--- title: Our History | Crittenton Center description: Discover the history of Crittenton Center, a nonprofit organization that has been providing services to children, teens, and families in need since 1895. --- [Skip to content](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/our-history#main-content) Close - [Services](https://crittentoncenter.org/services) - [Child & Family Development](https://crittentoncenter.org/services/child-family-development) - [Child Welfare & Well-being](https://crittentoncenter.org/services/child-welfare-wellbeing) - [About](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us) - [Our History](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/our-history) - [Board of Directors](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/board-of-directors) - [Our Staff](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/our-staff) - [Donate](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/donate) - [Events](https://crittentoncenter.org/news/tag/events) - [Passport to Possibilities: Annual Fundraiser](https://crittentoncenter.org/news/passport-to-possibilities-your-ticket-to-an-evening-of-impact) - 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[Our Staff](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/our-staff) - [Donate](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/donate) - [Events](https://crittentoncenter.org/news/tag/events) - [Passport to Possibilities: Annual Fundraiser](https://crittentoncenter.org/news/passport-to-possibilities-your-ticket-to-an-evening-of-impact) - [Calendar of Events](https://crittentoncenter.org/calendar-of-events) - [Volunteer Opportunities](https://crittentoncenter.org/contact#volunteer-opportunities) - [News](https://crittentoncenter.org/news) - [Careers](https://crittentoncenter.org/careers) - [Locations](https://crittentoncenter.org/contact#locations) - [Contact](https://crittentoncenter.org/contact) [How Can I Help?](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/donate?hsLang=en) [**![crit-menu-icon-child-family-development](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global/crit-menu-icon-child-family-development.png?width=171&height=130&name=crit-menu-icon-child-family-development.png)**](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/services/child-family-development?hsLang=en) **[Child & Family Development](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/services/child-family-development?hsLang=en)** 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](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/services/child-family-development?hsLang=en) ** [**![crit-menu-icon-child-wellfare-wellbeing](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global/crit-menu-icon-child-wellfare-wellbeing.png?width=166&height=130&name=crit-menu-icon-child-wellfare-wellbeing.png)**](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/services/child-welfare-wellbeing?hsLang=en) **[Child Welfare & Well-being](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/services/child-welfare-wellbeing?hsLang=en)** 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](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/services/child-welfare-wellbeing?hsLang=en) ** [**![crit-menu-icon-our-history](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global/crit-menu-icon-our-history.png?width=153&height=130&name=crit-menu-icon-our-history.png)**](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/our-history?hsLang=en) **[Our History](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/our-history?hsLang=en)** 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](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/our-history?hsLang=en) ** [**![crit-menu-icon-board-of-directors](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global/crit-menu-icon-board-of-directors.png?width=164&height=130&name=crit-menu-icon-board-of-directors.png)**](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/board-of-directors?hsLang=en) **[Board of Directors](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/board-of-directors?hsLang=en)** Crittenton is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors whose qualifications and decision-making help lead and grow our agency.** [Learn More](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/board-of-directors?hsLang=en) ** [**![crit-menu-icon-our-staff](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global/crit-menu-icon-our-staff.png?width=152&height=130&name=crit-menu-icon-our-staff.png)**](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/our-staff?hsLang=en) **[Our Staff](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/our-staff?hsLang=en)** Our highly talented and experienced staff provide compassionate, person-centered, and dedicated care to all those we serve.** [Learn More](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/our-staff?hsLang=en) ** [**![crit-menu-icon-donate](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global/crit-menu-icon-donate.png?width=152&height=130&name=crit-menu-icon-donate.png)**](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/donate?hsLang=en) **[Donate](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/donate?hsLang=en)** Want to support Crittenton’s mission and contribute to life-impacting projects? Learn how you can give back by donating today! [![crittenton-donate-now-button](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global/crittenton-donate-now-button.png?width=120&height=37&name=crittenton-donate-now-button.png)](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us/donate?hsLang=en)   [![P2P icon for website](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/P2P%20icon%20for%20website.png?width=163&height=141&name=P2P%20icon%20for%20website.png)](https://crittentoncenter.org/news/passport-to-possibilities-your-ticket-to-an-evening-of-impact?hsLang=en) **[Passport to Possibilities: Crittenton Center Annual Fundraiser](https://crittentoncenter.org/news/passport-to-possibilities-your-ticket-to-an-evening-of-impact?hsLang=en)** Pack your bags for an unforgettable evening as we support the journeys of children and families! **[Learn More](https://crittentoncenter.org/news/passport-to-possibilities-your-ticket-to-an-evening-of-impact?hsLang=en)** [**![crit-menu-icon-volunteer-opportunities](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global/crit-menu-icon-volunteer-opportunities.png?width=166&height=130&name=crit-menu-icon-volunteer-opportunities.png)**](https://crittentoncenter.org/contact#volunteer-opportunities) **[Volunteer Opportunities](https://crittentoncenter.org/contact#volunteer-opportunities)** Want to make an impact on a child’s life through meaningful activities? Become a volunteer today!** [Learn More](https://crittentoncenter.org/contact#volunteer-opportunities) ** [**![crit-menu-icon-upcoming-events](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global/crit-menu-icon-upcoming-events.png?width=171&height=130&name=crit-menu-icon-upcoming-events.png)**](https://crittentoncenter.org/calendar-of-events?hsLang=en) **[Calendar of Events](https://crittentoncenter.org/calendar-of-events?hsLang=en)** 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](https://crittentoncenter.org/calendar-of-events?hsLang=en) ** - [home](https://crittentoncenter.org?hsLang=en) - [about us](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us?hsLang=en) - [our history](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/our-history) # Our History ![crit-about-our-history-illustration](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/About/crit-about-our-history-illustration.webp?width=411&height=350&name=crit-about-our-history-illustration.webp "crit-about-our-history-illustration") our history ## Florence Crittenton Home Through the Years to Crittenton Center Founded in 1895, Crittenton Center has a rich history of providing services to children, teens, and families in need. - ### 1882 Charles Crittenton’s daughter, Florence, stricken with scarlet fever, died. Mr. Crittenton vowed to help women and children experiencing homelessness and personal crises with no other place to go. - ### 1894 Dr. Agnes Eichelberger and Police Matron Thurston began organizing a home for indigent children in Sioux City. - ### 1895 Property purchased, Board of Directors organized, and the Babies’ Home Society established. - ### 1904 The Society received its charter and became a member of the National Florence Crittenton Home Mission. - ### 1906 Construction of the building located at 1105 28th Street is completed. - ### 1907 Florence Crittenton Home dedicated. Services expanded to include care of neglected children under the age of three. - ### 1914 Construction of the maternity hospital, adjacent to the Florence Crittenton Home completed. Services once again expanded to provide residential maternity care, labor/delivery services, and nurses training. - ### 1928 Maternity Hospital was sold to Methodist Hospital for use as a Nurses’ Training School. - ### 1930 The first Community Chest (now known as the United Way) Fund Drive was held in Sioux City, with The Florence Crittenton Home receiving a portion of the funds raised. - ### 1950's Phased out services offered at the maternity hospital, eventually closing the facility. - ### 1972 Emergency shelter services began for girls ages birth to 13. - ### 1979 Licensed as a co-ed emergency shelter service and expanded to serve children up to age 17. In-patient maternity services were discontinued due to the changing societal climate. The Parent Survival Program began serving families facing crisis. - ### 1987 Implemented Diversion & Monitoring Program to serve troubled youth. - ### 1992 Changed agency name to Crittenton Center. Acquired the Stella Sanford Child Development Center. Implemented the HOPES-HFI (Healthy Opportunities to Experience Success – Healthy Families Iowa). - ### 1994 Began Teen Survival and After School Programs. The Family Development Center, located at 1309 Pierce Street opened. - ### 1995 Expanded social work services and began to provide Adoptive Child Studies. - ### 1996 Purchased and began renovations to the facility located at 3901 Green Avenue.   - ### 1997 Completed renovation and moved the Emergency Shelter Care program to the Center for Shelter and Youth Development. Initiated first-ever capital campaign – “Rays of Hope” for Shelter and Family Development properties. Expanded services to include a Pilot Visitation Project. - ### 1998 Relocated Administrative and Health Services to the new location at 2417 Pierce Street. Began COAR (Crisis On-Call Assessment and Response) program. Stella Stanford Child Development Center is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. - ### 2000 Awarded Continuum of Care Grant to initiate Project LIFE, an independent living program for children ages 18 or older aging out of shelter or foster care. Formalized alliance with Tanager Place. Westside Resource Center opened in the Salvation Army building at 600 West 7th Street. - ### 2001 Implemented the TAPS (Transitions and Practical Solutions) Program and The Crittenton School at the Shelter on Green Avenue. - ### 2003 Purchased property at 303 W. 24th Street for use as Administration Offices, Maternal Health Program, and Family Development Services. - ### 2004 Awarded SHIP grant to begin an infant child care program for children of students at West High School. The HOPES-HFI program is accredited through Healthy Families America. - ### 2007 The Stella Sanford Preschool is opened at Westside Resource Center. - ### 2009 The Stella Sanford Preschool is opened at Everett Elementary (replacing the location at Westside Resource Center) and Smith Elementary. - ### 2010 Westside Resource Services is relocated to Riverside Elementary School. - ### 2011 Pierce Street property is sold, Everett and Smith Preschools merged to form two new classrooms in Liberty School, and the Center was awarded a Continuum of Care grant to expand Project Life to include individuals with disabilities. - ### 2012 The Westside Resource Center moved to 1410 Nebraska Street and changed its name to Crittenton’s Resource Center. - ### 2014 The Crittenton Center is awarded the Children at Home grant for monetary assistance to purchase necessary items to help children with disabilities remain in their homes, Maternal Health moves to Siouxland Community Health Center, and the Center was awarded a contract with the Department of Human Services to conduct Family Team Meetings, and the Resource Center moves to the administration site located at 303 W. 24th St. - ### 2017 Project HELP Program started working with chronically homeless, disabled adults, and Supervised Apartment Living Cluster Site began inside the Emergency Shelter. - ### 2020 Administrative Office, including HOPES and Resource Center, moves to the heart of downtown Sioux City, the Ho-Chunk Centre at 600 4th Street - Suite 100. - ### 2021 The Stella Sanford Child Development program opens an additional location at 6100 Morningside Avenue. This new Preschool & Child Care Center is a partnership with another local non-profit, Sanford Center, which will provide a one-stop drop-off for parents in Siouxland. - ### 2021 Emergency Shelter services ended due to staffing shortages caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. This program was located at 3901 Green Avenue in Sioux City. The west wing of the building will continue to function with our Supervised Apartment Living Program. - ### 2022 The Emergency Shelter reopens as Therapeutic Transitional Housing (TTH). Bed capacity at TTH is increased to 22. The HOPES program is transitioned to another agency providing the same services. The Crittenton Center receives a Regional Partnership Grant (RPG) worth $3 million over 5 years. - ### 2023 The Crittenton Center is granted accreditation by the Council on Accreditation (COA) in February. Crittenton Center's Transitional Therapeutic Home increased its bed capacity to 25 beds. Crittenton also underwent a re-branding and logo change to better identify current services. [New Look, Same Mission.](https://youtu.be/A1_g4a17RMQ) - ### 2024 Crittenton Center partnered with Le Mars city, business, and community leaders to open a 218-slot licensed Child Development Center for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years old. Crittenton partnered with Orange City and Alton community leaders and assumed operations of a 329-slot licensed Child Development Center in Orange City for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. - ### 2024/2025 Crittenton Center received funds from the Administration of Children and Families (ACF), and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in Fall of 2024 to launch its Street Outreach Program (SOP)- serving youth and young adults up to the age of 26 facing, or at-risk of, homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or mental/behavioral health issues. The SOP was launched in January of 2025.  --- [![crit-logo-wht](https://43565220.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/43565220/crit-logo-wht.png)](https://crittentoncenter.org/?hsLang=en) Sheltering, educating, and empowering children, individuals, and families.   4212 Gordon Drive Sioux City, IA 51106 [**Services**](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/services?hsLang=en) - [Child & Family Development](https://crittentoncenter.org/services/child-family-development) - [Child Welfare & Well-being](https://crittentoncenter.org/services/child-welfare-wellbeing) [**About Us**](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/about-us?hsLang=en) - [Our History](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/our-history) - [Board of Directors](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/board-of-directors) - [Our Staff](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/our-staff) - [Donate](https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/donate) [**Events**](https://crittentoncenter.org/news/tag/events?hsLang=en) - [Volunteer Opportunities](https://crittentoncenter.org/contact#volunteer-opportunities) - [Windmills & Wedges: Golf for OC Kids](https://crittentoncenter.org/news/windmills-wedges-golf-for-oc-kids) - [Calendar of Events](https://crittentoncenter.org/calendar-of-events) [**News**](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/news?hsLang=en) [**Contact**](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/contact?hsLang=en) [**Careers**](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/careers?hsLang=en) [![COA_White_Logo_2019](https://43565220.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/43565220/Global/COA_White_Logo_2019.png)](https://coanet.org/) [![phone-circle](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/phone-circle.png?width=24&height=25&name=phone-circle.png)](tel:17122554321)    [![envelope-circle](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/envelope-circle.png?width=24&height=25&name=envelope-circle.png)](mailto:info@crittentoncenter.org)    [![facebook](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/facebook.png?width=25&height=25&name=facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/crittentoncenter)   [![linkedin-circle](https://crittentoncenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/linkedin-circle.png?width=25&height=25&name=linkedin-circle.png)  ](https://www.tiktok.com/@crittentoncenter) © 2023 Crittenton Center | [Privacy Policy](https://43565220.hs-sites.com/privacy-policy-crittenton-center?hsLang=en) [Accessibility](https://crittentoncenter.org/accessibility?hsLang=en) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "United States", "addressLocality" : "Sioux City", "addressRegion" : "Iowa", "postalCode" : "51106", "streetAddress" : "4212 Gordon Drive" }, "knowsLanguage" : "en", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://43565220.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/43565220/crit-logo-color.png" }, "name" : "Crittenton Center", "url" : "https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/our-history" } ```