Crittenton Center’s Family Resource Center has received a $2,000 grant from Woodbury County’s Decategorization/Community Partnerships for Protecting Children (CPPC) to support the Safe Sleep Project, an initiative aimed at reducing the risk of sleep-related infant deaths through education, awareness, and access to safe sleep environments.
Through this project, Crittenton Center integrates evidence-based safe sleep education into its parenting classes, ensuring every participating parent learns how to create a safe sleep environment for their baby. The curriculum includes clear guidance on how to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and sleep-related accidents, with a strong emphasis on avoiding unsafe practices such as co-sleeping.
“Many families in our community simply do not have the means to provide a separate, safe sleep space for their infant,” said Kim Scorza, CEO of Crittenton Center. “This project directly addresses that gap by pairing education with tangible support—helping families not only understand what safe sleep looks like, but also giving them the tools to make it possible.”
Upon completion of a one-hour safe sleep session, parents will receive a new pack-n-play to provide their infant with a secure, independent sleep space. Before distribution, a Family Support Professional conducts a hands-on demonstration to ensure proper setup and safe use, emphasizing critical safety measures such as keeping the sleep area clear of soft bedding, toys, and blankets, and positioning it away from windows and cords.
Each family will also receive a wearable sleep sack, promoting warmth and comfort without the hazards associated with loose blankets. In addition, participants will take home printed educational materials reinforcing the “ABC”s of safe sleep — Alone, on their Back, in a Crib.
With this funding, Crittenton Center aims to serve 25 to 30 families. The project not only provides a safe physical environment but also empowers caregivers with knowledge proven to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) remains the leading cause of death among U.S. infants between 28 days and one year of age. While SIDS cannot be completely prevented, consistent safe sleep practices—combined with caregiver education—are key to saving lives.
