Today’s story was provided by, Katie, our nutritional coordinator.
Today, clients met for a class called “Play with Your Food.” We discussed simple and inexpensive activities for children that can be done with items from your kitchen. “Goop”, made using cornstarch and water, seemed to be everyone’s favorite activity. We also dyed dried noodles and made play-dough!
Government funding is not always guaranteed for women who need our services. FCS relies on donors and community support to fund clients like Stephanie…
Stephanie is a 21 year old who has been a victim of abuse for many years. When she was 13 she was first raped by her step-father and at 17 she was raped again by a stranger. Due to evident trauma, Stephanie was diagnosed with depression and has received outpatient counseling for several years. When Stephanie turned 19, she moved out of her mother’s house to escape the abuse. She gave birth to her first child and they moved from place to place and couch to couch. Essentially they were homeless. Last year, Stephanie and her child moved in with her biological father and step-mother in hopes to have a safe place to live. Unfortunately, Stephanie’s father became physically abusive towards her and Stephanie fears for her safety. Stephanie is 15 weeks pregnant and is in need of a safe place to live away from the abuse. Stephanie recently obtained employment at Wal-Mart and is very excited about this opportunity; however, she is afraid her father will not give her transportation to and from work. Without this she will lose her job. She would like to work towards obtaining her GED but again has no way of getting to class. Stephanie would flourish as a resident in our program; however, due to limitations in the state funding she could not qualify for full funding.
Due to our commitment to women like Stephanie and the help of donor funds, we were able to serve Stephanie through the healthy delivery of her baby and transition into safe housing.
A couple of days ago, Susan Lo, a former resident at FCS shared her story with me, and I couldn’t help but pass it along to you. One more success story! Thank you, Susan!
I stayed at Florence Crittenton in 1998-99 and cannot express my gratitude for the help and care I received during my stay. I will forever be grateful to the staff and services I received. I was alone during that time with no support and Florence allowed me to see a light at the end of the tunnel. My daughter just turned 14 yrs old last week and I was reminded of where we both started out. I have come a long way since then. I am married with 3 additional children and just started my 1st semester of nursing school. I just wanted to thank you Florence Crittenton and hope you will forever help those in need as I was!
If you like the stories we have been sharing, please consider giving a gift to support these girls and women and their families.
Staff from Florence Crittenton recently had two 110th anniversary celebration kick off awareness events. With help from our Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers, we passed out over 1000 brochures and were able to sing the praises of FCS. Below is a picture of our helpers from one of the events at the Wells Fargo CIC campus.
Story #39
Today’s story is a weekend report that one of our esteemed Case Managers sent out to staff.
On Saturday Night, the atmosphere was just right for another one of those exciting almost all night PJ’s Party! The ladies were excited and ready to hang all night if necessary!
The ladies got along well, with too much laughing, eating and talking being the only problems. Which, I believe are the perfect ingredients for a successful party! Wouldn’t you agree? Oh yes, one other small issue, no one wanted the party to end!
PS: Thank you Mr. Eddie for the wonderful food. As always it was the party stopper for all of us! Thank you so much!!!!!!!
“Changing the Future, Two Lives at a Time”
In September 2011, Florence Crittenton Services lost a very dear friend, Judy Harrison Barry. A strong advocate for the agency and the young women and children that we serve, Judy worked tirelessly to ensure that North Carolina Maternity Home Funds were maintained in the state budget. She spearheaded efforts to enable the FCS’ Sarah’s House program to become a reality for teen mothers and their children. FCS was always very special to Judy.
As a way to honor Judy’s legacy to ‘promote health and hope for tomorrow’s children,’ FCS has established a permanent memorial to Judy called “Changing the Future, Two Lives at a Time.” This fund is an ongoing tribute to our friend and advocate. The purpose of this fund will be to provide assistance to the young women in need prior to the availability of state funds, thus ensuring healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
Judy’s leadership, dedication and love for the mission of Florence Crittenton will be reflected in the memorial fund in her honor.
Story #37
I grew up with a loving and supportive family. As a child, I assumed everyone else had what I took for granted: unconditional love from my parents. Then when I was a teenager, the younger sister of a good friend of mine discovered that she was pregnant. Because she was so fearful of what her parents would say or do to her when they learned the truth, and knowing of no other place to turn, she chose to take her own life.
Her story has stayed with me ever since then.
I recently joined the Board of Directors of FCS in order to help teenage girls and young women who are struggling with the issues that my friend’s sister found too overwhelming to contend with. It takes an immense amount of courage to be young and pregnant, especially when one is facing other serious life challenges. At FCS, at-risk girls and women are given the support and education they need to take their next steps with improved health, important life skills and greater confidence. I am proud to serve this amazing organization.
If you like the stories we have been sharing, please consider giving a gift to support these girls and women and their families.
FCS is shown love in so many ways, but especially on Valentines Day. Our residents received Valentines Day gift bags from Bless A Child Christian Ministry. They were made individually for every resident here, and have put smiles on faces and warmed hearts. Thank you so much, for sharing your love!
Last summer we reviewed the case of a 14 year old girl who needed placement. Her mother was incarcerated and her father was not active in her life. She had been taken care of by an elderly family member who was becoming overwhelmed as she was also taking care of the client’s siblings. This young lady presented with an extensive substance abuse history that mirrored her mother’s addiction. We offered this client placement and referred her to McLeod Adolescent Out-Patient Drug Treatment Center here in Charlotte. Staff supported her in attending daily. She successfully completed this program and was enrolled in a CMS school where she has maintained positive school attendance had no disciplinary incidents. Since her placement she has been able to produce negative drug screens. She was also able to quit smoking. She attained perfect attendance in her parenting classes and completed the Healthy Relationships and Career Exploration curriculum. Towards the end of her placement in our maternity program she participated in a Substance Abuse Prevention Presentation where she spoke to other clients about the dangers of drug abuse. With the support of our program not only has this young lady been able to make some positive choices to help stop the vicious cycle of drug abuse and neglect but she also delivered a beautiful and healthy drug free baby.
If you like the stories we have been sharing, please consider giving a gift to support these girls and women and their families.
Story #34
“Just a note to advise you that things are going well.
**** is doing excellent in school and plans on attending
Salem College here in Winston. She seems focused and
takes good care of her baby and they make an excellent
team. She is learning to use her time wisely which can be a
challenge.
The skills she learned at Florence Crittenton have been so
beneficial. I feel like she has come home a woman and a
mother.
Thanks for everything and God Bless!”
If you like the stories we have been sharing, please consider giving a gift to support these girls and women and their families.