[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 60 (Wednesday, April 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL CRITTENTON FOUNDATION

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 16, 2008

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the 125th 
anniversary of The National Crittenton Foundation and its 23 member 
agencies. Among its distinguished agencies, is one that I particularly 
wish to honor, Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina.
  South Carolina's Crittenton movement began when founder Charles 
Crittenton visited Charleston, South Carolina in 1897. Along with the 
pioneering female pediatrician, Dr. Kate Waller Barrett, Mr. Crittenton 
served as an early advocate of services for young, unmarried, and 
pregnant women.
  Based in Charleston, Florence Crittenton Programs was the first 
historically-documented agency to respond to the needs of young women. 
Its establishment was spurred by local concern following the suicide of 
a young pregnant woman. In the early 1900s, the South Carolina movement 
consisted almost solely of volunteers who took these young women into 
their homes in order to keep mothers and children together.
  In 1934, the first residential home to serve girls and young women 
was built in Charleston. Today, the building still serves as the core 
of the multifaceted agencies of the Florence Crittenton Programs of 
South Carolina.
  Through its tireless work, Florence Crittenton helped to develop 
positive social change in the attitudes toward pregnant and parenting 
young women. The agency also focused on the specific social needs of 
the young women.
  As such, in 1975, the agency hired master's level staff to develop a 
sophisticated clinical program to respond to the mental health needs of 
the young women.
  In the 1980s, the agency's name was changed from the Florence 
Crittenton Home to Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina. The 
change reflected the growing development of multiple professional 
programs and r services such as day programs for local clients and 
community education in local county schools.
  Additionally, a family development program was created to provide 
off-site housing for mothers and children. The family development 
program was also created to provide educational instruction to help 
young mothers cultivate nurturing relationships with their children.
  Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina is truly a beacon of 
light and hope to young, unmalTied mothers. Its service to the 
community of South Carolina has offered tremendous help and given even 
greater guidance to the young women it serves.
  Madam Speaker, this organization is located in my District and I am 
proud to represent them in this August body, and ask that you and my 
colleagues join me in commending them for 125 years of national 
leadership.

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