Florence Crittenton

Where Hope Comes to Life

by Lory Lasica

If you’ve lived in the Valley for any length of time, chances are you’ve probably heard of Florence Crittenton, founded by Charles Crittenton. The name is synonymous with good work. His life's mission was to help communities around the nation serve young women in need. And that passionate mission still lives on today.

For more than 112 years, Florence Crittenton has been helping girls who suffer from abuse, neglect, teen pregnancy or mental health problems. Florence Crittenton now assists nearly 1,500 girls, boys and families by providing residential care, transitional living, school programs at Crittenton Youth Academy, community-based services and collaborative courses.

Not only does Florence Crittenton deliver programs and services that stabilize, nurture and support at-risk girls, the organization invests in the girls’ self-worth, self-esteem and general well-being. In turn, the physical, mental, emotional and intellectual health benefits strengthen these fragile youth and, ultimately, their families and communities.

From the basics of food and shelter to health care treatment and education, Florence Crittenton gives girls the tools they need to build healthier, happier, hopeful and productive lives. The agency’s mission statement says it all: Give every girl whose life we touch safety, hope and opportunity.

Ashley’s Story
The success stories are endless—Ashley’s is just one of them. As a high school freshman, Ashley seemed to have everything going for her. She was involved in cheer, the swim team, student council, received good grades and was in an ideal position to receive college scholarships. She was the kind of girl that would make any parent or teacher proud.

What people didn’t know was that behind her smile and glowing accomplishments, Ashley was struggling with a home life that was unsafe and destructive. “Drugs and violence have always been a part of my life,” she says. “When I was a young girl growing up, my father was a drug addict and my mother was an alcoholic. My father was very abusive toward my mom and beat her constantly.”

The intense pressure to be a star student combined with violent, addicted parents caused the direction of Ashley’s life to change dramatically. Although she grew up hating the drugs that were destroying her family, at the age of 14, she turned to substance abuse as a way to escape. By the time she was 16, Ashley had dropped out of school, was using meth heavily, committing crimes to support her habit and was in an abusive relationship. “It came to the point where I felt so lost,” she recalls. “I had chosen drugs and the streets over my family, who had once been everything to me. We were once really close.”

The downward spiral came to a head when Ashley appeared in court with her mother. After reading the case notes, the judge detained Ashley because of the unsafe environment she lived in with her mother. Eventually, the court referred her to Florence Crittenton.

“The day I left jail for Florence Crittenton, I was filled with happiness and fear, and I didn’t know what to expect,” she says. “I was welcomed with open arms, and I couldn’t believe how nice everything was! Florence Crittenton offers girls the opportunity to become who they want to be. It’s a place to heal and to call home, where they know they will always be safe and feel wanted.”

Now 17, Ashley is attending high school again and doing exceptionally well. Her ongoing relationship with her therapist has helped not only Ashley, but also her mother. They regularly attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings together. “Thanks to Florence Crittenton, I have a brand new life and I love it,” says Ashley. “I haven’t been this happy in a long time.”

Lend a Helping Hand
Florence Crittenton’s success in creating safe environments where youth, young adults and families can discover the support of a caring community and the possibility of a bright new future would be nothing without the support of donors, volunteers and its dedicated staff. Each year, Florence Crittenton hosts a premier fundraising luncheon to support the important programs and services that help girls like Ashley. And the need is greater than ever.

The 7th Annual Teaming Up For Kids Luncheon is set for March 5 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, featuring keynote speaker Allan “Bud” Selig, commissioner of Major League Baseball. The HOPE Award recipient will be Allison DuBois, best-selling author and inspiration for the television show “Medium.”

Another way to support Florence Crittenton is to shop at Flo’s on 7th. Just north of Indian School on 7th Avenue, Flo’s is an upscale resale store that donates 100 percent of its net proceeds to the programs and services of Florence Crittenton. It’s guilt-free shopping for a great cause. Donations are gladly accepted as the store relies almost entirely on them to stock the shelves.

With support and encouragement from the community, Florence Crittenton will continue its commitment to creating new beginnings and a brighter future for young lives.

Lory Lasica is the Marketing and Communications Manager for Florence Crittenton.

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602.288.7318
www.florencecrittentonofaz.org