Crittenton Center is proud to announce two significant investments that will strengthen and modernize its Transitional Therapeutic Home (TTH), a cornerstone of care for children and youth across Siouxland.
Through the Missouri Historical River Development’s (MHRD) Impact Match Grant, Crittenton Center has received $250,000 to support major facility renovations as part of the redesign of its Child Welfare Campus in Sioux City. In addition, a $10,000 grant from CF Industries Foundation will fund the Feeding Bodies and Minds Project, an initiative focused on improving nutrition access, wellness education, and kitchen infrastructure within the TTH.
Together, these grants represent a powerful investment in safety, stability, and healing for youth who have experienced trauma, neglect, or crisis.
Creating a Safe, Supportive Environment for Healing
The Transitional Therapeutic Home provides a safe, structured living environment for youth ages 0–18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Through individualized care, therapeutic programming, and skill-building, the program helps young people achieve emotional stability, personal growth, and long-term success.
Funding from the MHRD Impact Match Grant will allow Crittenton Center to complete critical renovations to both the interior and exterior of the facility. Planned updates include new windows and doors, enhanced security features, a redesigned kitchen, and a new wing dedicated to restroom and shower facilities. MHRD funds will specifically support exterior renovations and window replacements, improving the overall safety, comfort, and efficiency of the home.
“This award from MHRD affirms the impact of our Transitional Therapeutic Home and the dedication of our team in helping youth find healing and stability,” said Kim Scorza, Chief Executive Officer of Crittenton Center. “We’re deeply grateful for the continued investment in our mission to build brighter futures for children and families across Siouxland.”
Nourishing Bodies and Minds
While the MHRD grant focuses on structural improvements, the CF Industries Foundation award targets the heart of the home — its kitchen. Staff at the TTH prepare three nutritious meals a day for more than 35 residents, 365 days a year. The existing kitchen, last renovated in the 1980s, has long shown signs of wear from decades of daily use.
Through CF Industries Foundation’s support, Crittenton Center will replace aging appliances, expand food storage capacity, and purchase new food preparation tools. These upgrades will ensure that youth receive healthy, balanced meals in a safe and efficient environment.
Beyond the physical improvements, the Feeding Bodies and Minds Project introduces new Health, Wellness, and Nutrition Classes to empower youth with knowledge and skills for lifelong healthy living. Interactive activities such as cooking demonstrations, hands-on meal preparation, and nutrition education will help young residents make positive choices that nourish both body and mind.
“Many of the youth who come to us arrive hungry, scared, and uncertain,” said Scorza. “Being able to immediately offer warm, healthy meals is often the first step in helping them feel safe and cared for. Thanks to CF Industries Foundation, we can continue meeting that need while also investing in the long-term health and education of the children we serve.”
A Legacy of Care, Strengthened for the Future
For more than 130 years, Crittenton Center has provided essential care, compassion, and hope to children and families across Siouxland. These recent investments by MHRD and CF Industries Foundation ensure that the agency can continue its mission of providing high-quality therapeutic care in a safe, modern, and nurturing environment.
By improving both the physical spaces and the daily experiences of youth, Crittenton Center continues to build a stronger foundation for recovery, resilience, and brighter tomorrows.
