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spring 2022
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.
