Project Sunshine

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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