Vision Mission Strategic Priorities Our Team History

Did you know.

In 1950 the birth rate for babies born to mothers who were 15-19 years old was more than double the rate in 2005.

About Us - History

“The National Florence Crittenton Mission came to elevate the status of motherhood and, indeed of women to a level of significance that became the organization’s most identifying characteristic.”

Harnessing the Power of Motherhood
Katherine G. Aiken

People who recognize the Crittenton name may recall only the often hidden maternity homes that welcomed girls and young women seeking support during their unplanned pregnancy. Much less is known about the lasting social impact of its co-founders Charles Crittenton and Dr. Kate Waller Barrett—both inspiring visionaries and leaders ahead of their times. Even less is known about the influence of the national network of affiliated Crittenton agencies and their impact on the professionalization of social work and on attitudes about the role of women in society. There were once 76 agencies across the country, including 5 international homes. Today approximately 34 historical agencies remain in active operation.

Significant dates (click to expand)

1883 —

On April 19, the first Florence Crittenton home opens in New York City...

1883 —

On April 19, the first Florence Crittenton home openes in New York City as the Florence Night Mission to serve “lost and fallen women and wayward girls.” Founded by Charles Crittenton, a self-made millionaire, the mission was named after his daughter, who died from scarlet fever in 1882. This mission is called, the “mother mission” by those involved in the Crittenton movement. The establishment of similar homes that were founded as Crittenton homes or that would one day become members of the Crittenton family flourished across the country. Many homes were founded as a direct result of Mr. Crittenton’s evangelism and many joined the family in response to his invitation.

1893 —

Dr. Kate Waller Barrett joins the Crittenton movement. As a doctor and mother of six...

1893 —

Dr. Kate Waller Barrett joins the Crittenton movement. As a doctor and mother of six, Kate Waller Barrett was a woman ahead of her time with a passion and conviction of purpose with which to be reckoned. She joined Charles Crittenton as the driving force behind the establishment and expansion of the Crittenton movement.

1895 —

The National Florence Crittenton Mission was incorporated with Charles Crittenton as President and Kate Waller Barrett as Vice President...

1895 —

The National Florence Crittenton Mission was incorporated with Charles Crittenton as President and Kate Waller Barrett as Vice President and General Superintendent. Charles Morton was Secretary and F. B. Waterman was Treasurer. The national organization was supported solely by Charles Crittenton’s personal wealth. The new organization was created as a federation of independent local agencies. Charles Crittenton believed firmly that each home should be left free to respond to local needs and situations. Local homes did not pay dues and all funds raised by homes were used solely to provide services (not to support the national organization). The mission did offer financial support to homes in times of financial need.

1898 —

A Special Act of Congress, signed by President McKinley, granted a national charter to the new organization...

1898 —

A Special Act of Congress, signed by President McKinley, granted a national charter to the new organization. This was the first time that a national charter was granted to a charitable organization.

1903 —

At the request of Kate Waller Barrett, the Congressional Charter was amended...

1903 —

At the request of Kate Waller Barrett, the Congressional Charter was amended to allow the National Mission board to act as trustee for the property of any local home in case the local board was unable to do so. This amendment also created a provision to allow Dr. Barrett to be in control even if local control was held by men.

1908 —

The first “colored” home was chartered in Topeka, Kansas...

1908 —

The first “colored” home was chartered in Topeka, Kansas

1909 —

Charles Crittenton died and Dr. Kate Waller Barrett replaced him as President of the Mission board...

1909 —

Charles Crittenton died and Dr. Kate Waller Barrett replaced him as President of the Mission board. Throughout her involvement as a leader of the Crittenton movement, Dr. Barrett was credited with leading significant expansion in member agencies, services provided, and national advocacy on behalf of girls and young women of her time.

1914 —

The Crittenton movement embraces 76 homes in the United States, as well as...

1914 —

The Crittenton movement embraces 76 homes in the United States, as well as homes in Shanghai, China; Marseilles, France; Tokyo, Japan; Island of Hakadata, Japan; and Mexico City, Mexico.

1925 —

Dr. Kate Waller Barrett dies...

1925 —

Dr. Kate Waller Barrett dies and her son Robert South Barrett becomes President.

1950 —

The Florence Crittenton Home Association (FCHA) was formed and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois...

1950 —

The Florence Crittenton Home Association (FCHA) was formed and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The purposes of the FCHA were outlined in the articles of incorporation: [1] to unite into an effective continuing national organization the autonomous Florence Crittenton Homes and the autonomous girls training school projects…[2] To develop…standards and methods of operation…;To provide consultation to member agencies, to serve as a clearing and information service regarding activities of the homes and developments in the field, to conduct conferences, to assist in recruiting new Florence Crittenton workers; [4] To engage in research; [5] To promote effective working relationships with other national agencies; [6] To educate the public concerning the problems of unmarried mothers and their babies.

The FCHA enjoyed a strong on-going partnership with the National Florence Crittenton Mission board, which continued to contribute a substantial share to the FCHA annual budget.

1960 —

FCHA changed its name to Florence Crittenton Association of America (FCAA)...

1960 —

FCHA changed its name to Florence Crittenton Association of America (FCAA) because the term “homes” no longer fully described its membership. The National Florence Crittenton Mission continues to provide support to FCHA and FCAA [see below] and assists members with grants for capitol improvement. In 1972 the Mission board expanded its granting policy to include new program expansion

1963 to 1965 —

Federal Children’s Bureau funds expansion of Crittenton Comprehensive Care Centers (4 C’s)...

1963 to 1965 —

Federal Children’s Bureau funds expansion of Crittenton Comprehensive Care Centers (4 C’s). The 4 C’s model grew from a concern about the lack of adequate services for pregnant teens in low-income areas of Chicago. In 1963 Mattie K. Wright developed the 4 C’s model through which medical, educational and mental health services were provided through collaborations with other community based and public agencies. These services were provided in addition to more traditional services provided through maternity homes. This blend resulted in a comprehensive approach that demonstrated how inter-agency cooperation could enhance bthe ability of organizations and communities to meet the needs of underserved and high-risk populations.

1965 —

Florence Crittenton Association of America, Salvation Army and National Conference of Catholic Charities co-sponsor...

1965 —

Florence Crittenton Association of America, Salvation Army and National Conference of Catholic Charities co-sponsor the creation of an information collection system used to report national statistics on unmarried mother care. The development of the system was funded by the Federal Children’s Bureau and the first report was Unwed Mothers issued by FCAA in 1967.

1976 —

The difficult decision was made in support of a merger between the Florence Crittenton Association of America and the Child Welfare League of America...

1976 —

The difficult decision was made in support of a merger between the Florence Crittenton Association of America and the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), resulting in the creation of the Florence Crittenton Division of CWLA. In the words of the Joint Study Committee, “…...it is the combined judgment of this group that this would be most supportive of the service needs of member agencies, be the most responsive to trends in the delivery of human services, and has the most potential for improving the quality of life than any other alternative studies.

1977 —

The CWLA Florence Crittenton Division, advocates and advises on the creation of federal legislation...

1977 —

The CWLA Florence Crittenton Division, advocates and advises on the creation of federal legislation focused exclusively on the issue of adolescent pregnancy. The Adolescent Health Services and Pregnancy Prevention Act of 1978 outlined a method of comprehensive treatment that became the national model for adolescent pregnancy programs. During Congressional hearings held on the new legislation the CWLA Crittenton executive working in cooperation with leaders from local Crittenton agencies across the county testified on the necessary components for an adolescent pregnancy program–the Crittenton Comprehensive Care Center model provides formative experience and insight. Senator Magnuson works with Senator Kennedy, the bills sponsor, to ensure that Crittenton agencies are eligible for funding under the new legislation.

2006 —

The National Florence Crittenton Mission board adopts the name The National Crittenton Foundation...

2006 —

The National Florence Crittenton Mission board adopts the name The National Crittenton Foundation and informs the Child Welfare League of America, its intent to operate as an independent nonprofit organization. Jeannette Pai-Espinosa is hired as President, soon followed by Jill Farrow-Drew as Director of Operations.

2007 —

The National Crittenton Foundation opens its headquarters in Portland, Oregon...

2007 —

The National Crittenton Foundation opens its headquarters in Portland, Oregon, beginning a journey back to the future.

Today, thirty four members of the historical Crittenton family of agencies continues to operate providing a full spectrum of prevention and intervention services to at risk and system involved girls, young women and their families. The search to locate and re-unify with other agencies that are or have ties to historical Crittenton agencies continues.

If you’re interesting in detailed information about the history of the National Florence Crittenton Mission or the Florence Crittenton Home Association you may want to read:

Harnessing the Power of Motherhood: The National Florence Crittenton Mission 1883-1925, Katherine G. Aiken, The University of Tennessee Press, 1998

The Brother of Girls, Charles N. Crittenton, Chicago: World’s Events Co., 1910.

Crittenton Services: The First Century: 1883-1983, Nancy Fifield McConnell and Martha Morrison Dore, National Florence Crittenton Mission Inc., publisher, 1983
This reference will soon be available electronically on this website.

Fifty Years’ Work with Girls, Otto Wilson, The National Florence Crittenton Mission publisher, 1933.
This reference will soon be available electronically on this website.

Additionally, the archives for The National Florence Crittenton Mission and the Child Welfare League of America are housed at The University of Minnesota, Social Welfare History Archives. Contact the university by calling 612-624-6394 or through their website at http://special.lib.umn.edu/swha/.

For information about other relevant archived records for Charles Crittenton, Dr. Kate Waller Barrett and local Crittenton agencies, contact the Foundation office at: inbox@TheNationalCrittentonFoundation.org. You may also want to check with your local or state historical society.