Celebrating 125 Years! by Deanna Johnson

Celebrating 125 Years

WHERE FAMILIES HEAL, GROW, AND THRIVE

GREETINGS, NEIGHBORS!

At Florence Crittenton, we believe in the power of family, healing, and hope. For over a century, we’ve walked alongside young families…offering care, compassion, and the tools to build brighter futures. Almost four years ago, we embarked on our most transformative journey yet—Project Sunshine, the creation of a new, uniﬁed campus where all of our family-centered services would come together in one beautiful and peaceful location.

Imagine a place where families can access housing, education, childcare, mental health, substance use, and parenting support—all in one nurturing environment. A place designed to uplift, empower, and inspire. That’s the heart of Project Sunshine.

But we have not done it alone. This dream is becoming a reality because of the support of our incredible community. Your generosity, your belief in our mission and this project, and your commitment to the well-being of families are what is making this possible. Together, we can build more than just a campus—we can build a legacy of love and opportunity for generations to come. Join us in bringing sunshine to every corner of our community.

With gratitude and hope, Carrie Krepps

125 years of supporting young families

Florence Crittenton Family Services: Transforming Lives in Helena

On June 12th 2025, Florence Crittenton Family Services, celebrates 125 years of unwavering commitment to supporting young families from across the state of Montana. Established in 1900, the organization has profoundly impacted countless lives, building healthier families and strengthening the community.

A Legacy Rooted in Compassion

The origins of Florence Crittenton trace back to 1883 when Charles Crittenton, a wealthy New York merchant, founded the ﬁrst Florence Night Mission in memory of his daughter, Florence, who died at the age of four from scarlet fever. His mission was to provide sanctuary to “lost and fallen women,” o ering them hope and a path to rehabilitation. Inspired by this vision and with the help of $500 from Charles Crittenton himself, the Helena branch opened its doors in 1896 and o cially incorporated in 1900, becoming part of a nationwide movement dedicated to aiding vulnerable women and children.

Evolving to Meet Community Needs

Over the decades, Florence Crittenton in Helena has adapted its services to address the changing needs of women, children, and families in society. From its early days as a refuge for young mothers, the organization has expanded to o er a comprehensive range of programs, including therapeutic residential care, transitional housing programs, home visiting, parenting classes, and early childhood education. These initiatives aim to empower young families, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to thrive.

A Lasting Impact on Generations

The inﬂuence of Florence Crittenton extends beyond the individuals directly served. By modeling and teaching healthy family dynamics and providing essential resources, the organization contributes to breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma. Children raised in supportive environments are more likely to become contributing members of society, leading to a ripple effect that beneﬁts the entire community. Over its 125-year history, Florence Crittenton has been instrumental in transforming lives, of over 20,000 families.

Looking to the Future

As Florence Crittenton embarks on its next century , the organization remains dedicated to evolving in response to community needs, always with the goal of helping make families stronger, With initiatives like Project Sunshine, aimed at expanding and enhancing facilities, Florence Crittenton is poised to continue its legacy of compassionate service for generations to come.

In celebrating this milestone, Florence Crittenton Family Services reaffirms its commitment to empowering young women, nurturing children, and strengthening families—a testament to 125 years of enduring impact in Helena.

At the heart of Florence Crittenton’s Residential Programs is the belief that healing and stability within families create lasting change for an entire community. Through three residential programs—the Youth Maternity Home, Recovery Home, and Transitional Living Program—Florence Crittenton offers safety, healing, support, and hope to young women and their children during some of the most critical moments in their lives.

The Youth Maternity Home provides a nurturing and structured environment for pregnant and parenting youth ages 12–21. Here, young mothers receive not only a safe home, but also education, life skills training, mental health support, and parenting guidance. They are surrounded by compassionate staff who help them build the conﬁdence and resilience needed to parent with love and stability. These young women are not just preparing to raise healthy children—they’re rewriting their own stories and building a foundation for success.

The Recovery Home offers residential treatment for women recovering from substance use disorders, while allowing mothers to remain with their young children throughout their recovery journey. This family-centered approach is rooted in the understanding that when a mother heals, her child heals, too. The ripple effect of breaking the cycle of addiction extends far beyond the walls of the home—it shapes a future where both parent and child are emotionally secure, physically safe, and deeply connected.

The Transitional Living Program provides the next step for women who are ready to move toward independence post graduation from our residen-

tial programs. With continued support in a semi-structured, yet empowering environment, participants learn to manage finances, find employment, navigate housing, and continue building strong parenting and life skills. Together, these programs do more than stabilize lives in the present—they change the future. When families are supported and empowered, children grow up in homes filled with love, consistency, and opportunity. Generational cycles of trauma and instability are replaced with health, resilience, and hope. And the impact doesn’t stop there. Thriving families strengthen schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. They contribute to a healthier, more compassionate community for all of us!

IFLYBIGSKY

Florence Crittenton’s Family Healing Center: Supporting Families Every Step of the Way

Parenting can be both joyful and challenging—especially during the early years. At Florence Crittenton’s Family Healing Center, families with children ages 0–5 can ﬁnd the support they need to build strong, healthy connections through a variety of communitybased programs. Whether you’re looking for parenting guidance, support with challenging circumstances like parent separation, or simply a little extra help, these services are here for you.

Home Visiting Services

The Family Healing Center offers free, in-home support for families, meeting you where you are—literally and emotionally. Trained parent educators and family support specialists visit your home (or at our campus, a coffee shop, or park!) to provide personalized guidance, encouragement, and education based on your family’s needs and goals. Home Visitors work with you on everything from child development and safety, to stress management and navigating life’s challenges while keeping a focus on your children. It’s a chance to ask

questions, learn new strategies, and get non-judgmental support from someone who cares.

Parenting Classes

No parent has all the answers—but together, we can grow. Florence Crittenton’s parenting classes offer helpful tools for managing big feelings (yours and your child’s), setting boundaries, encouraging positive behavior, and building strong, respectful relationships. Classes are interactive and engaging, with topics that reﬂect real-life parenting struggles and triumphs.

Supervised Visitation

For families working through challenging transitions, supervised visitation services provide a safe, supportive environment where parents can maintain meaningful connections with their children.

Experienced staff are present to ensure visits are safe, respectful, and focused on the child’s well-being. The goal is to strengthen family bonds and support reuniﬁcation whenever possible.

Group Connections

Parenting is easier when you don’t have to do it alone.

Group Connections

offer families a chance to build community through fun, free, family-friendly activities, workshops, and gatherings. These events create opportunities for parents to connect with others, share experiences, and learn from one another while their children play and grow.

GroupConnectionEvents

Freeforfamilieswithchildrenunder6!

June19th

School’sOut: BubbleParty

5:30-6:30PM

July17th

WaterGames,Sensory Play,&SummerPhotos

5:30-6:30PM

August21st

BacktoSchool: Books&Bears

5:30-6:30PM

September18th

NatureWalk&Scavenger Hunt

5:30-6:30PM

October31st

TrickorTreat!

DowntownWalkingMall

5.30-6.30PM

November20th

jenb@florencecrittenton.org h ensory Photos

ThanksgivingCraft:Turkey Hands

5.30-6.30PM

December18th

SpecialAppearance:Meet Santa!

5.30-6.30PM

Tofindoutmoreorregisterforaneventcontact: FlorenceCrittentonCommunityServicesDirector JenBurckhard: 406-413-7043

ConnectedParentingisanengaging andinsightfulcoursedesignedto empowerparentsthroughthe principlesofsecureattachmentand emotionalresilience.Groundedinthe expertiseofleadingfiguresinchild development,thisclassoffers practical,hands-onactivitiesand weeklylessonsthatdeepen participants’understandingoftheir roleinnurturinghealthyparent-child relationships.

$75/individual $100/couple

Thursdays June12-August7

5:00-6:30PM

Classes run continuously throughout the year.

Thursdays

September11-October30

5:00-6:30PM

Meetour Teacher

StaceyjoinedFlorenceCrittenton in2023afterover25years teachinginbothprivateand publicschoolsinHelena.Aswell asherdedicationtoher student’sacademicsuccess, Staceyisalsopassionateabout relationshipbuilding,trauma healingandlifecoachingfor individualsandfamilies.

Allparentingclassestake placeatHelenaCollege andareavailableona slidingfeescale.

Attimesallparentsfeellostor withoutaclueaboutwhatourchild mightneedfromus.Imaginewhatit mightfeellikeifyouwereableto makesenseofwhatyourchildwas reallyaskingfromyou.TheCircleof Security®Parenting™programis basedondecadesofresearchabout howsecureparent-child relationshipscanbesupportedand strengthened.

$75/individual $100/couple

Wednesdays June11-August6

5:30-7:30PM

Classes run continuously throughout the year.

Wednesdays September10-October9

5:00-7:30PM

Meetour Teacher

DavidfinishedhisB.A.inboth PsychologyandSociologyat CarrollCollegewhilecontinuing hismilitarycareerpart-timein theAirNationalGuard.Heisa fatheroffive,andheis dedicatedtothemissionof FlorenceCrittentoninproviding acontinuumofservicesto supportthoseinneed.

Allparentingclassestake placeatHelenaCollege andareavailableona slidingfeescale.

Florence Crittenton’s Child Enrichment Center: Where Meaningful Meets Purposeful Play

Florence Crittenton’s Child Enrichment Center (CEC), offers a warm, nurturing environment where children from birth to ﬁve years old can grow, explore, and thrive. As part of Florence Crittenton Family Services, the CEC is rooted in the belief that early childhood is a crucial period for development, as well as supporting families as they learn and grow with their parents. The mission is to provide high-quality,

trauma-informed early education that supports not only the child, but also the entire family.

The CEC offers care and education for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, using a play-based curriculum that fosters creativity, independence, and problemsolving. Classrooms are led by experienced early child-

hood educators who engage children through purposeful play and guided exploration. Teachers are intentional in their approach, supporting social-emotional learning while preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.

The CEC is licensed by the State of Montana and follows rigorous health and safety

standards. Our new facility is designed with young learners in mind—safe, clean, and full of opportunities for discovery. Each classroom is thoughtfully arranged to encourage movement, interaction, and hands-on learning, while outdoor areas are created for discovery and gross motor skill development.

One of the CEC’s deﬁning features is its emphasis on family engagement. Parents and caregivers are seen as vital partners in a child’s development. The CEC provides regular communication between teachers and families, access to a Family Resource Center, and opportunities to participate in their child’s learning

journey. Support services are also available to help families navigate parenting challenges, access community resources, and build strong relationships at home, including access to all of Florence Crittenton’s community-based services.

The Child Enrichment Center is open to all families in the Helena area, with tuition rates that reﬂect the high-quality care and education provided.

Financial assistance is available through the Best Beginnings Scholarship Program and Florence Crittenton’s Scholarship Program. With a growing reputation for excellence, Florence Crittenton’s Child Enrichment Center is making a lasting impact on the lives of Florence Crittenton’s littlest clients, building a foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Congratulations!

Community Impact

We’re often asked about the longterm statistics of our graduates. However, a truly successful discharge isn’t measured by numbers—it’s deﬁned by seamless reintegration. While tracking individual progress can provide insight, the ultimate goal is for graduates to transition effortlessly into society, no longer a statistic but a fully engaged member of their community. Their success is seen not in reports or data points, but in the lives they build, the opportunities they seize, and the contributions they make. When they become the fabric of their community, thriving beyond the need for oversight, that is the clearest indicator of success.

That said, we are pleased to report the following statistics for ﬁnancial year 2024:

Numbers Served:

Residential Programs – 20 families (average stay 12-18 months)

Family Healing Center – 171 families

Child Enrichment Center – 33 children

100% of our clients discharged from our residential program with their child in their care after reuniﬁcation

100% of children in our Pre-School were assessed and are on track for development

100% of our clients

discharge sober and to a safe home

Challenges

We are proud that in our 125 years of service, we’ve never closed our doors. Through two world wars, two global pandemics, a catastrophic earthquake, and ever- increasing funding challenges, Florence Crittenton has remained steadfast in its commitment to young families. Currently, we’re facing increasing financial challenges, with annual fundraising demands growing from $800,000 five years ago to $1.2 million in 2025. Competitive salaries and benefits are essential to attract

high-quality staff, yet funding constraints make this increasingly difficult. The Child Enrichment Center consistently has a waitlist, while client needs continue to grow in all programs. Inﬂation further strains resources, with federal, state, and local contracts and service fees are unable to keep up, making additional funding critical to sustain these essential services.

As it always has, it will take a combination of innovative service delivery, partnership, and support from all areas of our communities to continue to do this life-changing work that impacts us all. For Florence Crittenton, this means the completion of our new campus (Project Sunshine) that

HELENA INSULATION

will equate to up to $200,000 operational savings annually, creating new and innovative services, continuing to work with our federal, state, and local partners for sustainable contracts, and the support of the faith communities, busi-

nesses, individuals and foundations that have ensured we are here for the last over century. It takes a village to raise a family, and our community is certainly that village for Florence Crittenton and the families we serve.

Florence Crittenton Training Institute

The Training Institute is Florence Crittenton’s newest program. The Training Institute’s mission is to empower professionals in helping ﬁelds with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage and mitigate secondary trauma, improving staff retention and healthier work environments and communities.

Drawing upon our deep expertise in working with vulnerable populations and crisis situations, Florence Crittenton’s Training Institute believes in the power of humor, heart, science, and a good story to spark connection and inspire change. Our training sessions combine evidence-based knowledge with engaging, relatable anecdotes to equip professionals with the tools to support the individuals they serve while maintaining care for themselves and preventing burnout .

Our Trainer

Daniel Champer

Daniel currently serves as the Director of Clinical and Residential Services. A farm kid from Ohio, Daniel believes in hard work partnered with care and nurture. He has

worked for over 15 years in the mental health ﬁeld and has served as a direct care staff, therapist, clinical supervisor, and clinical director in programs specializing in lockdown residential treatment, sex offender treatment, group home care, school-based services, and outpatient services. He earned his Masters of Arts in Counseling from Waynesburg University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Daniel specializes in childhood development and complex trauma work throughout the life stages. He is passionate

about digging in and coming alongside the tough and complicated situations that so many experience. He and his wife stay busy after work chasing seven children and a variety of farm animals in an attempt to live simply but fully.

Daniel is one of a small number of certiﬁed Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants in Montana. This program is developed by the Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development.

Our Trainings

Trainings are available for groups from 10 – 100 individuals across the State of Montana.

The Harder Side of Helping

(3–4 hours)

Helping others can take a toll. Learn how trauma impacts helpers, recognize signs of secondary trauma, and build a personalized R&R (reciprocal restoration) plan to stay balanced and resilient.

Booms, Bangs, and Body Odor (1.5 hours)

Our surroundings matter. Explore how sights, sounds, and smells affect people with trauma—and learn to turn your space into a powerful tool for healing.

What Lies Beneath (2–3 hours)

All behavior has a backstory. Dive into the emotional needs driving behavior and discover how to respond with empathy and connection.

The Brain Architecture Game (1 hour)

Build a brain, shape a life. This interactive game makes the science of early brain development come alive—perfect for groups, teams, and decision-makers.

Human Development (4–6 hours)

From childhood to adulthood, every stage shapes us. Learn how trauma disrupts growth, and how to support developmentally driven behavior in real time.

Sexual Reactivity (2 hours)

Sexualized behavior is often misunderstood. Get clear on healthy sexual development, why reactivity happens, and how to address it with confidence and care.

Therapeutic Language (1.5 hours)

Words matter. Discover

how small shifts in language can improve connection, reduce conflict, and build trust across all relationships.

When S#! Hits the Fan* (2–3 hours)

Trauma doesn’t just happen to individuals. This training explores the impact of global events like COVID, and learn tools to manage disruption and build community resilience.

Heads in the Sand (1 hour)

Mental health matters, but stigma still lingers. This training opens the conversation, redefines mental wellness as a spectrum, and promotes safe, inclusive dialogue.

Infant & Early Childhood

Mental Health Consultation (specialized consultation for childcare centers)

Infant and Early Childhood

Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) is a collaborative, relationship-based approach that supports the socialemotional development of young children by building the capacity of caregivers and professionals in early childhood settings. Through reflective practice and tailored guidance, our consultant, Daniel Champer, can help address behavioral concerns, strengthen adult-child relationships, and promote nurturing environments for optimal development. These consultations are individualized for each center’s unique circumstances.

Project Sunshine

In December 2021, we acquired the historic Cooney property in Helena and embarked on a journey a century in the making. When we ﬁrst set eyes on this property, we envisioned the next 125 years of Florence Crittenton where hundreds of families will come to heal, learn, and create

new dreams of their own. In 2024, we completed the Child Enrichment Center and the Residential Floor, including the North Wing which houses group spaces and two additional residential rooms. We are now poised for completion as we prepare to renovate the ground ﬂoor, which will house

our Administrative offices and the Family Healing Center community-based services, with an anticipated completion date of early Fall 2025.

We have received funding from individuals, foundations, local, state and federal

Sunshine,

Phase, estimated completion Fall 2025

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government, corporations, as well as church and civic groups. Seeing the public and private sector coming together in support of this project is a testament to its impact on the families and communities we serve. After raising $9.2 million in just three short years, we are now just $3.5 million away from our goal of complete funding for Project Sunshine.

Once Complete, Project Sunshine will: Provide continuity of care and ease of access for families utilizing multiple services on one campus. Support 60% more families in our Residential Programs and help ensure the health and safety of future generations. DONE!

Double the number of early child-

hood openings from 24 to 46, meeting a crucial need in our community. DONE! Reach 90 additional families annually through Community based services. Extend services through a new Transitional Living Program for up to 5 families graduating from our residential programs. DONE!

Create operational savings of nearly$200,000 annually.

Bring staff together to provide the most comprehensive care possible for families, in the Helena community, and across Montana.

We invite you to be a part of the future building thriving families by donating generously today! Also, there are many ways to volunteer now that summer is upon us. Please, visit our website at projectsunshine.info to donate and learn more about how you can be a part of Florence Crittenton’s next 125 years!

Lives Transformed

“I feel like had I not gone to FC I wouldn’t have done as well as I have as a parent and would have just followed the footsteps of others in my community but because of all the tools and all that I learned and the love that was shown to me there I am so much stronger as a mother an adult and I have a respect for myself that I didn’t quite have before living there. I love the home and all the staff.”

“Our home visitor is wonderful, our whole family loves her visits. Our daughter is very attached to her and we would like her to come and visit us forever! She feels like part of the family! She has had an incredible impact on our lives. Without her I think we would have drowned a long time ago. I’m not sure our marriage would have stood up to the pressures of parenting and living on a single income without her support and encouragement.”

“There are a lot of reasons why I needed Florence Crittenton. I was a pregnant teenager, but maybe that doesn’t tell you the whole story. I made a lot of mistakes, I had a lot of changes to make if I was going to be a healthy, loving mom to my daughter. Thank you Florence Crittenton for helping me. I’ve never had so many true friendships in my life.”

Lives Transformed

“I know if I hadn’t come to live at Florence Crittenton I would not have the life I have today, I would not have my daughter and I would not have succeeded. I would be back using drugs and the rest of my life would have been a struggle.”

“The staff were awesome. They taught us how to be parents and basic things like how to make homemade, healthy food and how to keep a house. They taught us everything we needed to know about pregnancy and parenting which is important when you haven’t had a good childhood yourself.”

“My home visitor has been great, she has taught me about my children’s health, development, play activities, safety in my home, bedtime routines and mealtimes. The biggest help has been her advocating for me and helping me work my treatment plan in a more ﬂexible way. I am a single dad, working full time, attending counseling and trying to be a good father so doing some of the sessions remotely was a lot easier for me. When I was feeling overwhelmed, she helped me work through things so it felt more manageable. She has been a huge advocate for me and helped with my foster review meeting which I am very grateful for. She gives me encouragement, constructive criticism, good ideas and nudges me to be a better father.”

“Our son struggled to succeed at previous daycares due to special behavioral needs. The Florence Crittenton staff provided amazing care that nurtured

and taught him in a way that suited him best. He is now succeeding in kindergarten, and I attribute a lot of his progress to the early education program and their wonderful teachers.”

“We have been so impressed with everything about the Child Enrichment Center and the exceptional quality of care this team provides. One of the most valuable things is the quality of the relationships that our son has built. During his time there, the staff have all stayed the same, which enables him to develop deep, trusting relationships with staff who truly know and care about him. The academic and social emotional aspects are great and our family appreciates the delicious, healthy meals they provide too. Every bit of support helps!”

“The staff at the Child Enrichment Center have played an instrumental role in my daughter’s development, social skills, and speech. When we arrived at Florence Crediton two years ago my daughter was very behind in her speech production, which caused a lot of issues with her social skills. The CEC welcomed us with open arms and supported her in so many ways both inside and outside of school. She has been taking speech therapy, but I really believe that the help she got from the CEC and the teachers there has made the biggest difference. The communication between the staff and I and her father has helped so much also as we navigated these issues.”

“I can’t imagine my life without Florence Crittenton. I was someone who

wanted to die when I found out I was pregnant. They taught me that no matter how bad things have been there is something coming that is so worth living for and that my baby is going to love me no matter what happened to me or who I used to be. They taught me that family is everything and it’s never too late to ﬁx things. They gave me the courage to face more than just motherhood but every obstacle that came after because I knew I always had the support of the staff and girls I met there.”

“Florence Crittenton, its program and above all the staff truly changed my life for the better. They really prepared me for the tough reality of parenthood and helped me to become the best mother and person I could be. I couldn’t imagine how my children and my life would have been had I not lived at FC. I am now 26 years old and was 15 when I lived there and they still are involved and important to me and in my life.”

“By choosing to attend Florence Crittenton and dive in head ﬁrst to healing I have seized the opportunity for me and my children to thrive together in full force. This program is a once in a lifetime opportunity, it has been truly life changing. I hope one day my children will look at me as their champion who worked to change my life and theirs. I would also like to use my experience to help others and to advocate to help others understand that substance use disorder and alcoholism are a disease, no different from cancer. You can’t simply quit drinking or using. I tried for years.”