It all started with a little girl called Florence

Florence (affectionately known as Flossie) was born to Charles and Josephine Crittenton in 1877. Tragically at age 5 she contracted scarlet fever and passed away. Her parents were grief stricken and following a spiritual awakening, Charles Crittenton was compelled to act, to leave a legacy in his daughter’s name that would provide hope, compassion and dignity to young women and their children.

Charles travelled the country in a railroad car and donated $500 to any group willing to set up an organization to help women and children. Of the original 78 agencies 26 remain today serving the individual needs of their communities. With the help of others Florence Crittenton in Helena has estimated to have served tens of thousands of young women, children and families.