PROJECT SUNSHINE NEARS THE FINISH LINE WITH JUST $3.2 MILLION TO GO
The Final 25%: Project Sunshine on the Brink of Success! Just as a marthoner pushes for that last few miles, Project Sunshine is rapidly approaching a momentous milestone. With a total budget of $13.2 million, this transformative project is now just $3.2 million shy of achieving full funding paving the way for a debt-free completion.
Dedicated to empowering families and creating brighter futures, Project Sunshine represents a bold leap forward in Florence Crittenton’s mission and longevity. The initiative includes the renovation and expansion of facilities that will enhance, grow, and sustain our programs that include residential programs, community services and early childhood education for the next century.
Over just three short years generous donors, community partners, and advocates have rallied around the project, helping secure over $10 million to date. The momentum is undeniable each contribution brings the dream closer to reality, unlocking new opportunities for vulnerable families across Montana.
What makes Project Sunshine truly remarkable isn't just its scale, but its heart. Florence Crittenton’s commitment to completing the project without debt speaks volumes about its stewardship and long-term vision. This final push isn’t merely a financial goal it’s an invitation for the community to be part of something lasting and meaningful.
As Project Sunshine comes from blueprint to life, it stands as a beacon of hope and the finish line is within reach. Now is the time to help illuminate the path forward. There are many ways to get involved including brick purchases, naming rights, and more! Just scan the QR code and explore the opportunities.
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
Collette Hanson, President
Lisa Nelson, Vice President
Jim Carney, Treasurer
Jamie McCullough, Secretary
Christopher Betchie
Amy Deitchler
Danielle Durkin
Erica Johnston
Wendy Murphy
Creeana Rygg
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 opportunities for children 0-5
Dear Friends,
Summer greetings from Florence Crittenton! As we dive into the deep end of summer, I always reflect on how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place...these three months are, after all, the whole reason we put up with the other nine months of the year, right?!
But then I remember that, while the weather may not be so great many of the other months, it’s really the people that keep us here year after year. It’s our neighbors and our families, our friends and our community members, that care so much about each other that really make this The Last Best Place.
I have really felt the meaning of these attributes the last three years, and certainly the last few months as we kicked off the celebration of our 125 anniversary. If it weren’t for the people in our Montana communities, we would not be just a short distance away from completing a campus project that felt so impossible I would almost laugh when we talked about it. But here we are, “just a mile to go until the end of the show,” as my college track coach would say. If it weren’t for our friends, neighbors, and partners, we would not be standing here today, through wars, earthquakes, pandemics and the many changes in our society of the last 125 years, serving over 20,000 women, children, and families. th
As you enjoy the final months of the summer season, I hope you have many opportunities to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors. And I hope you will remember that with every dollar of your support to our programs and our campus, every volunteer hour given, and every partnership you bring to Florence Crittenton, you are helping more families than you will ever know enjoy the same simple pleasures of our great state; strong families, friends, and neighbors.
With
Gratitude, Carrie Krepps Executive Director
THE POWER OF MONTHLY GIVING: A LIFELINE FOR FLORENCE CRITTENTON FAMILIES
At Florence Crittenton, every dollar given is more than a donation it’s a lifeline. For over 125 years, this organization has been a sanctuary for young families across the State of Montana, offering hope, healing, and a path forward. But behind every success story is a community of supporters who make it all possible—especially those who give monthly.
Monthly giving through Florence Crittenton’s Believer’s Circle, is one of the most impactful ways to support the organization’s mission. These consistent contributions provide one of the most reliable streams of income for the organization and helps sustain critical programs for young mothers and their children. Whether it’s $10 or $100 a month, these gifts add up to something extraordinary.
WHYMONTHLY GIVINGMATTERS
Unlike one-time donations, monthly gifts allow Florence Crittenton to plan ahead. With over 40% of its operating budget funded by donor support, predictable income is essential. Monthly donors help cover
everyday essentials like food, clothing, and diapers—as well as long-term services such as mental health counseling, childcare scholarships parenting education, and immediate needs for home visiting clients.
Monthly giving isn’t just good for the organization—it’s smart for donors, too. Spreading out contributions over the year makes giving more manageable and budgetfriendly. It also allows donors to make a larger impact over time without feeling the financial strain of a lump-sum gift.
Florence Crittenton makes it easy to set up recurring donations via auto-draft or credit card, and donors can adjust their giving at any time. Plus, all donations are tax-deductible, and donors receive annual summaries for their records.
Every monthly gift tells a story. It’s the story of a young mother who, thanks to Florence Crittenton, was able to keep parenting her child after completing a recovery program. Or a single dad needing support and education through our home visiting and parenting class programs. It’s the story of a baby born into a safe, nurturing environment instead of a cycle of trauma.
These stories are possible in part because of the generosity of monthly donors. They are the quiet heroes behind every milestone, every graduation, every new beginning.
‘‘ ‘‘
Florence Crittenton has helped me find myself. It has helped me find who I am without using drugs and who I am as a loving mother to my child. It has helped me get in touch with being a mom and I know I am a really good mother to my baby. I have full custody of him which feels so good. He is a healthy, happy little boy and with the help of Florence Crittenton’s Child Enrichment Center, he is thriving and developing into a beautiful person.
-Jennifer’s Story
JOIN THE FAMILY
Florence Crittenton doesn’t just serve families—it builds them. And when you become a monthly donor, you become part of that family. You become a partner in healing, a champion for change, and a beacon of hope for those who need it most.
To learn more or to join the Believer’s Circle, visit: florencecrittenton.org.
BELIEVER’S CIRCLE MEMBERS
Aimee & Chris Reynolds
Amy & Pat Sassano
Amy Smiedala
Andy & Jeaneen Campbell
Annette Luckett
Anonymous
Ashley & TJ Coggins
Ashley Kovick
Beverly & James Schneider
Carol & David Stahly
Charles & Judy Hanson
Collette & Harry Hanson
Courtenay Sprunger
Craig & Christy Stiles
Daniel & Katrina Rausch
Deanna Albert
Debbie Gabse
Don Schultz
Donald & Diana Johnson
Duane & Sherry Mitchell
Ethel White
F Thomas Shellenberg
Freddy & Carrie Krepps
Heather Greene
Jeff & Brittney Shirley
Jim & Joslyn Carney
John Galt & Kelly Minnehan-Galt
John Schipf & Annette Swan Schipf
Joseph & Georgia Chiarella
Keith Horne
Ken & Regina Rose
Life Covenant Church
BELIEVER’S CIRCLE SPOTLIGHT
Linda Sandman
Loraine Wodnik
Marlene Johnson
Mary & Larry McCain
Monica Mascarenas
Monty & Maureen Montague
Our Lady of the Valley Parish
Paula McNutt
Randy Mosely & Sherri OhsMosely
St. Peter’s Cathedral
Timothy & Tricia Bartz
Tom & Kathy Butler
Tyrel & Melissa Wilson
“Contributing to Florence Crittenton through the monthly giving program, the Believers Circle, is deeply personal for me. I give because I believe in the power of Florence Crittenton to transform lives to uplift those navigating trauma and adversity. The work being done through this initiative doesn’t just offer services; it embodies hope. it It builds resilience, strengthens families, and empowers professionals to create lasting change. I’m honored to be part of a movement that’s rooted in compassion, driven by knowledge, and committed to healing.” -Amy Sassano
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.
Jean Barrett
Bill and Barbara Burton
Donna & Carey Cain
Peter & Mary Carparelli
John & Anne Collins
Pat & Patty Collins
Cynthia Foster
Kenneth L. Davenport
HONOR DONATIONS
Mary Lou Hadley
Amy Smiedala
Patty Steele
Ethel White
Dick and Margaret Anderson
John Northey
Henry Dahl Trust
Marcella Hull
John H. Empson
Maureen and Edward Kiely
Martin H. Oleson Jr.
Barb Moy
Dixie Nichols
Heather Nicholson
Fred Peterson
F Thomas Shellenberg
Art Story
Peter Dan & Sarah Sullivan
Ron and Ann Waterman
Names in bold are those being honored. Donations made March 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
Wade Hurst, Joel Petersen, & Todd Nelson
Connie Nelson
MEMORY DONATIONS
Fred Krepps Sr. and Linda Krepps
Patrick & Linda Connors
Bonnie Yeo
Patricia Counts
Darlene Blomstrom
Patty Williams
Russ Williams
Jan Bauer
Eli & Jeanne Spannagel
Chris Spurlock
Lacey Forrey
Linda Krepps
Shirley lance
Judith Williams
Carol & Bill Biggers
Henriette Raymakers Roland
Patricia Stricklin
Joseph G. McKinley, M.D.
Sarah McKinley
Marjorie Jones
Afton Lamoreaux
Jack Ward
Russ Williams
Amy Smiedala
Mary Lou Hadley
Matthew Vickers
Ken & Sue Keefe
Names in bold are those being remembered Donations made March 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025
John & Mary Doubek
Kathleen & Robert Morrison
Stan Nicholson
Colleen Nicholson
Marti Hunt
John Boettcher
Bobbie Yuricic
Rocky & Mary Yuricic
Carol, Delores, Linda, Shelly, Joyce, and Laura
Kenny & Linda Simonsen
Amy Sullivan
Paul & Debra Ann Dorrance
James Esp
John & Stoney Esp
Catherine Grant & Helena Walsh
Paul & Lynne Grant
Tom Miller
Darrell & Sharon Vallance
Terry Hanekan
Gregory & Dawn Field
Sue Avey
Bill Avey & Crystal Coffey Avey
John Morrison Jr.
Jane & Alan Erickson
Buzz & Pat Field
Big Sky Insulations Inc.
Evelyn Storez
Julia Martin
Paul Schillinger
Jerry & Carol Schillinger
Catherine Holzer
Russ Williams
Florence Larson
Ken Larson
Art Schellenberg
Russ Williams
Helen & William Orsello
Tricia McCreary
Blanche Murray
Virginia Piatt
Judy Olsen
Gary Olsen
A group for fathers, by fathers
COUNCIL OF DADS
The 2 and 4 Tuesday each month | nd th 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Susanna Westly Place | 512 Logan St. (Next to St. Paul’s UMC)
Are you a father who wants to connect with other dads in the community? Join us for our upcoming Community Fathers Group, where you can:
Share experiences and insights on fatherhood
Learn practical parenting tips and strategies
Gain support and encouragement from fellow dads
Build lasting friendships and connections
For more information email davidp@florencecrittenton.org
GROUP CONNECTION EVENTS
FREE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN UNDER 6!
August 21st
Back to School: Books & Bears
5:30 - 6:30 PM
September 18th
Nature Walk & Scavenger Hunt
5:30 - 6:30 PM
October 31st
Trick or Treat!
Downtown Walking Mall
5.30 - 6.30 PM
November 20th
Thanksgiving Craft: Turkey Hands
5.30 - 6.30 PM
December 18th
Special Appearance: Meet Santa! 5.30 - 6.30 PM
To find out more or register for an event contact: Florence Crittenton Community Services Director Jen Burckhard: 406-413-7043 jenb@florencecrittenton.org
