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Author: Kimberly Jackson-Luzader

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117 Stories
February 16, 2013
Story #38
A Tribute to Judy Harrison Barry

“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.

Photo: Story #38 A Tribute to Judy Harrison Barry “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.

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117 Stories
February 15, 2013

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.

Giving

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117 Stories
February 13, 2013

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.

Giving

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117 Stories
February 12, 2013

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.

Giving

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117 Stories
February 11, 2013

Story #33

On January 10th, 2013 (1/10), Florence Crittenton Services of NC began its celebration of 110 years of service. A part of that celebration was proudly displaying FCS “purple” on the Duke Energy Building in honor of our 110th anniversary. How exciting it was to look out on the #CharlotteSkyline and see FCS’s color displayed for all to see. We hope to have the building shine purple throughout the rest of the year. So, if you are driving around and see such a beautiful sight, think of FCS and the 47,000 lives that we have changed in our 110 years of service.

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117 Stories
February 9, 2013

 

Story #31

I love to talk about FCS!

On March 13th, Two Men and a Truck and NoDa Brewing Run Club are partnering to kick off our 5th annual Movers for Moms donation drive. The run club will be having a 1, 3, and 5 mile “diaper dash” run. We are asking participants to donate an item from our wish list (diapers, bottles, linens, etc.) to receive a raffle ticket for gift cards and prizes from local businesses.

Which brings me to my initial statement of… I love to talk ab…out FCS!

Yesterday, the admissions coordinator, Kat, and I went to several businesses asking for gift card donations to be used in the raffle for the “diaper dash” benefitting FCS.

Every place we went into had not heard of FCS, which gave us the opportunity to share with them all the amazing things we have accomplished in our 110 years of service. That moment… when you are speaking passionately about a cause you truly believe in… the moment when the spark enters another’s eyes… when someone else realizes the cause is worthy and honorable… That moment is why I love to talk about FCS. I have seen that spark turn into a fire in so many. I have seen a person look at me skeptically, assuming I’m selling something horrible, then blink, eyes open, skepticism is gone and replaced with an understanding of Florence Crittenton Services and why it is worthwhile.

Our afternoon adventure was so successful and enjoyable. This is a picture of Kat, myself, and Brendon Murphy, manager of a new restaurant called Peculiar Rabbit. After he learned of FCS and all the wonderful things we are doing he gladly gave us a FIFTY DOLLAR gift card to be used in the upcoming raffle. So awesome, and completely validates my assertion that I love to talk about FCS!

Andrea McGhee

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117 Stories
February 7, 2013

Today’s story is about one of our clients who came to FCS recovering from her addiction to cocaine and marijuana.  She came to FCS with a few months of sobriety under her belt and was able to maintain that with the one on one sessions, drug screens, and encouragement from staff. The client was determined to remain substance free for herself and the sake of her unborn child.

In addition to her substance abuse history, she struggled with mental health issues.  During her time at FCS, she had a difficult time getting along with other residents and constantly struggled with poor peer interactions.  Regardless of the numerous obstacle however, she never gave up!  This client consistently worked through her issues with the assistance of staff and the determination to bring into this world a drug free baby.  She was able to ask for help no matter how difficult things became even up to and during the time of her delivery.  We are proud to say that this client fulfilled her goals and delivered a healthy, drug free, 8lb 1oz bouncing baby girl.

After the birth of her baby, she was incredibly grateful for all the help that she had received from FCS staff and stated that this place has been a life saver 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

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117 Stories
February 6, 2013

This story is a wonderful email that was received by staff from a former client.

Hey Ms. Shanell I was checking my email and I decided to write you one so u can read it when u get to work. I miss sitting in my chair next to your desk talking to you about my problems.

Sometimes I find myself missing being at FCS as much as I hated it when I was living there I never thought that I would say this but I am glad my mom sent me there. It was different from what I was used to but I had to open my eyes to different things.

I experienced new things and met new people and really accomplished a lot with the help from FCS staff. Mrs. Michelle helped me with school and I don’t think I would have continued my education without her and you were there for me when I needed u. I think if u weren’t there I probably would have gone crazy. I didn’t need one of those mentors that they give them girls there because I had you!

That was more than I could have ever asked for u really meant a lot to me and I will miss u if somehow we were to lose touch with each other. This email is a little long and I know u have to start work so goodbye and happy birthday again. I love u!

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/