Crittenton Center has received a $3,200 grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity to fund the purchase of bicycles and helmets for children birth to age 17 at Crittenton’s Emergency Shelter and Youth Development Center.
Crittenton Center is a nonprofit organization in northwest Iowa serving over 2,000 individuals each year through an emergency shelter, preschool and childhood development centers, family development, education and support services and life-skills training and foster care program.
The Variety grant allowed Crittenton Center to purchase 24 bikes and helmets for the children who are staying at the Shelter to experience a normal childhood activity – biking riding! These children have been removed from their homes for a variety of reasons: abuse, neglect or some other trauma. The Shelter provides a safe and secure environment for children to heal.
“Seeing the smile on kids’ faces is priceless, “states Leslie Heying, Executive Director of Crittenton Center. “Participating in recreational activities such as bike riding, reduces stress, provides a physical release of emotions and helps with socialization all of which contribute to the child’s well-being while they wait for permanent placement.” Variety – the Children’s Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill or living with special needs. Grant funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children. For more information on Variety grants and programs please visit varietyiowa.com.