About Us - Mission

Visionary thinking is inspirational, but we know what the reality is–many girls and young women face overwhelming barriers that they alone may not be able to overcome. As the only national organization focused solely on at-risk and system-involved girls, young women, and their families, we have 124 years of experience watching their irrepressible spirit, smarts, and drive conquer daunting odds stacked against them.

We realize that complex factors such as racism, sexism and poverty coupled with social issues such as domestic violence, child maltreatment, substance abuse and mental illness result in teen pregnancy, homelessness, out-of-home placement, poor educational outcomes, unemployment, involvement in the juvenile justice system, and more.

That’s why our pledge is to work in collaboration with the Crittenton family of agencies, girls, young women and our partners to address root causes and symptoms. We are serious about our mission:

The National Crittenton Foundation supports empowerment, self-sufficiency, and the end of cycles of destructive behaviors and relationships for at-risk and system-involved girls, young women, and their families.

At the heart of the reinvention of The National Crittenton Foundation is our passionate commitment to, and belief in the will and strength of at-risk and system-involved girls, young women, and their families to reach their potential.

We value…

• The strength and potential of girls, young women, children, and families.
• The power of strategic alliances.
• Research and practice innovation for personal and social change.