CHARLESTON — Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina has plans to expand its services to assist the wider community.
The plans include the creation of a resource center for pregnant women, nursing mothers and their children, and a community garden space, according to a press release.
“My vision is for Florence Crittenton programs to expand from a group home for girls and women who need support during their pregnancy and young motherhood to a resource for all mothers, regardless of their circumstances,” said Greg Liotta, executive director.
Community volunteers are transforming an unused building located on Florence Crittenton’s property into a “holistic resource center” that will provide yoga classes, counseling and information on prenatal care, women’s health issues, breastfeeding, and child rearing, the release said. The center is almost ready to be unveiled at a grand opening, which Liotta said will occur in June.
“We have been lucky to engage many women’s groups and volunteers in making this resource center a reality,” Liotta said.
Florence Crittenton programs is celebrating its 111th year and The National Crittenton Foundation, also founded by philanthropist Charles Crittenton, is celebrating its 125th anniversary. The South Carolina program was founded in 1897 by a group of women from Charleston in response to a suicide attempt by a young, unwed mother.
The National Crittenton Foundation works across the country supporting the empowerment and self-sufficiency of at-risk and system-involved girls, young women and their families.
Liotta said that 2008 will be a year of celebration for the programs, featuring events and new services such as the Children’s Garden Project and a chef auction.
A “Painting it Forward: Celebrating the Art of Motherhood” fund-raiser will take place May 15. It will feature the work of Ginny Hancock and many local artists.
For more information visit www.thenational crittentonfoundation.org.