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Tamara Joshua: A Journey of Resilience and Renewal 

At 16, Tamara Joshua faced homelessness and an unexpected pregnancy, carrying the weight of generational cycles and personal disappointment.

Her turning point came through a connection with a dedicated social worker and the nurturing environment at Crittenton. There, Tamara found more than shelter. She found safety, stability, and the confidence to rebuild her life. She embraced motherhood with hope, learning to breastfeed, trust others, and believe in second chances. One of her most significant memories at Crittenton was something many take for granted: being able to sleep safely through the night.

Today, Tamara is the Director of Catering at Salsarita’s, leading with passion and purpose. She raised five children at a young age, driven by a deep desire to give them a better life. Now a proud mother and joyful grandmother, Tamara beams with pride at her oldest daughter, a Central Piedmont Community College graduate who is thriving in a meaningful career within the school system.

Tamara also values the importance of mental health. She encourages others to be open, seek therapy when needed, and talk through their trauma, especially the kind that often goes unspoken. She recognizes that cultural and religious beliefs can sometimes discourage people from seeking help, but she believes healing begins with honesty and self-compassion.

Her advice to current Crittenton clients is simple but powerful:

“Believe in yourself and keep pushing. If you don’t believe in yourself, you won’t move forward.”

Tamara’s journey is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the enduring strength of motherhood. Her story is a reminder of what is possible when support meets determination and why places like Crittenton matter.

Mothers in May

This Mother’s Day season, as we reflect on the blessings of family and parenthood, we ask that you consider providing HOPE for young women and families.

Honor a special mom for Mother’s Day or a role model with a gift to Crittenton, supporting young women and moms who need your help.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony/Open House! Wednesday, December 4, 2019

THE LEON LEVINE FOUNDATION 2018 CHALLENGE GRANT

The Challenge:

The Leon Levine Foundation is offering Florence Crittenton a grant of $70,000 total, including an outright gift of $35,000 with a matching challenge grant of $35,000. The challenge grant is awarded upon FCS raising $35,000 by gaining new members of our 1903 Society and our Health & Hope Society.

Details:

• New 1903 Society Members ($1,000 or more): The Leon Levine Foundation will donate $1,000 for each new 1903 Society Member (matching funds capped at $35,000).
• New Health & Hope Society Members ($250 or more): The Leon Levine Foundation will donate $250 for each new Health & Hope Society Member (matching funds capped at $35,000).
• See Giving Society details at https://crittentonofnc.org/giving-opportunities/our-giving-societies/

Deadline: June 15, 2018

How can I help?

• Join a giving society! If you are not yet a member of one of these societies, increase your annual donation before the challenge deadline in order for your gift to be matched by the foundation.
  • Make an online donation at https://crittentonofnc.org/giving-opportunities/donate-online/one-time-donation/
• Already a member? Here are other ways you can help!
  • Spread the word to family, friends and coworkers about this opportunity!
  • Host a party and ask attendees to make a contribution.
  • Bring guests for a tour of FCS so they can learn why FCS is a good investment and support our programs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do pledges count? No. All funds must be received before the challenge deadline.

If a donor is lapsed (was previously a member of a giving society but has not given to FCS for one or more Fiscal Years) and gives $250 or $1,000, will they be considered a new member of the giving society? Yes.

If I have already made a contribution to FCS this Fiscal Year, can I apply what I’ve given so far and increase my donation to reach one of these donor levels? Yes.

Are donations from businesses going to be matched by The Leon Levine Foundation? No. Only funds that come from individuals will be matched by the foundation.

The Leon Levine Foundation 2018 Challenge Grant

THE LEON LEVINE FOUNDATION 2018 CHALLENGE GRANT

The Challenge:

The Leon Levine Foundation is offering Florence Crittenton a grant of $70,000 total, including an outright gift of $35,000 with a matching challenge grant of $35,000. The challenge grant is awarded upon FCS raising $35,000 by gaining new members of our 1903 Society and our Health & Hope Society.

Details:

• New 1903 Society Members ($1,000 or more): The Leon Levine Foundation will donate $1,000 for each new 1903 Society Member (matching funds capped at $35,000).
• New Health & Hope Society Members ($250 or more): The Leon Levine Foundation will donate $250 for each new Health & Hope Society Member (matching funds capped at $35,000).

When is the deadline?

The challenge deadline is June 15, 2018. Challenge runs March 23 – June 15, 2018.

How can I help?

• Join a giving society! If you are not yet a member of one of these societies, increase your annual donation before the challenge deadline in order for your gift to be matched by the foundation.
• Already a member? Here are other ways you can help!
  • Spread the word to family, friends and coworkers about this opportunity!
  • Host a party and ask attendees to make a contribution.
  • Bring guests for a tour of FCS so they can learn why FCS is a good investment and support our programs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do pledges count? No. All funds must be received before the challenge deadline.

If a donor is lapsed (was previously a member of a giving society but has not given to FCS for one or more Fiscal Years) and gives $250 or $1,000, will they be considered a new member of the giving society? Yes.

If I have already made a contribution to FCS this Fiscal Year, can I apply what I’ve given so far and increase my donation to reach one of these donor levels? Yes.

Are donations from businesses going to be matched by The Leon Levine Foundation? No. Only funds that come from individuals will be matched by the foundation.

Rabbi Judy Schindler to be honored by Florence Crittenton Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sarah Hyde, Director of Development

Phone: 704-372-4663

Email: shyde@fcsnc.org

Website: www.fcsnc.org

Rabbi Judy Schindler to be honored by Florence Crittenton Services

Director of the Stan Greenspon Center for Peace and Social Justice at Queens University to be recipient of Lucille Giles Award

(May 9, 2018) Next Tuesday, Rabbi Judith Schindler, Director of the Stan Greenspon Center for Peace and Social Justice at Queens University of Charlotte, will be awarded Florence Crittenton Services’ (FCS) Lucille Giles Award at the FCS Annual Luncheon. This award is given to an individual with outstanding commitment to human and social concerns, who has supported the women and children served by Florence Crittenton’s programs.

Florence Crittenton Services offers safe housing to pregnant and non-pregnant women and adolescents, where they are provided a continuum of care, focusing on counseling, health care, and vocational/educational services. The Charlotte agency has served over 40,000 individuals since it was established in 1903. Funds raised at the Annual Luncheon are used to maintain and strengthen the agency’s comprehensive services throughout all programs.

Rabbi Schindler has supported Florence Crittenton Services for many years and served on the FCS Board of Directors from 2003-2006.

“We are honored to recognize Rabbi Judy Schindler as the recipient of this year’s Lucille Giles Award,” said Diane Thompson, CEO of FCS, “She has been a long-time supporter of FCS and is a true example of how to live out our core values of Compassion, Hope, Accountability, Inclusion and Respect.”

In addition to her support of FCS, she has displayed compassion and dedication to social justice in many of her other life choices. Rabbi Schindler was named Rabbi Emerita of Temple Beth El in Charlotte, North Carolina after serving from 1998-2016. Prior to coming to Charlotte, she was an Associate Rabbi at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, New York.

Rabbi Schindler envisioned and led the creation of four social justice documentaries being utilized across the country and has contributed chapters and articles to more than ten books.

Rabbi Schindler is now a contributing columnist for the Charlotte Observer. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice, is co-chair of the Rabbinic Council of the Association of Reform Zionists of America and is a Trustee of the Reform Pension Board. She is past co-chair of the Women’s Rabbinic Network, served on the Board of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Coalition for Housing, and as co-chair of the Clergy Council of MeckMin.

Rabbi Schindler is married to Chip Wallach, who works for Bank of America. They have two sons, Maxwell and Alec. She is the daughter of the late Rabbi Alexander Schindler who was president of the Union for Reform Judaism 1973-1995.

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FCS Annual Luncheon – Tuesday, May 13th

FCS will be hosting its Annual Luncheon Tuesday, May 13th at Myers Park United Methodist Church.

Each year, FCS’ annual lunch attracts more than 300 attendees and in 2013 raised approximately $90,000+ to help FCS clients. The FCS Lucille P. Giles Award is given to an individual or company that has supported women and families, through advocacy and action and investment, have helped FCS at the highest level. This year, Gail Brinn Wilkins will be honored with the award for her years of involvement and her passion for our young women and babies.

Registration will begin at 11:15 a.m. and the program will begin promptly at 12 noon.

Please RSVP to Debi Nelson by email at dnelson@fcsnc.org or call 704-372-4663, ext. 410.

Register for our 2nd Annual Fashion Show!

Come dress in  your cocktail attire and join us for a night of Fashion, Entertainment, Cocktails and Dancing!

Florence Crittenton is hosting its 2nd Annual Charity Fashion Show. This year, the theme is Beside Every Good Man… Salute to Power Couples. The event will be held Saturday, April 26th beginning at 7p.m. at Extravaganza Depot (1610 N Tryon St).

You can register for our guest list* by clicking here. VIP Admission is $150 and includes a 1 hour reception with the models and sponsors beginning at 6pm, and preferred seating. General Admission is $75.

You may also mail a check to:
Florence Crittenton Service
c/o Fashion Show
P.O. Box 36392
Charlotte, NC 28236

Make sure to check out our Facebook Page and share with your friends! We can’t wait to see everyone there!

*Please note, we will not be mailing, sending, or printing any tickets. Those attending will register for our guest list which will be available at the entrance. If you are purchasing more than one ticket, please indicate in the “Additional Comments” section the total number of tickets and type under your name, and/or the names of those you are purchasing them for.