Story #51

Story #51

Today’s story is about one of our successful Legacy Hall clients.She is a foster care client turning 18 this month and will remain with us on the CARS agreement. She will be graduating in January from a local CMS high school. She is interested in becoming a chef and attending a school for culinary arts. She is already enrolled in the spring semester at CPCC, where she will begin taking her basic courses. She often will bake items and take them to school and sell. Or, she takes orders for pies, cakes, etc. and will sell them as well. She received three honors this semester, perfect attendance, AB Honor roll, and the Stellar Award. She is active in her Communities in Schools organization, and is a mentor for another student at her school. She carries respect of her counselors and school leaders. She worked at Carowinds last summer for a while. She has had good placements in foster care, but was ready to focus on her independence and getting out on her own, which is why she sought out to come and live at Legacy Hall, which is helping her to focus on that. Her family is made up of her granny, papa, brothers and sisters. Her mother has not been active in her life, to the point of neglect. She is currently working an on campus job of washing dishes in the cafeteria, and at times uses some of her money to help provide school things for her younger brother since she states that her mother does nothing to help provide for any school clothes or school supplies for him.

Legacy Hall is such a unique opportunity for many of our foster care clients. The safe and encouraging atmosphere, allows our residents the time to explore their options for the future and steadily work on their goals towards independence and success.

If you like the stories we have been sharing, please consider giving a gift to support these girls and women and their families.
https://crittentonofnc.org/giving-opportunities/

R, 21: A Friend to Rely On

Today’s story is a letter from a past resident. I love how when our residents worlds are stumbling and crumbling, FCS is consistently able to provide them with safety, security, and stability.

“I just wanted to say anyone thinking of going to FCS will find out what a true blessing you guys are…my first trip to FCS was in 2005 when I went through a Domestic Violence situation then I returned in 2008 when I had a homeless situation while pregnant.  Both times I went were very rewarding.  Between having access to the computer lab and my case worker the wonderful Lily Ann I was able to find employment for when I left after I delivered.  I had the same case worker both times and I wouldn’t of traded her for anything. Miss Tracy and Miss Tammy and Miss Annie are of course fond memories of mine.  I was there both times around Christmas and they made Christmas feel very warm and welcoming and the volunteers from the churches and universities made everything nice too.”

If you like the stories we have been sharing, please consider giving a gift to support these girls and women and their families.
https://crittentonofnc.org/giving-opportunities/

Story #49

Sandy Epperson, 17: Lifechanger

Florence Crittenton Services impacted me directly in 1977, when I was young, single and pregnant. They provided a safe place for me during my pregnancy and enabled me to make decisions which molded my entire life.  After much consideration, I chose to raise my son Daniel – I was 17.

After Daniel was born, I went to FCS’ residential program where I completed my high school education and then began my first job. The program provided excellent day-care and helped me learn basic living skills to become a responsible parent. In a short time, I was self-sufficient, and didn’t need public assistance.  I have been employed by a national Property and Casualty Insurance company for 25 years, and currently work as a Field Development Specialist.

Daniel will earn his doctorate degree in May, 2013 from Wingate University’s School of Pharmacy.

Over the past 35 years, I have remained grateful to FCS, and whenever asked I’ve been honored to speak to groups about my experience. At their annual luncheon in 2011, I presented my story to over 350 attendees, resulting in my being featured in a local news story about FCS.  I also direct my charitable contributions through payroll deduction to the agency.  Thank you, FCS!  Without you, I’m certain our lives would have turned out much differently.

Sandy Epperson

If you like the stories we have been sharing, please consider giving a gift to support these girls and women and their families.

Giving

S, 26: A Second Chance

Today’s story is another example of all the adversity our clients are frequently dealing with, and their ability to overcome and succeed.

“S” came to Florence Crittenton from the court system with a goal of working, participating in a vocational program, and/or attending an outpatient treatment program.  Once assessed by the Cascade (Substance Abuse Treatment) Program, she was required to attend their full time treatment program.  She attended treatment for some time and was then able to advocate for herself and was approved by her Probation Officer to stop attending Cascade and begin a job training program. She was, however, required by Florence Crittenton to continue attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings at least three times a week.  And because she is required to have structure while she remains in our program, she was able to get into a job training program at Goodwill Industries.  She has been attending consistently, missing for just a few days when she gave birth prematurely to her daughter. She will graduate with her class. She has also reunited with her parents. She and her daughter will live with them when the baby is released from the hospital.  With the help of Florence Crittenton and substance abuse treatment, “S” went from being homeless, pregnant, and addicted to substances, to drug free, participating in job skills training and becoming a responsible person for her and her baby.

If you like the stories we have been sharing, please consider giving a gift to support these girls and women and their families.

Giving

Story #45

K, 22: 11 Things I Have Learned

11 Things I Have Improved and Learned While at FCS

1. I learned how to build a credit score and how bad it can be once you get bad credit.

2. I have widely improved on keeping my room cleaner; before, you couldn’t see an inch of my floor.

3. I have learned how to budget and save money ($60.00 grocery money).

4. I have resisted peer pressure even at the cost of friendship. (Responsible)

5. I have improved on approaching my peers in a better, more calm manner.

6. I have personally improved my relationship with my mother by accepting the ROR. She pays. (A friend, nothing more).

7. 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 never thought I would ever drive. I had a car for two years which I never touched – I was too scared.

8. I have improved in school and am not stressing out over it – you should have seen me last semester.

9. I have furthermore learned how to put together a support team and not to run away from those who care about you; don’t burn bridges.

10. I finally learned how to look for an apartment. (Budget, income.) Take into consideration gas or electric heat. (Will there be a gas bill?)

Example: A price 3 beds, 11/2 bath – $550 a month. Includes gas-$100, trash-$20, sewer-$20, electricity-$100.

Apartment, I bed, $550 a month, electricity-$100.

Which do you think is more reasonable?

11. Personally, I’ve learned the value of time-during my last “down time” before I’m on my own. Did I learn anything?/ Did I take for granted?/ Was it time well spent?/ Did I learn everything I needed to in the time allotted?