[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Pages 5498-5499]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   THE NATIONAL CRITTENTON FOUNDATION

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Madam President, I ask my colleagues to join 
me today in commemorating the 125th anniversary of the National 
Crittenton Foundation and the Crittenton Family of Agencies.
  For the last 113 years, Florence Crittenton Services Inc. in 
Wheeling, WV has served thousands of teen mothers and their children as 
the State's only maternity home--one that is nationally recognized for 
its unique gender-responsive program. In recognition of its continuing 
contribution to the State, the State Journal recently named this 
innovative agency one of the ``55 Good Things About West Virginia.'' 
The honor is well deserved.
  In 1895, Florence Crittenton Services Inc. first opened its doors to 
provide shelter and support for ``wayward'' women in crisis. Over the 
past century, it has evolved from being a group home and adoption 
agency to a nationally-accredited and respected therapeutic residential 
program that serves abused, neglected, and behaviorally-challenged 
girls.
  Among its many forward-thinking programs is Wellspring Family 
Services, a comprehensive, community-based behavioral health, parenting 
support and education service provider. Cradles to Crayons, a child 
care program for young mothers in care, provides a structured and safe 
environment for children while their parents complete their education 
and participate in therapeutic programming. This child care program 
continues today and serves the child care needs of Crittenton residents 
and community members.
  Grounded in its original mission to help children and families in 
need achieve self-sufficiency, all of the agency's programs pay close 
attention to the underlying challenges that keep young women from 
succeeding, including addiction, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.
  Throughout its history, Florence Crittenton Services, Inc. has 
maintained a unique cooperative relationship with The National 
Crittenton Foundation. This partnership is based on founder Charles 
Crittenton's and Dr. Kate Waller Barrett's belief that the most 
effective way to address compelling national social issues was through 
a network of affiliated independent, local organizations supported by a 
national body.
  More than a century after Charles Crittenton founded his first home, 
the National Crittenton Foundation is re-emerging as an active force 
for social change. The foundation and its agencies continue their work 
to break the cycles of intergenerational issues like teen pregnancy, 
violence and substance abuse through a mix of strength-based gender and 
culturally-specific services tailored to meet the needs of young girls 
in local communities. For years, I have worked to improve services and 
support of needy children and families, and I have been proud to work 
with the Florence Crittenton Society in Wheeling.

[[Page 5499]]

  As the National Crittenton Foundation and West Virginia's Florence 
Crittenton Services, Inc. come to Capitol Hill to celebrate 125 years 
of service to young women at risk and their children, I ask you to help 
me congratulate them on their achievements and thank them for their 
profound commitment to our children and our communities.

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