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March 10, 2025

Celebrating Resilience and Strength: Women in Foster Care Who Changed the World

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions women have made throughout history. As we reflect on these achievements, let’s also recognize the strength and resilience of women who overcame the foster care system and went on to inspire the world with their courage, talent, and perseverance. 

At Crittenton, we are committed to empowering women and children, offering support through programs like Legacy Hall and Sarah’s House, which help youth in foster care transition into adulthood with confidence.

To learn more about the stories of women who overcame these challenges and went on to shape history, read out full story about notable women from the foster care system who have made their mark on the world.

Simone Biles: Soaring to New Heights 

One of the most inspiring examples of resilience is Simone Biles, the world-renowned gymnast who spent part of her childhood in foster care. With a history of overcoming adversity, Simone became a symbol of strength and determination. From her incredible achievements at the Olympics to her advocacy for mental health, Simone’s story reminds us that no matter where you begin, with hard work and belief in yourself, you can achieve greatness. 

Maya Angelou: Finding the Power in Her Voice 

The legendary poet, author, and activist Maya Angelou also experienced time in foster care during her childhood. After facing a series of traumatic events, including being sent to live with her grandmother, Maya found solace in books and writing. Her journey from a difficult childhood to becoming one of the most influential voices in literature and civil rights is a testament to the power of resilience, healing, and the importance of finding your voice. 

Marian Wright Edelman: Championing Children; Creating a Legacy of Hope

A lifelong advocate for children’s rights, has dedicated her career to ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed. As the founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, she has been a powerful voice in the fight for policies that protect and uplift vulnerable children, including those in foster care. Edelman’s commitment to justice and equity has transformed the landscape of child advocacy, and she continues to be a source of inspiration for generations of women and children striving for a better future.

Patsy Mink: Breaking Barriers, Paving Paths for Future Generations

Patsy Mink made history as the first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress and the first Asian-American woman in congress. Raised in an environment that often denied her opportunities because of her ethnicity and gender, Mink overcame significant barriers to become a trailblazer in education policy. She played a pivotal role in the passage of Title IX , which prohibited discrimination based on sex in federally funded education programs, opening doors for countless women and girls in academics and athletics.

The Legacy of Foster Care: Changing Generations 

These stories—along with so many others—show the extraordinary impact of resilience and hope. They remind us that no matter the circumstances, the support, love, and guidance we offer can help a child rise above adversity and achieve their dreams. This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the incredible women who have paved the way for future generations and acknowledge the powerful journey of women and children in foster care. 

At Crittenton, we are committed to breaking the cycle of generational trauma and poverty. Every woman and child deserves the chance to create a better tomorrow, and together, we can help make that vision a reality. Let’s continue to empower, uplift, and celebrate the women who inspire us every day. 

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February 10, 2025

Honoring Black History Month: Celebrating Strength, Resilience and Legacy

Black history is a testament of strength, innovation, and perseverance. At Crittenton, we recognize that history isn’t just something to reflect — it’s being made every day by the incredible women and families we serve. This Black History Month, we celebrate the power of Black women who continue to overcome challenges, break barriers, and create new legacies for future generations. 

Championing Equity in Maternal Health & Economic Opportunity

Black women are at the heart of progress, yet systemic barriers continue to create disparities in healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities. At Crittenton, where last fiscal year 57% of the women we served identified as Black, we are committed to ensuring every mother and child has access to the resources, care, and opportunities they deserve. 

  • 100% of our clients receive safe and stable housing, recognizing that a secure home is the foundation for a strong future.
  • 100% of our clients receive access to prenatal and healthcare services, ensuring that both they and their babies thrive.
  • 100% of all babies born in our program last year were born healthy, a testament to the power of community support and access to quality care.
  • Our wraparound services prevent homelessness, trauma, and systemic disparities, reinforcing the belief that every woman deserves the tools to build the life she envisions.

A Year-Round Commitment to Uplifting Black Women & Families

Black History Month is a time for celebration, and our commitment to honoring Black women and families extends far beyond February. Through housing support, healthcare access, education, and economic empowerment, we continue to stand alongside women as they create change in their own lives and communities.

How You Can Support This Work

Empowering Black women is not just a moment — it’s a movement. Here’s how you can be part of it:

Donate

Your support provides critical resources to women and families in need.

Volunteer

Be part of the change by sharing your time and skills.

Together, we can continue to celebrate and uplift Black women – not just in February, but every single day.

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November 13, 2024

 “I was in the middle of my senior year of high school when I found out I was pregnant. A month before finding out, my family and I had just been evicted from our home and were staying in a hotel.  The day I took the pregnancy test, I could only think of myself as a failure. I thought that I wasn’t going to be able to receive my diploma and that my life was over completely. 

I stuck by the phrase “Move with faith, not by sight”.  After researching and looking up resources for days, I found Crittenton on google. And from there it’s like God worked through Crittenton to provide for me and my baby.  I didn’t have to worry about sleeping on the floor any more at the hotel or going to bed hungry. Crittenton provided me with food and support.   

My case manager at the time would encourage me on the days I felt down. It motivated me to keep going with school. On June 14th this year, I was able to catch the train back to Raleigh and I graduated from high school and received my diploma. After graduating high school, I applied for jobs and started working and saved up my money. From there, I knew I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. 

Thanks to Crittenton I was able to attend childbirth & parenting classes so I could prepare myself for labor & motherhood.  Thank you to Crittenton’s chef, she even took the time out of her day to teach myself and the other girls on maternity hall how to make your own baby food. She even taught me 1 on 1 how to prepare a meal for a 6 month old baby. The days that I felt like giving up and quitting, my case managers would always tell me “You got this! It’s going to be okay”. Thanks to their support I kept pushing myself to go to work every day and save money.  

Here I am here 9 months pregnant feeling really blessed! Without faith in God & Crittenton’s support, I don’t know where I would be right now. 

Thank you so much for supporting me, Crittenton!”

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March 18, 2024

Charlotte, NC, March 19, 2024 – Today, MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving announced Crittenton of North Carolina as one of the Yield Giving Open Call’s awardees working with people and in places experiencing the greatest need in the United States. Crittenton of North Carolina received a $2 million grant.

Crittenton of North Carolina provides a safe place for women, girls and children in need to heal and grow and has served over 45,000 individuals since 1903.

In March 2023, Yield Giving launched an Open Call for community-led, community-focused organizations whose explicit purpose is to enable individuals and families to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being through foundational resources.

“As an organization that exists to support and empower girls and women, the impact is so profound when a donor chooses to support and empower us,” said Jada B. Charley, CEO of Crittenton of North Carolina. “This transformational gift will allow us to create so many opportunities; for the families we serve, for the staff who dedicate themselves to our mission daily, and for the greater community. We are thankful and humbled to have been chosen.”

The Open Call received 6,353 applications and initially planned for 250 awards of $1 million each. In the Fall of 2023, organizations top-rated by their peers advanced to a second round of review by an external Evaluation Panel recruited for experience relevant to this cause and underwent a final round of due diligence. In light of the incredible work of these organizations, as judged by their peers and external panelists, the donor team decided to expand the awardee pool and the award amount. Crittenton of North Carolina is honored to have been selected as one of the highest-scoring organizations from across the country and received a $2 million gift.

“We are excited that our partnership with Yield Giving has resonated with so many organizations,” said Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change. “In a world teeming with potential and talent, the Open Call has given us an opportunity to identify, uplift, and empower transformative organizations that often remain unseen.” More information on the Yield Giving Open Call and other initiatives can be found at www.leverforchange.org

Crittenton of North Carolina

Crittenton of North Carolina is a Charlotte based nonprofit that houses and provides wraparound services for pregnant women experiencing homelessness or housing instability, young mothers and their babies in foster care, and teenage girls aging out of the foster care system. Crittenton’s residential programs are interventions designed to address disparities in access to healthcare, therapy, support services, life skills training and community resources. Crittenton provides a space for clients to heal from past trauma, gain life skills and work towards long-term goals that will improve their economic mobility and family stability. Crittenton is hosting their annual Creating Better Tomorrows Luncheon on May 15th where guests can learn more about the transformational work of this organization. To learn more, visit www.crittentonofnc.org

Yield Giving

Established by MacKenzie Scott to share a financial fortune created through the effort of countless people, Yield Giving is named after a belief in adding value by giving up control. To date, Yield’s network of staff and advisors has yielded over $16,500,000,000 to 1,900+ non-profit teams to use as they see fit for the benefit of others. To learn more, visit www.yieldgiving.com

Lever for Change

Lever for Change connects donors with bold solutions to the world’s biggest problems—including issues like racial inequity, gender inequality, lack of access to economic opportunity, and climate change. Using an inclusive, equitable model and due diligence process, Lever for Change creates customized challenges and other tailored funding opportunities. Top-ranked teams and challenge finalists become members of the Bold Solutions Network—a growing global network that helps secure additional funding, amplify members’ impact, and accelerate social change. Founded in 2019 as a nonprofit affiliate of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Lever for Change has influenced over $1.7 billion in grants to date and provided support to more than 145 organizations. To learn more, visit www.leverforchange.org

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February 15, 2024

Crittenton was established in Charlotte, NC in 1903. At its start, it was a home of refuge for “unwed mothers” as well as a place for them to hide their shame. Pregnancy out of wedlock was not socially acceptable in those days, so many women and girls chose to hide at maternity homes like Crittenton during their pregnancy before placing their baby for adoption upon birth. Throughout the myriad of changes during the 20th century, we are proud of what Crittenton is now and the function we serve in the community. Instead of shame, we teach self-esteem and empowerment. Instead of hiding, we provide resources for pregnant women and girls to make a life for themselves once they leave Crittenton.

Crittenton has come a long way; however, have you ever wondered how integration was handled within its walls? Integration technically began in schools in 1954 following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. It took many years to truly implement and slowly, integration spread across more aspects of society. Crittenton began to consider the need that Black women and girls had for its services. It was a need just as great, if not greater, as White women and girls had. 

Society was much more patriarchal at the time, so combining sexism and racism, Black women and girls were often at the very bottom of the social latter – a reality that still lingers today.

In a nine-page document from 1964 titled “Whom We Serve,” a Crittenton staff member uses seven of those pages to describe some of their current clients including their characteristics, stories, struggles, hobbies, goals, and looks. At the end of the seventh page, a paragraph starts with “Perhaps one of the most controversial issues to come up in reassessment of services lie in the movement toward integration.” It goes on to describe how there was a “clash of opinions” on the topic within the Board of Directors and so the debate was dropped. Eventually, though, there was community pressure to integrate services.

In 1963, the Board was broken up into six groups, and each group voted unanimously to approve a “limited program of integration.” The narrative goes on to say how the decision in choosing the first “negro” client had to be as “selective as possible.” They wanted to make sure there weren’t any unforeseen issues to arise. Before accepting the first Black client, they had a meeting with the existing White clients and asked how they felt about living and sharing space with a Black client. They each voted in approval of the decision to integrate commenting that “negro girls needed this service as badly as they did.”

The group of White clients discussed how they can be helpful towards the first Black client when she arrives. It’s likely that the White clients at the home understood what it was like to be ostracized and “othered,” and they didn’t want the Black client to feel that way, too. Apparently, the transition to integration was seamless and the Black client had only positive feedback about her experience.

Crittenton consistently had three to four Black clients at a time from 1963-1964. From there, of course, the integration grew and expanded along with society’s changing attitudes and beliefs about Black people. Today, our client base is over 60% Black. It speaks to the growth the organization has experienced in terms of acceptance, but it also reminds us that Black women and girls are still one of the most underserved groups in America, especially in terms of health equity. We are actively working towards and fighting for a future where this is no longer our reality.

Dazia Miller, MPA

Dazia is a development & marketing associate at Crittenton and works on bringing relevant and less-known discussion topics to the forefront. Please reach out to her email at dmiller@crittentonofnc.org for any ideas, questions, or comments. If you want to be a part of the positive change happening at Crittenton, click here.

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January 9, 2024

After months of discussions and weighing options, one of our foster care clients who would soon be turning 18 made her decision to stay in the custody of the Department of Social Services (DSS) until she aged out at 21. As staff, we felt she made the wisest decision for herself and her future. This is because the “typical” outcomes for a former foster youth are not the most promising. Strikingly, over 60% of emancipated foster youth will earn annual incomes of less than $6,000, which is below the federal poverty line. Only 3-4% of former foster youth obtain a 4-year college degree. Girls in foster care are also almost 50% more likely to become pregnant by age 19. The numbers reflect a multitude of intertwined barriers that exist for foster youth transitioning to adulthood.

In North Carolina, youth aging out of foster care can choose between two options when approaching age 18:  

– Emancipate themselves from DSS custody and move forward as a completely independent adult. 

– Sign a Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA) and remain in DSS custody until age 21.

 

Many foster youths, just like any other teenager, look to their 18th birthday with a sense of freedom. It means they will finally be able to dictate every detail of their life, minus the oversight implemented by DSS. For those who have had traumatic experiences in foster care, it is understandable why they may be more inclined to rid DSS from their life.  

However, the numbers paint a very different picture for foster youth transitioning to adulthood on their own. Former foster youth have higher rates of experiencing homelessness, mental health struggles, heightened risk for justice system involvement, and difficulty finding and/or retaining a secure and stable job. These challenges would be extremely difficult for a young adult with even the best support system. The vast majority of foster youths, however, lack the support system needed financially and emotionally to guide them through the journey towards successful independence. 

Signing the VPA is a way for them to have that critical support system while greatly enhancing their chances at a financially, mentally, and physically stable life trajectory. The details may vary a bit by county in North Carolina, but generally foster youth can receive the following benefits from the VPA: 

– Coverage of 4-year college tuition and 100% of costs associated with college, permitted they attend a state school within North Carolina. 

– Rental assistance, including for non-college attending youth. This is provided they work a certain number of hours per week if not attending college. 

– Monthly stipend and help with major costs like purchasing a car. 

– Assigned social worker to provide additional support and resources with visits every three months. 

Although some foster youths view the VPA as inhibiting their free will, it doesn’t prevent them from becoming their own legal guardian at 18. They can advocate for themselves now as opposed to a social worker having to approve every single decision they may make. Under the VPA, social worker visits are only every 3 months as opposed to every month before age 18. Even youths who decide against the VPA at 18 can change their mind and return to it up until 6 months before their 21st birthday as long as they are also working or in school. The VPA incentivizes higher education and/or employment, increasing chances of a higher-paying career path. It also keeps a caring adult in their lives through the social worker that will check on them, provide resources, and make sure they are receiving the support they need emotionally and physically during a defining transition to independent living. 

The reality is that the benefits of remaining in DSS custody and signing a VPA are abundant.  Importantly, it increases the likelihood of stable income, promoting upward mobility for foster youth. Simply signing a VPA has the power to completely alter the trajectory of a foster youth’s life, breaking cycles for generations to come.

At Crittenton, the young women in foster care in our independent living program, Legacy Hall, and in our mother/child program, Sarah’s House, who have chosen the VPA path are still in control of their lives while also receiving assistance to make their lives a little easier. They are developing into promising, self-sustaining young adults by attending college, working, and taking advantage of the opportunities placed before them to guarantee a better tomorrow. 

Dazia Miller, MPA

Dazia is a development associate at Crittenton and works on bringing relevant and less-known discussion topics to the forefront. Please reach out to her email at dmiller@crittentonofnc.org for any ideas, questions, or comments. If you want to be a part of the positive change happening at Crittenton, click here.

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October 4, 2023


In the spirit of spooky October, I want to talk about “wicked” problems. These vast problems sure can be scary, but if we work together, we can make them much less terrifying. SO, what exactly are wicked problems? In the realm of societal issues, there exists a category of challenges that defy conventional problem-solving approaches. These are known as “wicked problems.” Today, we embark on an educational journey to explore what makes a problem wicked and why it’s especially relevant to organizations like Crittenton. We’ll delve into how Crittenton addresses these wicked problems and how you, as an individual or donor, can play a pivotal role in helping find solutions.

Understanding Wicked Problems

Wicked problems are not your run-of-the-mill challenges. Coined by Horst Rittel and Melvin Webber in the late 1960s, the term “wicked problems” refers to societal issues that are complex, multifaceted, and resistant to resolution. These problems share several defining characteristics:

No Clear Definition: Wicked problems are often difficult to define due to their multifaceted nature, diverse perspectives, and ever-changing context.

Interconnectedness: The factors contributing to wicked problems are intertwined, making it challenging to isolate individual causes or solutions.

No Ultimate Solution: Unlike “tame” problems that have straightforward answers, wicked problems lack a single, definitive solution. Instead, they require ongoing, adaptive efforts.

Social Complexity: These problems often involve societal and cultural factors, amplifying their complexity.

Wickedness & Crittenton

Crittenton’s mission revolves around addressing the multifaceted, interconnected challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly young women and mothers in the foster care system, and pregnant women and girls in general. Here’s how the issues Crittenton works to address can be considered wicked problems:

Interconnected Challenges: Many of the young women and mothers served by Crittenton face a web of challenges—poverty, trauma, substance abuse, educational gaps—that are deeply intertwined and cannot be resolved in isolation.

No One-Size-Fits-All Solutions: Crittenton recognizes that each client’s journey is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to the complex challenges they face. Instead, personalized, holistic approaches are required.

Changing Context: The landscape of foster care, healthcare, and social services is continually evolving. Crittenton must adapt and respond to changing policies, societal attitudes, and available resources.

Long-Term Commitment: Addressing the root causes of the challenges faced by Crittenton’s clients is not a one-time effort but a long-term commitment. Success often necessitates sustained support and resources.

You Can Help Find Solutions These Spooky, Wicked Problems

Now that we’ve unraveled the concept of wicked problems and their relevance to Crittenton, you might be wondering how you can make a difference. Here’s your call to action:

Donate: Your financial support can help provide essential services, resources, and programs to those facing wicked problems. Even a small donation can have a significant impact.

Volunteer: If you have the time and skills to spare, consider volunteering with Crittenton. Your expertise can contribute to crafting innovative solutions.

Spread Awareness: Share the stories and mission of Crittenton with your network. Raising awareness about these wicked problems is the first step in driving change.

Advocate: Use your voice to advocate for policies and initiatives that support individuals facing complex challenges. Advocate for the importance of addressing wicked problems at the community and policy levels.

Stay Informed: Continually educate yourself about the issues Crittenton addresses. The more you understand, the better equipped you are to be part of the solution.

It is clear that wicked problems are complex, interconnected societal challenges that demand innovative solutions and unwavering commitment. Crittenton’s dedication to addressing these issues is commendable, but we can’t do it alone. Your involvement, whether through donations, volunteering, advocacy, or awareness spreading, is vital in navigating and eventually solving these wicked problems. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope and healing to those in need.

Written by Dazia Miller, MPA
Crittenton Development Associate

Questions or comments? Contact dmiller@crittentonofnc.org

 

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August 25, 2023

August is Black Philanthropy month! Starting in 2001, Black Philanthropy Month was created by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland with the intention of uplifting and advancing equity for those of African descent through giving. The focus is on highlighting and giving voice to organizations that are by the Black community and for the Black community. As an organization with 50% or more Black leadership and 50% or more Black clientele served, Crittenton stands as a perfect organization to support and elevate this month. The big day of giving is on August 28, but you can give anytime and champion Crittenton’s work here.

As we reflect on the inequities that still remain in our society, it is critical to be aware of them, but also actively work to solve them. We must do more to even the playing field and allocate additional resources for health and success towards those traditionally underserved groups. With our current focus on Black Philanthropy Month, there is an opportunity to be intentional about supporting the Black Community and being a part of the change.

Crittenton’s mission is to promote healing, hope and empowerment by providing comprehensive health, counseling, and education services for single pregnant and non-pregnant adolescents and women, mothers and their babies in the foster care system. This past year, 60% of all Crittenton’s clients were Black women and girls. Most of them came from backgrounds and experiences of trauma, abuse, and poverty, and were either pregnant, and/or in foster care when they arrived.

Crittenton acts as a pause point for our clients – a chance to catch their breath, deactivate survival mode, and navigate their next steps. From the day they arrive, we offer our clients safe and secure housing, regular, nutritious meals, access to prenatal, health, and mental health care, substance use disorder prevention and/or treatment, individualized support and counseling, and vocational and educational training and support. After having their babies or exiting foster care and moving on from Crittenton, many of our clients go on to secure stable housing, employment, and independence. Not only does this positively impact their present quality of life, but also their future and children’s future.

Whether or not you choose to give, we hope you will take some time to reflect on what actions you can take to ignite equitable change in our own Charlotte community. Together, we can change the narrative and create better tomorrows for our clients and for our communities as a whole.

If you want to learn more about Crittenton, please visit our Programs page or check out our social media.