Florence Crittenton Spring 2021 Newsletter

SPRING 2021

newsletter Where Compassion Meets Action

Building Resolve

Phone: 406 442 6950 Fax: 406 442 6571

inquiries@florencecrittenton.org

florencecrittenton.org

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SPRING 2021

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 Deitchler Collette Hanson Creeana Rygg Danielle Waddell Jamie Wood-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 opportunities for children 0-4.

Dear Friends, Happy Spring! As we emerge from this incredibly difficult year, I have finally allowed myself to reflect on all that has happened…the scary, the unknown, and the beautiful blessings and silver linings. If this year has taught us anything, it is that no one is immune to crisis brought on by something so far out of their control. I have thought many times over the last 13 months about the families we serve at Florence Crittenton, that so many of them have been here before…in a crisis that was not of their own making. Childhoods they did not choose for themselves. Experiences and behaviors that were etched into their daily living at such a young age it was never even a choice. Just like us, their stories have been different, but they have one common and defining characteristic – they have resolve.

Early in the pandemic, we resolved as an organization to keep our doors open. We would continue to serve no matter how hard it got; we would not give up on these families. They had been through so much and we were going to show them that when they “showed up” every day, we would show up with them. There were days this seemed nothing short of impossible. On those days, we drew our strength from our clients, and from you. Because of our partners and supporters, because of your resolve to continue to look outside of your own lives and help, our clients and our organization were not only able to survive, but to THRIVE! I could share a hundred stories with you about these little moments of resolve from our clients and our staff, and I hope someday I am able to sit down with each of you and share those incredible moments. But for today, please know that what you have done this last year has mattered.

You have made a difference and you should be so proud of these families that have once again persevered.

Florence Crittenton has not only survived, but thrived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, earthquakes, and now not one, but two, pandemics. We are so proud to continue to serve through the world’s most difficult moments and could not do it without you.

Here’s to the bright future ahead for all of us. May we understand just a little better our own resolve and share our strength with those fighting to find their own.

With Sincere Thanks,

Carrie Krepps, Executive Director

FOLLOW US! Florence Crittenton MT

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NADINE’S STORY My name is Nadine and when I joined Florence Crittenton’s home visiting program I had my 2 babies. I had just moved to Helena and I was staying with my family because I didn’t have a job yet.

Eventually I found a job and we found a place of our own; I was in a very difficult relationship with someone that I really loved, but he had a lot of mental health problems which made it really hard for him to keep a job. I was the only one working and I was really stressed about trying to meet all of our needs financially, emotionally and physically.

I was going to WIC and they told me about this awesome home visiting program where they help families called Parents as Teachers. I signed up for it and I am so glad that I did because I felt like I was sinking in a big huge abyss and I had no idea where I was going to go or what I was going to do.

It was so nice to have someone come in and help me be the best mom that I could be. To tell me that it wasn’t just going to be this sinking ship all the time. My home visitor helped me focus on my goals of being a really good mom and doing the best that I can to give my kids a future that encourages their growth and development. She also was an amazing support for me and gave me the one on one support that I was searching for and so desperately needed. It was so nice to have someone that could visit me at my home and do activities with my kids that I could see were enriching their lives. She encouraged me to work on my goals too and she was just there for us.

I’m now working on my Nursing School degree which I really wanted to do, and I couldn’t do before. I had the strength and support to be able to leave that very unhealthy relationship and feel like it’s going to be ok. We’re going to do this, we’ve got this, I’m going to be the best mom I can be, my kids are thriving and I’m doing fantastic. I’ve never been happier in my life and I am just so grateful to this program that has helped us so much.

I know that this program wouldn’t exist without all of your donors’ help and I just want to say thank you so much for providing this program for families in need like mine.

OUR HOME VISITOR’S PERSPECTIVE It has been a wonderful experience to be part of Nadine’s circle of support. Nadine has always been very receptive to the information on child development and parenting that I have given to her. She enjoys the activities that I bring to her family and is very clear about any information she may need to help support her children in their growth.

In the beginning of our time together, Nadine was navigating a very unhealthy relationship with her daughters’ father. He was dealing with some severe mental illness and the relationship had been very challenging. I was there to help support her through it, knowing that she knew what was best. I was not there to tell her what to do. I knew that Nadine’s intelligence, resilience, and love for her children would carry her to a better life.

I have continued to have regular visits with Nadine throughout the pandemic to provide her with additional resources during this challenging year. She is now in a healthy, loving relationship with a new partner and has a beautiful baby boy. Her daughters are doing amazingly well and are very well adjusted after some very trying times. It has been an honor to support this incredible family.

Michelle Fleming, Parents As Teachers Home Visitor

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SPRING 2021

RESOLVE TO RESOLVE TO HEAL It has been over a year since the Coronavirus took over the world, and no one has been left untouched. Our community has endured so much hardship and loss, impacting families, businesses, and society in general. However, following every hardship comes opportunity, and the families at Florence Crittenton represent just that. It is safe to say that this year has been far from easy, but it has also shown us just how resilient we can be.

78%

Of mothers reported an increase in stress as a result of COVID-19 (COPE study NYU)

56.2%

Young Adults aged 1824 reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression during the Pandemic.

(U.S. Census Bureau)

13%

Of Americans reported starting or increasing substance use as a way of coping with stress or emotions related to COVID-19. (CDC)

The families we serve are especially vulnerable to the impacts of the pandemic, as they are already facing challenges relating to employment, healthcare, housing, childcare, and food insecurity.

Young mothers have had to navigate quarantine, financial struggles, and reduced access to the support systems that many at-risk parents rely on, such as extended family, childcare and schools, religious groups and other community organizations. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, links these stressors to increased prevalence of domestic abuse, substance use, and mental health disorders. The “Pandemic Parenting Study” lead by Jessica Calarco, Associate Professor of Sociology at Indiana University Bloomington, explores these impacts. Calarco explains that “The Pandemic is exacerbating longstanding sources of conflicts in couples with young children and creating new conflicts as well. Meanwhile, mothers blame themselves for these conflicts and feel responsible for reducing them. Some mothers who lost their jobs during the pandemic are now trapped in difficult or dangerous relationships and don’t have the resources to leave.”

Children are also experiencing challenges during the pandemic as a result of isolation, school shutdowns, reduced social life and physical activity, changes to routine, and disharmony at home. Increased parental stress can put kids at higher risk for abuse and neglect, which is more likely to go undetected if a child is not attending school or daycare. It is critical that at-risk families have access to support services and are empowered to seek help when they need it the most.

This year, like so many years before, many families have found themselves struggling with substance use, mental health, trauma, and abuse. The families we serve have made the choice to overcome the challenges they have faced. By coming to Florence Crittenton, our clients resolve to heal from their past. They put faith in us to help them create a better life for themselves and their children, and they have put in the work needed for their families to thrive, even during a pandemic. Every day, we are inspired by the tenacity and strength of mothers and are so proud to continue providing the best possible care and support to Montana families.

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OVERCOME RESOLVE TO SERVE

Gathering our strength and courage from the hard work and determination of our very own clients, Florence Crittenton resolved to continue offering critical services throughout the last year.

While many organizations shut their doors due to the health risks and financial challenges brought on by the pandemic, we had a different response. Recognizing that the need is higher than ever before, we honored our commitment as an essential service provider and had to quickly adapt to continue providing support to our clients.

We found new ways to fundraise, made shifts in our programs to keep everyone safe, continued home visiting, parenting classes and at times therapy sessions virtually, and worked to expand our outpatient services to increase accessibility to treatment. We made every effort to keep our childcare programs open and running so parents could feel confident their children were safe while they returned to work, often in frontline and healthcare positions.

While it might have been easier to close our doors, we resolved to meet the increasing needs of our community. This effort took support from many different partners and incredible donors that continued to provide funding, support services, and counsel as we navigated this unchartered territory. Simply put, we could not do it alone.

We, just as the rest of the world, will be enduring the impact of the pandemic for years to come and with the support of the community, we will continue to be there for the families that need us most.

RESOLVE TO RESPOND Florence Crittenton is an organization founded in courageous innovation, responding to the needs of our state’s most vulnerable populations, and today is no different. While the pandemic created distinct challenges, it has also brought opportunities to serve in new and better ways. It also brought a bright light shining on the need for services for vulnerable families.

FC is committed to continuing to serve these families in the most effective ways possible. Throughout the next year, we will be sharing with you the new ways we will be working to reach more families in need and provide even more effective support, including expanded community-based and residential services, and childcare expansion efforts. We resolve to respond to our communities’ needs and serve families with compassion and dignity.

93%

Of Mental Health and Substance Use Services were disrupted(World Health Organization)

40%

Of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Organizations will survive less than a year without additional support (National Council for Behavioral Health)

63%

Of organizations are seeing an increase in demand for youth mental health and addiction treatment services (National Council for Behavioral Health)

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SPRING 2021

YOUR COMPASSION IN ACTION DONOR SPOTLIGHT: TOM SHELLENBERG & CHRIS HILLEGASS Tom Shellenberg and Chris Hillegass have been a part of the Florence Crittenton family since 2004.

They are members of the Believers Circle, which means they’ve committed to giving a gift every month to help sustain the programs that build thriving families. We are so grateful to Tom and Chris for their consistent investment in the young families we serve.

Tom and Chris live in Livingston and are local business owners. They generously support several non-profits and their generosity is making a lasting impact in our communities. Monthly giving provides consistent and predictable income which is helpful when planning for programmatic growth.

If you’re not already, please consider becoming a member of the Believers Circle, and know that you’ll be making a positive impact in the lives of our most vulnerable community members.

Tom and Chris also invest in the Florence Crittenton Endowment by being part of our Legacy Society.

Endowments are a great tool to provide consistent support in perpetuity, much like the Believers Circle, but on a grander scale. Both being a monthly giver and building the endowment are great ways to ensure Florence Crittenton is poised to serve families for generations to come!

Thank you so much, Tom and Chris! The world needs more people like you!

BECOME A BELIEVER Florence Crittenton’s Believer’s Circle is a way for individuals to make a monthly or quarterly commitment to change the lives of the young families participating in our residential and community based programs. Your monthly contributions will provide a steady and reliable source of funding to help sustain the programs vital to Florence Crittenton’s success year-round. For more information or to sign up contact Marly Kendrick at marlyk@florencecrittenton.org or call 406-442-6950 x204 or scan the QR Code.

BELIEVER’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

Believer’s Circle members make a gift to Florence Crittenton every month or quarter.

Deanna Albert Laura Brayko Andy & Jeaneen Campbell Jim & Joslyn Carney Joseph & Georgia Chiarella Ashley & TJ Coggins Bruce Davidson Jim & Joan FitzGerald Peggy Flynn J. Robert Frazer Joseph Gage

Charles & Judy Hanson Collette & Harry Hanson Betti & Rick Hill Joyce Keeler Josh & Marly Kendrick Ashley Kovick Annette Luckett Marchita & Herschel Mays Mary & Larry McCain Tim & Linda McCauley

Paula McNutt Duane & Sherry Mitchell Joelyn & John Morgan Our Lady of the Valley Parish Mr. Robert K Phillips John Schipf & Annette Swan Schipf Beverly & James Schneider Don & Barb Schultz Mildred Sebring F. Thomas Shellenberg

Jeff & Brittney Shirley Amy Smiedala St Peter’s Cathedral Carol & David Stahly Craig & Christy Stiles Eric & Sarah Urban Ethel White Loraine Wodnik Susan Fergerson Wong & Kai Wong

www.florencecrittenton.org

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MOTHERS ARE WARRIORS The definition of ‘warrior’ has shifted over the years. It used to exclusively mean ‘a brave or experienced soldier or fighter.’ Today, the term warrior oftentimes refers to one who is very strong and does not give up easily; one who is brave under adverse conditions. In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the Warriors that are our mothers.

We all want to forget 2020, but let’s not do that before we acknowledge the incredibly challenging year mothers in particular faced. Many mothers held down a full-time job while homeschooling their young children. The cost of childcare forced some to step away from their jobs, and many found themselves unemployed through no fault of their own. It was a tough year for all of us, especially moms. Now…imagine how much harder it would have been as a 13-year-old mom.

The challenges our young families overcame this year are astonishing. Having come to Florence Crittenton after enduring seemingly insurmountable trauma and having a child at such a tender age is brave enough. Add COVID-19, online learning, not seeing your family over the holidays and quarantining with a baby in your bedroom to an already unbearable situation. But our clients did it, and our doors never closed! To remain committed to your child, to your education and to your health through a pandemic of epic proportions is a sign of true grit. Incredible strength. Fortitude. It’s the sign of a Warrior.

MOTHERS DAY RAFFLE At Florence Crittenton, mothers are at the heart of everything we do. This Mother’s Day, we wanted to give you the chance to do something special for a Woman Warrior, aka Mother, in your life, and the moms at Florence Crittenton. We are excited to announce that we have partnered up with some amazing local businesses who have donated an ultimate self-care day raffle package valued at over $1,000! We all know a mom that deserves to be spoiled for once, right? One lucky lady will enjoy these goodies:

Hand-crafted charcuterie board by Savor and Graze A selection of spa treatments by Skin Esteem Mani-pedi from Kismet Nail Bar 60-minute massage from The Light Room Basket of hair products from Halo Salon $50 Gift Certificate to Fiesta Mexicana restaurant This raffle will be entirely virtual; all you have to do is purchase your tickets online and we will send you an email with all the details. The live drawing will be held on Friday, May 7th, just in time for Mother’s Day! One hundred percent of the proceeds from this raffle will support our family-centered programs at Florence Crittenton. Join us as we celebrate all the moms in our community this holiday!

For tickets scan the QR code above or visit www.florencecrittenton.org

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SPRING 2021

Thank you to all of our amazing corporate sponsors, business supporters, volunteers and raffle donors for their contributions to the 2021 Paint the Town PINK. These partners ensure that every penny raised at PINK goes straight to helping the families in our care.

2021

PI love to give NK

SPONSORS P L AT I N U M

EMERALD

Planned and Engineered Construction, Inc.

SAPPHIR E

PEARL

resent also sponsored by:

Ash Grove Cement Company Ascension Physical Therapy Eagle Beverage Gusto Distributing

Helena’s premier health and wellness event

Saturday, August 10 8:30 a.m. – Noon

Helena Orthodontics Slate Architecture Centennial Park and Great Northern Town Center: Montana Eyecare Shodair Children’s Hospital One-mile fun run starts 9 a.m.

Health & wellness fair Montana Health Valley Bank of Helena Free T-shirtCO-OP gets kids complimentary admission to the Great Northern Carousel, ExplorationWorks and the YMCA pool!

Nicholson Vanilla Bean Bakery and Cafe registerInc

by August 1st at sphealth.org special thanks to: Great Northern Town Center Morrison Maierle Park View Dental

BUSINESS S U P P ORT E R S 1889 Coffee A1 Party Plus Rentals Bank of the Rockies Cassadoodles Chili O'Brien's Catering

Copper Furrow Brewing Finstad's Carpet One Grandstreet Theatre Kevin Hamm Ten Years Gone

VOLUNTEERS Aaron Gerhart Addee Pickett Amy Dietchler Amy Severtson Baily Root Bryna Severtson Caden McCullough Claire Downing Collette Hanson Cory Wood Creeana Rygg Danielle Waddell Darryl James Diego Lopez Ella McCullough Emily Hagengruber Emma Hoover Ethan Hayes Eva McCullough Faith Manbusen Hadley Kraft Helena High National Honor Society Jamie McCullough Jeannie Etchart Jen Rebo Jennifer James

Jessica Willout Jim Carney Joshua Wilcox Judson Seliskar Julie Goughnoar Kaleb McKay Katerina Routzen Kayla Tremmel Lenny Triem Lisa Nelson Maci Sahaguchi Maddie Hagengruber Madelyn Murgel Makayela Ellison Mariana Routzen Matt McCullough Meghan Schulte-Advisor Nadine Viores Patti Wood Ron Waterman Sarah Corbally Shane Larson Siera Hamilton Stone James Tyleigh Burchard Vivian James William Mansfield

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www.florencecrittenton.org

PINK 2021 A BIG SUCCESS PINK was a big success! Despite the very different look of it this year, we surpassed our goal of $170,000 by $25,000, raising $195,000! It was heart - warming to see our corporate partners step up in bigger ways this year, and our donors stepped up as well. Big thanks to Jamie McCullough for her incredible talents in making PINK ‘feel’ like PINK with the party box contents.

Big props to Shane Larson as well as he dazzled us yet again with a wonderful job emceeing.

PINK 2022 will mark the 20th anniversary of PINK, and we’re planning on going big, so mark your calendar and save the date of February 12, 2022!

Save the Date We’re all hoping that 2021 continues to see a bit more consistency and more predictable events and community celebrations than its 2020 counterpart. Florence Crittenton is looking forward to both Support our Girls and Paint the Town Pink! Yet while we’re still emerging from the Covid Cloak that was 2020, we’re a little hesitant to nail down firm plans.

We will certainly be hosting both events; we’re just not sure what exactly they’ll look like this year. We appreciate your patience as we navigate how best to safely host these events. Support Our Girls will be in September again this year, and we’ll celebrate Paint the Town Pink 20th Anniversary in a big way on Saturday February 12th. We look forward to sharing more details!

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SPRING 2021

IN-KIND DONORS Donations made January 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021 Donations of a value of $100 or more are listed.

1889 Coffee House Alissa and Hasani Abentroth Advanced Spinal Fitness Chiropractic Juliana Alfaro Allegra Marketing / Print / Mail Travis and Darby Belcher Kim Bieber Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana Brooke Trout Environmental, Inc Kristin Burgoyne Deborah Butzlaff Deena Carpenter Cassadoodles CASA - Advocates For Kids Chapter AY, PEO International Carol Clifford Bill and Jenise Cockhill Crafted Aesthetics & Wellness Susan Everson First Presbyterian Church Dustin Freeman Sara Garrison Sarah Gee Shelly Gloege Great West Engineering Jennifer Gregg Headwaters Covenant Church Helena College Helena First Assembly of God Church

In-kind donations are a vital part of our programs. During the pandemic, we have had to limit our intake of some items but have continued to receive an outpouring of generosity from our community. Thank you for thinking of our young families!

Helena Food Share Rotary Club of Helena Darbie and William Hess Tammie and John Hilton Hopa Mountain Hope Lutheran Church Isabelle Hunt IT & M Division Inc. Trish Jackman Sarah Keech Freddy and Carrie Krepps Carmen and John Levick Lewis and Clark County Public Health Department Living Hope Fellowship Lizard Licks Lowe’s of Helena Sarah Ludtke-Heagle Kevin and Steff Lundstrom Marine Corps League Toys for Tots Marchita and Herschel Mays Kelle McMahon Erin Mills and Christine ArmstrongMills Mount Helena Community Church Mountain Man Treasures Denise Mui Nitro Green of Helena John Northey NorthStar Real Estate Amy Pearson Chris Peccia and Didi Augustine

Peccia Prickly Pear Cooperative Mary Kay and John Puckett Ray Bjork Learning Center Shirley Ruffner Sarah and Jake Sandau Laura Schlageck John and Beth Schmeltzer Silver City Stone Amy Smiedala Kitty Songer Soroptimist International of Helena St Johns Lutheran Church St Peter’s Cathedral St Peter’s Health Diane Stavnes Patti Stewart Target The Holter Museum of Art Thrifty Drug Store Tizer Meats Town Pump Helena #5 Greg and Tammy Van Horssen Montana Correctional Enterprises Ron and Ann Waterman West Mont Flower & Trading Company Erin & Gerald Zeigler

FLORENCE CRITTENTON’S LEGACY SOCIETY

Legacy Society donors have made a commitment to future families at FCHS by making a gift to our endowment or naming FCHS in their will.

Dick & Margaret Anderson Kenneth L. Davenport Heather Nicholson Jean Barrett Henry Dahl Trust John Northey Bill & Barbara Burton Marcella Hull Fred Peterson Donna & Carey Cain J Empson F Thomas Shellenberg Peter & Mary Carparelli Maureen & Edward Kiely Art Story John & Anne Collins Martin H. Oleson Jr. Ron & Ann Waterman Pat & Patty Collins Barb Moy Cynthia Foster Dixie Nichols BECOME A MEMBER OF OUR LEGACY SOCIETY! Contact Heather Greene at 406-442-6950 x255 or heatherg@florencecrittenton.org

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HONOR DONATIONS

Names in bold are those being honored. Donations made in calendar year 2020.

Callie Batson Chris Batson

Jo Lee Hawkins Cheyenne Bartelt

Lisa Nelson Connie M Nelson

Amy Smiedala Mary Lou Riddell Hadley

Shirley Cooper Anonymous

Shari Hurst Connie M Nelson

Katherine O’Loughlin Barbara Penner

Matthew T Vickers Ken & Sue Keefe

Mary Lou Hadley Amy Smiedala

Naomi Miles Anonymous

Tracy Petersen Connie M Nelson

Kathleen Ward Molly Ward Disability Law, P.C.

MEMORY DONATIONS

Names in bold are those being remembered. Donations made in calendar year 2020.

Sue Avey Bill Avey & Crystal Coffey Avey

Steven Hadley Amy Smiedala

Glenda Davidson Bruce Davidson

Arch M. Hewitt Jr. Gail Hewitt

Lowell F Duffner Diane Boyett

Barbara John Leonard John

John and Betty Dukart Leslie & Nancy Johnson

Emma John Leonard John

Mabel L. Ernster Louis & Peggy Pulver

Clara Kimbriel Richard & Brenda Heitstuman

Barbara Gallagher Walter & Norine Joyce

Lorna Mayo Lorna Mayo Family Foundation

David T. & Dan Ricci Margaret Ricci

Beverly Jean McMurray Russ Williams

Paul Schillinger Jerry & Carol Schillinger

John & Rosalie Morrison Helen Hoffman

Zachary Spannagel Eli & Jeanne Spannagel

Beulah Peterson Brenda Schilling

Bob Thennis, Sr Millicent & Bill Solich

Elenor L. Pulver Louis & Peggy Pulver

Catherine “Dubby” Ward Molly Ward Disability Law, P.C.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Helena, MT 59601 Permit No. 76

901 N. Harris Helena, MT 59601

District 37 Approved

GREATER HELENA GIVES Greater Helena Gives is the Helena Area’s annual 24-hour online giving campaign designed to raise money and awareness for our local nonprofit community. Join us in celebrating the nonprofits that make our communities “home”.

In 2020, Greater Helena Gives raised $159,710 for 74 local nonprofits from 886 donors. This year we plan to raise even more!

To learn more about how to give and fundraise on behalf of Florence Crittenton, please contact marlyk@ florencecrittenton.org or scan the QR code below by hovering the camera on your mobile device over it.

THANK YOU!