[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 144 (Monday, December 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CRITTENTON SERVICES CELEBRATES 126TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 1, 2014

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to share with 
my colleagues inspiring information about Crittenton Services of 
Greater Washington, a life-changing organization serving low-income 
teenage girls in public and charter schools in Montgomery County, 
Maryland and Washington, DC.
  On November 20th, at a gala celebrating its 126th anniversary, 
Crittenton announced an important expansion of its programs and honored 
several area women who have displayed leadership on issues crucial to 
the healthy development of teen girls. I am delighted that one of the 
honorees is our colleague, and a member of the Maryland Congressional 
delegation, my good friend Rep. Donna Edwards. Karla Silvestre, 
Director of Community Engagement at Montgomery College and with whom my 
staff and I have worked over many years, also received well-deserved 
recognition, as did Meredith Attwell Baker, President and CEO of CTIA--
the Wireless Association, and Gloria L. Blackwell, Vice President of 
Fellowships, Grants, and Global Programs at the American Association of 
University Women. Each of them has my heartiest congratulations.
  Earlier this year, with the support of Montgomery County and the 
District of Columbia Department of Health, Crittenton tripled the 
number of its programs for low-income teen girls. As a result, 
Crittenton, under the outstanding leadership of Executive Director 
Pamela Jones, now provides services at 11 DC schools and six Montgomery 
County schools, serving over 400 middle and high school girls. The 
objectives of the programs are to reduce pregnancies, births, and 
sexually transmitted infections among teen girls, ages 14 to 19, and 
increase their motivation and aspirations to succeed in high school and 
complete post-secondary education.
  Over the course of the school year, Crittenton presents structured 
curricula that are science-based, age appropriate, and medically 
accurate. In 26 sessions, the programs teach girls about healthy 
relationships with their peers, dating partners, and parents; 
reproductive health, nutrition, and fitness; and life options, 
including post-secondary education and careers. Through active learning 
activities--role-play, games, or group discussion--Crittenton helps the 
girls acquire ``real world life skills'' such as communication, 
conflict resolution, assertiveness, and negotiation; managing emotions, 
impulses, frustration, and stress; and goal-setting, planning, problem-
solving, and decision-making.
  In addition, to help participants envision a future and become 
increasingly motivated to achieve that future, Crittenton organizes 
out-of-school enrichment activities that expose them to college and 
careers. But the programs' ``secret sauce'' is the relationship that 
program leaders form with the girls. Program leaders are culturally 
competent, well trained, highly experienced youth development 
specialists. They create a welcoming environment and a ``safe space'' 
that inspires the girls to speak openly with a caring adult and each 
other; they talk with the girls honestly and non-judgmentally; and they 
model positive behavior.
  A central component of Crittenton's programs is a focus on the 
``whole girl'' and her future, with a goal of heightening her awareness 
of life options. Through the experiences the programs provide, girls 
learn to recognize and value their gifts and develop invaluable life 
and leadership skills. Most importantly, they develop a belief in their 
ability to succeed, even in challenging situations.
  Crittenton was originally established in Washington, DC in 1887. Its 
mission has evolved from rescuing young girls from sex trafficking and 
exploitation to providing a residential home as a safe haven with 
caring trusted adults for single mothers and their babies. As society 
and the need for services changed, so has Crittenton. The Florence 
Crittenton Home was sold in 1983 and the organization launched a series 
of successful multi-year programs for teen girls and young women. 
Today, Crittenton Services of Greater Washington provides three key 
programs.
  SNEAKERS (Self-efficacy, Nurturance, Expectations, Assertiveness, 
Knowledge, Empowerment, Responsibility, and Success), a program that 
enables vulnerable girls who are navigating the challenges of 
adolescence to thrive;
  PEARLS (Parenting, Education, and Responsive Life Skills), a program 
that enables pregnant and parenting teens to succeed as students and 
parents; and
  4C'ING the Future (Crittenton College and Career Connection), a 
college and career access program that engages parents and prepares 8th 
grade girls to become the first in their families to attend college.
  For many years, Crittenton's programs have been changing the 
trajectories of teen girls' lives. Crittenton girls are avoiding risky, 
unhealthy behaviors; acquiring social and emotional skills that are 
essential for academic and life success; becoming motivated learners 
who will graduate from high school; and using their voices, time, and 
talent to serve others. They also have a vision--and a plan--to achieve 
their academic, personal and professional goals.
  I am pleased to share with my colleagues this wonderful example of 
the invaluable contributions that non-profit organizations make to 
their communities. I extend my gratitude and appreciation to Crittenton 
for all it does to change lives and wish it a very happy anniversary.

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