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Child & Family Development

Our vibrant child care and preschool programs, with multiple locations, as well as our Family Resource Center, provide dedicated and much-needed support to children and families. Learn More

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Child Welfare & Well-being

Our Transitional Therapeutic Home and Supervised Apartment Living programs provide a safe shelter for kids in foster care who are between homes or beginning to transition to the next phase in life. Learn More

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Our History

What began as a refuge for unwed mothers and an adoption agency over 125 years ago, is now a robust organization that thrives on the advocacy for children and keeping families together. Learn More

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Board of Directors

Crittenton is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors whose qualifications and decision-making help lead and grow our agency. Learn More

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Our Staff

Our highly talented and experienced staff provide compassionate, person-centered, and dedicated care to all those we serve. Learn More

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Donate

Want to support Crittenton’s mission and contribute to life-impacting projects? Learn how you can give back by donating today!

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130th Celebration

Crittenton Center celebrating 130 Years of impact and setting the stage for what's next. Legacy of Impact- 130th Celebration Event and Annual Fundraiser.  Learn More

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Volunteer Opportunities

Want to make an impact on a child’s life through meaningful activities? Become a volunteer today! Learn More

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Calendar of Events

Crittenton Center hosts an array of fun events for the whole family. Check out any upcoming educational, inspirational, and FUN activities we have in store for you! Learn More

130 Stories. 130 Years.

Honoring 130 voices, victories, and legacies that continue to shape our mission- past, present, and future.
TOUCH
DAY TWO
DAY TWO

Quick Critt Bit: In 1882, Charles Crittenton's daughter, Florence, was stricken with scarlet fever and, unfortunately, passed away. Mr. Crittenton vowed to help women and children experiencing homelessness and personal crisis with no other place to go. 

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DAY THREE
DAY THREE

Quick Critt Bit: In 1894 Dr. Agnes Eichelberger and Police Matron Thurston began organizing a home for homeless children in Sioux City.

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DAY FOUR
DAY FOUR

Quick Critt Bit: In 1895, a property was purchased, a Board of Directors organized, and the Babies' Home Society was established. Years later, in 1904, The Society received its charter and became a member of the National Florence Crittenton Home Mission. 

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DAY SIX
DAY SIX

Quick Critt Bit: In 1906, Construction of the building located at 1105 28th Street in Sioux City was completed.

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DAY SEVEN
DAY SEVEN

Quick Critt Bit: In 1914, services expanded to provide residential maternity care, labor/delivery services, and nurses training. These services eventually concluded in the 1950s. 

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DAY EIGHT
DAY EIGHT

Quick Critt Bit: 1972, Emergency Shelter services began for girls ages birth to 13. In 1979, shelter services expanded to include any child up to the age of 17. 

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DAY NINE
DAY NINE

Quick Critt Bit: In 1992, child care services first began at Stella Sanford Child Development Center (west location) on Geneva Street in Sioux City.

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DAY ELEVEN
DAY ELEVEN

Quick Critt Bit: In 1997, the Youth Emergency Shelter opened on Green Avenue.

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DAY TWELVE
DAY TWELVE

Quick Critt Bit: In 2000, our Family Resource Center began services by providing parenting education and supports, and maternal health education. Additionally, services through an independent living program for youth aging out of foster care was formed- today, this is known as Supervised Apartment Living (SAL).

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DAY THIRTEEN
DAY THIRTEEN

Quick Critt Bit: In 2004, West High Infant Center opened to offer infant child care services.

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DAY FOURTEEN
DAY FOURTEEN

Quick Critt Bit: In 2007, Crittenton began offering preschool services. 

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DAY FIFTEEN
DAY FIFTEEN

Quick Critt Bit: In 2021, in partnership with the Sanford Center, Crittenton Center opens another child care location in Morningside- Stella Sanford Child Development Center (east location).

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DAY SIXTEEN
DAY SIXTEEN

Quick Critt Bit: In February, of 2021, Emergency Youth Shelter services ended due to staffing shortages caused by COVID-19. 

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DAY SEVENTEEN
DAY SEVENTEEN

Quick Critt Bit: In 2022, the Emergency Youth Shelter reopens as the Transitional Therapeutic Home with the bed capacity of 22. Crittenton Center also received the Regional Partnership Grant worth $3 million over 5 years to aid in the implementation of Trauma-Informed Care services at the shelter. 

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DAY EIGHTEEN
DAY EIGHTEEN

Quick Critt Bit: In 2023, Crittenton Center is accredited through the Council on Accreditation (COA). Crittenton also underwent a re-branding and logo change to better identify current services. 

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DAY TWENTY
DAY TWENTY

Quick Critt Bit: In 2024, Crittenton Center partnered with Le Mars to open a 218 slot licensed Child Development Center. Later that year, Crittenton partnered with Orange City to open a 329-licensed slot Child Development Center. 

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DAY TWENTY ONE
DAY TWENTY ONE

Quick Critt Bit: In 2024, we served 573 children in child care.

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DAY TWENTY THREE
DAY TWENTY THREE

Quick Critt Bit: We provide parenting education and immediate resources such as formula, diapers, and car seats to families with young children.

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DAY TWENTY FOUR
DAY TWENTY FOUR

Quick Critt Bit: Crittenton Center operates 6 child care locations across three different counties- Sioux City, Le Mars, and Orange City. 

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DAY TWENTY FIVE
DAY TWENTY FIVE

Quick Critt Bit: We served 199 families in the Family Resource Center in 2024.

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DAY TWENTY SIX
DAY TWENTY SIX

Quick Critt Bit: We offer preschool at 5 locations, and served 137 kids in the 2024/2025 school year.

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DAY TWENTY EIGHT
DAY TWENTY EIGHT

Quick Critt Bit: We currently have 16 members on our Board of Directors representing a wide variety of professional experience; areas such as- finance, law, education, real estate, wealth management, freelance, human resources, and community activism/volunteer work.