“Three Birthdays” event celebrates the longevity of Crittenton efforts
On November 16th, the Crittenton Family Support Center–a member of the Crittenton family of agencies–hosted a celebratory event called “Celebrating Three Birthdays” at its site in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. This event was held to highlight the 125th Birthday of the National Crittenton Foundation, the 80th Birthday of Florence Crittenton of Philadelphia’s move to 6325 Burbridge Street, and the 27th Birthday of the Crittenton Family Support Center created by the merger of Florence Crittenton of Philadelphia and Youth Service, Inc. Former and current agency employees, along with alumnae who went through the programs directed by the Crittenton Foundation and Youth Service, Inc., gathered to commemorate the three birthdays.
The event consisted of two parts: the mingling session and the formal program. During the mingling session, guests were delighted to run into people who were more than old acquaintances. They met former colleagues, fellow former attendees of programs, and mentors who had walked them into a new start in life. The attendees also had an opportunity to retrospect the footsteps of the three organizations by reading and following the organizations’ timeline, a part of this event’s theme.
After an hour of greeting and enjoying, the formal program took place. After welcoming remarks from Gwen Bailey, the Executive Director of Youth Service Inc., and Renee Levine, a former Florence Crittenton of Philadelphia Board Member, the Reverend Barbara Ndovie gave an inspiring keynote address. Ndovie is a former Family Preservation Supervisor, a program conducted by the Crittenton Family Support Center. Afterwards, Charlyne Jones, a former resident of the Florence Crittenton Home of Philadelphia, shared her memorable moments residing at this location in 1977, along with her touching life story.
The event was also a remarkable moment for the Crittenton Family Support Center as the agency’s work was commended in a proclamation from the Governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell. The program ended with Bernice Andrews, the Associate Director of YSI and the Director of Crittenton Family Support Center, acknowledging Crittenton Board members and Crittenton Family Support Center staff/volunteers.
The formal program was followed by the actual birthday celebration – the cake-cutting session! Three cakes in total, one for each organization, were prepared. All attendees gathered, sang the happy birthday song, and blew candles. Enjoying the cake, people chatted and remembered the days spent together, while also commending the excellent work done by the Crittenton Family Support Center.
With this opportunity, the host of “The Three Birthdays” would like to thank all the speakers who shared their stories with us, the guests who came to celebrate, and the local vendors who did not hesitate to donate delights. We acknowledge the excellence and dedication of the National Crittenton Foundation and the quality social work programs delivered by Youth Service, Inc.’s Crittenton Family Support Center.
** Quick Facts on the Crittenton Family Support Center: Philadelphia Florence Crittenton Service was established in 1899, and for 109 years was dedicated to helping young women and adolescent girls. The history of the 6325 Burbridge Steet home dates back to 1928, when Philadelphia Florence Crittenton Service moved to this location. In 1981, Philadelphia Florence Crittenton Service merged with Youth Service Inc., and the location was renamed as the Crittenton Family Support Center.
I really liked this post. Can I copy it to my site? Thank you in advance.
Absolutely, Kris–if you wouldn’t mind linking back to us or giving us credit.
Great post! I’ll subscribe right now wth my feedreader software!
I was a resident at Florence Crittenton 6325 Burbridge St, from August 1980-till December 1980 when youth services came on board. Thats when the dreams and goals of the maternity residents were discarded and thrown away. I like many of the other girls where placed where ever which began years of a negative cycle.MANY of us ended up homeless, with more children, educational dropouts, in bad relationships,in just bad situations.I thank our lord and savior that I had a good support system. My baby was stillborn january 1981.I graduated high school june 1982,and was in adifferent relationship and had my 1 and only child in 1984. She is working on her masters degree and living on her own. I am now married. They should have completed the programs they started with us. Happy Birthday. I am me and I am okay. I am starting a non profit org to work with youth. Im starting with the man in the miror.