117 Stories

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.

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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?

Story #43

Stephanie, 21: The Importance of Funding

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.

Susan Lo, 23: Forever Grateful

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!

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Story #40

Story #39

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!!!!!!!

Story #38

Story #37

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.

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