maternity Home on one side and the Women and Children’s Recovery Home on the other.
The duplex on the property houses two transitional living apartments, a new step-down program that offers subsidized rent and close access to services for clients graduating from the recovery home and transitioning into independent living. The single-family homes on the property boast a number of opportunities, including expanded residential and clinical services. Renovations will include some outdoor improvements, but the historical value of the campus will be preserved. This project has opened so many doors to make a lasting impact on our community. If you are interested in learning more or supporting this endeavor, please visit our website, projectsunshine.info and join us in creating bright futures for Florence Crittenton families!
ways you can be a part of project sunshine! This acquisition will allow us to expand our reach to families in crisis, as well as move farther upstream to connect with at-risk families and prevent crisis. Please, give generously and be a part of creating bright futures for our most vulnerable neighbors. Thank you! There are many ways to invest in the future of the families we serve. To simply make a cash donation, visit projectshinshine.info. Other ways to give are listed below.
A Thousand Thank Yous We are paving the way to success for our families, and you can be a permanent part of it! Purchase one of 1,000 bricks for $1,000 that will be laid on the positive path our families will take, literally and figuratively. Each brick will be engraved with the donors’ requested acknowledgment. If $1,000 is more than you are able to give, partner with friends or family! This is a wonderful way to honor or memorialize the special people in your life.
Corporate Support There are many opportunities for your business to partner with Florence Crittenton to support a bright future for families in Montana. Please reach out to explore creative ways we can work together to achieve shared goals. Contact information is below!
Honor & Memory Gifts A donation in the name of a loved one is a beautiful way to honor or memorialize a special person in your life. We will send an acknowledgment to the honoree or the family of one you are memorializing so they are aware of your special gift. Legacy gifts that result in naming rights for program areas on our campus are a lasting way to make a larger lasting impact. There are many opportunities and partnership possibilities that we would be delighted to discuss with you.
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We need your help to make our new campus a reality! To make a donation, find out about corporate partnership or purchase a commemorative brick please visit our website www.projectsunshine.info or call Florence Crittenton today at 406 442 6950. To email our development department directly please email heatherg@florencecrittenton.org
www.florencecrittenton.org
Happy Mothers day At Florence Crittenton Family Services we strive to strengthen families. Strengthening families means supporting parents. This Mother’s Day we recognize the moms who pour themselves into their families. We all know that being a mom is no easy road. If you are a mother, we hope to encourage you this Mother’s Day. To the moms who feel like you are failing. Don’t doubt yourself. It sometimes feels hard, but each day you choose to show up despite the challenges. Your children feel the outpouring of your love and strength, even though your cup may feel empty. A mother’s strength is second to none. Even when she is fighting her own battles, nothing will stop her from finding the strength she needs for her children. So, to all mothers in every circumstance, including those who may be struggling, we say, Be encouraged. Have faith in yourself. You are doing a good job! Happy Mother’s Day!
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For more information on these events visit our website at florencecrittenton.org
why i work at Florence Crittenton Micaela Wilfong -Early Childhood Supervisor When I applied for my position at Florence Crittenton Preschool I knew I wanted to work at a place that not only served children preschool age, but also served the needs of the community. I was not quite aware of exactly what impact Florence Crittenton made to the families served until I began working and could see first hand. Not only does Florence Crittenton staff strive daily to meet the needs of parents and their children in the community, but they pour their hearts into it! The staff at Florence Crittenton continuously give not only their time and dedication, but their love, to give these families a chance at a better life. The staff pour their hearts and souls into the families served, but also build incredibly strong relationships with their co-workers. The amount of love and support I have felt over the past three years of working here is unmatched by any other job I have held. The team works tirelessly to ensure that each other are taken care of in all aspects of life, not just ensuring the job is getting done. Florence Crittenton is a place where families and staff can feel like they can call home.
JOIN OUR TEAM! We have full and part time job openings in our residential and early childhood programs! We offer an excellent benefits package, paid leave, opportunity for growth and an awesome work environment where you know what you do every day is making a difference. For more info visit www.florencecrittenton.org/employment
www.florencecrittenton.org
PROJECT SUNSHINE KICK OFF SPONSORS Thank you to all of our amazing corporate partners for your support in helping us kick off Project Sunshine! These partners ensure that this important capital campaign get's off the ground leading to a bright future for Florence Crittenton families!
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PROJECT SUNSHINE DONORS Aaron Herriges Ashley & TJ Coggins Barbara & Jerry Hamlin Barbara Harris Barry Damschen Consulting, LLC Bev Gibson Bill and Miki Lloyd Bob & Nadine Rusk Brock and Jenny Boedecker Bruce Ennis and Maggie Davis Carole Massman Carolyn Peace Catholic Daughters of the Americas Montana State Court Collette & Harry Hanson Danielle Durkin Dave & Cecelia Anderson David Carr & Sanna Porte Donna Fornfeist Doug and Yvonne C. Strong
Douglas & Laurie Lawrence Ethel White Evan Thompson F. Thomas Shellenberg Forrest C. (Sox) Ullman Frank Cote Glenda and Stan Bradshaw Greta Botkin James Duffy James Greene and Martha Vogt Jan Stetzer Jim & Joslyn Carney John & Stoney Esp John Moore Kenny and Linda Simonsen Kevin & Kim Kelley Lewis & Clark County Matt & Jamie McCullough Matt & Merideth Randles Mike Green and Kiely Keane Mike Stevenson Montana Department of Commerce
IN KIND DONORS 4imprint Advanced Spinal Fitness Chiropractic Allegra Marketing / Print / Mail Anderson ZurMuehlen Anonymous Better Body Fitness Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana Mike & Jeannie Brandt John and Michele Brodersen Jamie Canfield Harwell Crafted Aesthetics & Wellness Diamond Dream Wholesale & Supply Edge Marketing & Design Kathleen Ely Exploration Works Celia & Paul Farlan Jan Fishburn Flippin Family Fun Gardenwerks Sara Garrison Rebecca and Brian Goodman Great Divide Snowsports Great West Engineering
Donations made Jan 1 2021 to March 31 2022 Donations of a value of $100 or more are listed.
Lindsay Hash Overland Express Headwaters Covenant Church Amy Pearson Helena ATA Martial Arts Perkins Family Restaurant & Bakery Helena Food Share Lorraine Peterson Helena Parks and Recreation Ray Bjork Learning Center Helena Police Department Sage Medical Clinic Helena Sand & Gravel Savor + Graze Montana High Plains Sheepskin Shades Of Green Events Hopa Mountain Rhett and Amy Sheer Integrity & Impact Realty Soroptimist International of Helena JOANN Fabrics and Crafts St Johns Lutheran Church Kevin & Kim Kelley Structural Building Systems of Montana, LLC Kids Need to Read Target Leslie's Hallmark The Plaza LLC Life Covenant Church Jan Torgeson Living Hope Fellowship Town Pump Helena #5 Lizard Licks Daniel & Cassie Trost Erin Mills and Christine Armstrong-Mills Trisha Troyer Mirror Mirror Salon United Way of Lewis & Clark Area Montana Veterans Foundation Gaylene VanDyke Joellen Moon Randal Warner Scott Murray Wells Wellness and Aesthetics Nitro Green of Helena
HONOR DONATIONS 8 Grandchildren & 10 Great Grandchildren Judy Grebenc Amy Smiedala Mary Lou Riddell Hadley Bill & Barb Burton Millicent & Bill Solich Celena and Amy Valley Bank of Helena -- Glacier Bancorp Chadwick Smith Rena Smith Hazel Foreman Sonja and William Barber
OES Mizpah Chapter #13 Patrick Sullivan and Mary Gilchrist Peter and Maria Hanson Peter Sullivan Renee and Michael McMahon Robie & Brad Culver Rochelle Stewart Rocky & Mary Yuricic Ron and Ann Waterman Sara Toubman Sarah F Corbally Structural Building Systems of Montana, LLC Sunderland Foundation Susan Belcher Tami and Lee Rhodes The Plaza LLC Tim and Mary Barnard Timothy Speyer Wall Family Power Townsend Foundation Wilson Rental Properties LLC
Names in bold are those being honored. Donations made in calendar year 2021.
Katherine O'Loughlin Richard and Diana McMahon Barbara and James Benish Dave & Cecelia Anderson Kathleen Ward Rick and Betti Hill Molly Ward Disability Law, P.C. Sound Health Imaging Kevin Kelley Sarah Eby Matt & Merideth Randles Integrity & Impact Realty Lisa Nelson Shari Hurst Connie M Nelson Connie M Nelson MaryLou Hadley Tracy Petersen Amy Smiedala Connie M Nelson Melanie Hall MT Department of Administration Division of Banking & Financial Institutions
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FLORENCE CRITTENTON'S LEGACY SOCIETY Legacy society donors have made a commitment to future families at FC by making a gift to our endowment or naming FC in their will.
Art Story Fred Peterson Barb Moy Heather Nicholson Bill and Barbara Burton Henry Dahl Trust Cynthia Foster J Empson Dick and Margaret Anderson Jean Barrett Dixie Nichols John & Anne Collins Donna & Carey Cain John Northey F. Thomas Shellenberg
Kenneth L. Davenport Marcella Hull Martin H. Oleson Jr. Charitable Remainder Unitrust Maureen and Edward Kiely Pat & Patty Collins Peter & Mary Carparelli Ron and Ann Waterman
believer's circle members Believer's Circle members make a gift to Florence Crittenton every month or quarter
Amy Smiedala Andy & Jeaneen Campbell Annette Luckett Ashley & TJ Coggins Ashley Kovick Betti & Rick Hill Beverly & James Schneider Bruce Davidson Carol & David Stahly Charles & Judy Hanson Collette & Harry Hanson Craig & Christy Stiles Dave Carlson Deanna Albert Don & Barb Schultz
Duane & Sherry Mitchell Marly Kendrick Eric & Sarah Urban Mary & Larry McCain Ethel White McDantim, Inc. F. Thomas Shellenberg Mildred Sebring Jeff & Brittney Shirley Monte Holt Jim & Joslyn Carney Monty and Maureen Montague John Schipf & Annette Swan Schipf Our Lady of the Valley Parish Joseph & Georgia Chiarella Paula McNutt Joseph Gage Peggy Flynn Joyce Keeler Set Free Christian Fellowship Keith Horne St Peter's Cathedral Laura Brayko Susan Fergerson Wong & Kai Wong Life Covenant Church Tim & Linda McCauley Loraine Wodnik Tom and Kathy Butler Marchita & Herschel Mays
memory donations Adrienne Chadwick H. Smith Peter & Annie Lilly Rena Smith Arch Hewitt Clara Kimbriel Gail Hewitt Richard &Brenda Barbara John Heitstuman Leonard John Donna Comstock Barbara Mollison Dodie & Frank Zweifel Blair Haseman Dorene Menichino Beulah Peterson Anthony Menichino Terry Jarvis Dorothy Harper Blanche Murray Darrell & Sharon Virginia M Piatt Vallance Bobbie Yuricic Elenor L. Pulver Rocky & Mary Yuricic Louis & Peggy Pulver Buzz and Pat Field Ella May Higgins Big Sky Insulations Inc. Colleen Nicholson Carl Maehl Evelyn Storez Russ Williams Julia Martin Catherine "Dubby" Ward Freida John Molly Ward Disability Leonard John Law, P.C. Helen Walsh & Catheline Grant Paul & Lynne Grant
Jack C. Hall Mary Carol Hall Joanie McMahon Dave & Cecelia Anderson John & Rosalie Morrison Helen Hoffman Karen Northey John Northey Kelly Flynn Betti & Rick Hill Lori Glinn-Hall Arthur & Patty Johnson Lowell F. Duffner Diane Boyett Janet D Kirk Mabel L. Ernter Louis & Peggy Pulver Margaret J. McMahon Doug & Yvonne C. Strong Nonie Wall Elaine Tucker
Paddy Damschen Freddy & Carrie Krepps Paul Schillinger Jerry & Carol Schillinger Priscilla Bricker Martin John W Martin Richard H. Hier Carolyn Zimmer Sherry Sebastian Marlene Bummer Shirley Green Hantz Norma Ashby Smith Shirley Hautzinger Carol & David Stahly Sandra and Thomas Vivian Shirley Paynter Pat Mangis Prickly Pear Red Hats Sue Avey Bill Avey & Crystal Coffey Avey Yvonne Kartheiser Kenny and Linda Simonsen
Non-Profit Org U.S Postage PAID Helena, MT ,59601 Permit No.76
3404 Cooney Drive, Helena MT 59602
District 37 approved
Drawing Friday, May 6th
