[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6394]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL CRITTENTON FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2008

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join 
me today in celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the National 
Crittenton Foundation, an organization that supports empowerment, self-
sufficiency, and an end to cycles of destructive behaviors and 
relationships for at-risk and system-involved girls, young women and 
their families.
  On this historic occasion, I am particularly honored to recognize the 
ongoing contribution of one of the leading members of the Foundation's 
Family of Agencies, DePelchin Children's Center in Houston, which 
proudly serves my home district and other children and families from 
across Texas.
  DePelchin Children's Center has strong roots in our community. More 
than 120 years ago, Charles Crittenton, the well-known American 
philanthropist, visited Houston and inspired a group of local activists 
to establish one of the country's first maternity homes, a refuge for 
young unmarried mothers. In response to changing community needs, the 
Crittenton Home significantly expanded its services over the years, 
merging with DePelchin Children's Center in 1983.
  Recognizing that a child's needs are best met in a family 
environment, DePelchin Children's Center strives to strengthen the 
lives of children and families by providing a continuum of services to 
prevent and resolve social and emotional crises. Each year, the agency 
provides more than 30 programs for over 26,000 vulnerable children and 
families each year in multiple locations in Harris, Montgomery, 
Brazoria, Galveston, Fort Bend and Waller counties. In addition to teen 
parenting and independent living services, DePelchin offers foster 
care, adoption, prevention, residential, and an array of other services 
designed to meet its clients' complex needs.
  The unique partnership between DePelchin Children's Center and The 
National Crittenton Foundation is an additional strength for Houston's 
children and families. This ongoing collaboration was and is based on 
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.
  I am proud of the work The National Crittenton Foundation and 
DePelchin Children's Center continue to do on behalf of vulnerable 
children and families across the state of Texas and across this nation. 
I thank them for their commitment and wish them a strong and continued 
partnership in the coming years.

                          ____________________