Phone 704-372-4663

Author: Kamaria Clifton

A poem written by a former resident regarding our lovely FCS rose garden.

Just one rose given
Says you’re special
You’re in my prayers

Just one rose given
Says you’re not alone
I’m here, for you I care

Just one rose given
Says don’t give up,
Because I haven’t given up on you

Just one rose given
Says and means
More than you ever knew

Just one rose given
Changes the outlook
Of one’s day

It brings a smile
It brings joy
It bring gratitude
And so we say…

Thank you
For thinking of us
Some of us need
More people like you

Thank you
For our own piece of heaven
A garden
In full bloom

Thank you for
Being there for us
Even though we couldn’t see

You were like
The wizard of oz
A puppeteer pulling
Strings

Thank you
For your dedication
And everything
That you do

Thank you
For this
Beautiful rose garden

But mostly Mrs. Lib
We thank God
Every day for you

J. is a one of the first clients that came to Legacy Hall when it first opened. Working on obtaining independence, she was having difficulties in placements in foster care because she was needing to be taught skills to move on her own. J came to Legacy Hall and was aided in honing her grocery shopping skills as well as learning to schedule and maintain doctor’s appointments on her own as well as making better grades in her college classes. Staff eventually helped her to look for an apartment in a neighboring county, and she was able to move in within a few months, having saved enough money to maintain for a few months. Since moving out, client continued in school and improved her grades the following semester, got a job at local department store and has since gotten married. She is living in a nice two bedroom apartment with her husband and is soon expecting their first child.

What did J learn from the program at Legacy Hall?

·How to build a credit score and how bad it can be once you get bad credit.

·I learned the value of time.

·I finally learned how to look for an apartment.

·I have resisted peer pressure even at the cost of friendship.

·I improved my relationship with my mother by finally accepting the role she plays.

·I got my driver’s license (my first step towards independence.): Courage: I was scared to drive or ever be on the road alone.

·I learned how to put together a support team and not run away from those who care about you. “don’t burn bridges”.

Florence Crittenton has been a great deal to me and my baby girl. I appreciate all the staff that took the time out to cater to my everyday needs. Although it was a rough and stressful start, it has gotten much better then what I had expected. Thanks for providing me with a service that can’ go without recognition. I’m going to miss everyone that took part in my pregnancy journey, which seemed like a long time. While my stay here I managed to accomplish housing, education, a job, and responsibility. Thanks to Florence Crittenton, I have the confidence to complete any task I put my mind to. It’s been a great experience and another chapter that was added, and I can’t wait to tell my story.

*Client’s name and Personal information have been changed in order to protect client”s identification.

Sarah Jones was admitted into Florence Crittenton Services for therapeutic care for a period of four months. At the time of admission, Sarah was in her twenties, three months pregnant, unemployed, without housing, and without a high school diploma or GED. Sarah became quickly acclimated to the structure and programming of FCS. She easily transitioned into becoming a positive community member while in residence and a strong peer support. Sarah would often participate in positive dialogue with her peers and if needed, redirect them but not without rendering positive, thought provoking commentary to allow her peers to ponder responsibly about decision making, attitude, and overall life goals. Sarah came into the program with little resources but maximized all resources afforded to her through FCS. She maintained consistency in meeting with her FCS social worker weekly to work toward securing stable housing, attending and participating in agency programs, groups, and other supportive services offered. Within the first week of her residency, she was able to secure her state I.D., which she needed in order to pursue any additional goals that she’d established upon acceptance into the program. She utilized the vocational/educational support services to research the criterion needed to acquire her GED and quickly enrolled into a local GED program within two weeks of her residency. Once she started the GED program she was very diligent and consistent with her attendance and maintained a positive attitude toward not only completing her program but excelling in the program. While attending school, Sarah continued working with vocational supportive services provided by FCS which included attending several job fairs, completing many job applications, and attending numerous job interviews. After six weeks as a resident in the FCS maternity program, Sarah received a call to interview for yet another job and after completing her interview, she was offered employment the same day and accepted a full-time position with a local retail store. Sarah discharged from the FCS maternity program after securing an apartment, a full-time job, and enrolling and participating in a GED program.

Today’s story is to dedicated one of Florence Crittenton’s most exceptional employees, Mrs. Judith Lisenby. She has faithfully worked for FCS for the past 27 years, and is now retiring. Her dedication and commitment to FCS manifests itself every day when she arrives before 7am, after having already purchased numerous supplies and ensured we are up and running efficiently. She has sacrificed countless hours and energy to ensure the success of our program, and is a testimony to our mission. FCS is about mothers, supporting them, sheltering them, and loving them, and Judith has been the mother of Florence Crittenton Services for a very long time. She has made sure our residents are warm at night, had food on their table, and clothes on their backs. Because of, Judith, so many residents lives have been changed. Her love of FCS shines through every day, and I count it as an honor to have worked along side her. You will be incredibly missed!
Photo: Story #71

Today's story is to honor one of Florence Crittenton's most exceptional employees, Mrs. Judith Lisenby.  She has faithfully worked for FCS for the past 27 years, and is now retiring.  Her dedication and commitment to FCS manifests itself every day when she arrives before 7am, after having already purchased numerous supplies and ensured we are up and running efficiently.  She has sacrificed countless hours and energy to ensure the success of our program, and is a testimony to our mission.  FCS is about mothers, supporting them, sheltering them, and loving them, and Judith has been the mother of Florence Crittenton Services for a very long time.  She has made sure our residents are warm at night, had food on their table, and clothes on their backs.  Because of, Judith, so many residents lives have been changed.  Her love of FCS shines through every day, and I count it as an honor to have worked along side her.  You will be incredibly missed!

Over Comer

Although we go through struggles being pregnant,
statistics, people, and taunts are irrelevant.
I believe I can achieve the impossible dreams,
because God, my children, and FCS guided me.
I was going to give up, I thought it was hard.
Thank you FCS for bringing me thus far.
I am an over comer!

Written by an FCS client in 2012

Andrea,

Just had to share with you how great last night was. We had an amazing time with the ladies making picture frames. They are so creative. I was really surprised at how good they were and how much they seemed to enjoy themselves. It’s nights like that, that keep us going and wanting to do our very best.

Just wanted to share.

Take care and have a great day!
Bunita
New Zion Chuch

Dear Ms. Andrea.

Hello, how are you doing? I am fine. I wanted to thank you for all you have done for me, and for all you do for many others. I don’t think people thank you enough! You have done great things, for example you let me stay at Florence, even though I came with a lot of baggage. I was in trouble and needed to get my act together. And like i said the last time I talked to you, you helped me a lot, just saying those words “we believe people can change.” Thank you so much for showing me the way.

P.S. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and happy new year.

Photo: Story # 68

Dear Ms. Andrea.

Hello, how are you doing?  I am fine.  I wanted to thank you for all you have done for me, and for all you do for many others.  I don't think people thank you enough!  You have done great things, for example you let me stay at Florence, even though I came with a lot of baggage.  I was in trouble and needed to get my act together.  And like i said the last time I talked to you, you helped me a lot, just saying those words "we believe people can change."  Thank you so much for showing me the way.

P.S. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and happy new year.

Our amazing residents at Florence Crittenton come from all walks of life. They are from all over the state of North Carolina, are all ages, and always have their own unique story. There commonalities are in pregnancy and the wish for a healthy baby and promising future. FCS does its best to provide and make possible the dreams and hopes of our clients. Whether it be assisting a client in enrolling in school, finding a job, securing housing, etc., FCS strives for excellence in supporting and encouraging the strengths of each lady in residence. Our determination to provide the most comprehensive and holistic services would not be successful without the aid of our community. This was made manifest once again this past Wednesday, during our Movers for Moms kick off event the #diaperdash.

For the 5th year in a row TWO MEN AND A TRUCK of Charlotte, NC has allowed FCS to be the lucky recipients of their amazing donation drive, allowing FCS to provide necessary items to is clients in need.

This year, has already surpassed expectations. On Wednesday, runners from NoDa Brewing Run Club met at NoDa Brewing Company for their weekly run, except this time they brought with them donations for Florence Crittenton Services – Charlotte, NC. We received over 700 items from the runners as well as from Belevation. Additionally, FCS received over $100.00 in monetary donations.

We are forever grateful! Without your love and support our services would not exist.

Thank you so much! I am overwhelmed with your generosity!

Andrea McGhee
Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator