Meet Mr. Crittenton

Charles Crittenton (1833-1909) was a wealthy New York businessman, evangelist, and philanthropist. After the death of his young daughter, Florence, Mr. Crittenton devoted his life to the creation of rescue missions to provide shelter and vocational training for women facing the shame and limited opportunity of “unwed” motherhood. Named in honor of his beloved daughter, Florence Crittenton Homes were organized in more than 70 cities in the U.S. and abroad. 

He had a powerful partner in Dr. Kate Waller Barrett, an Atlanta obstetrician who went on to refine the “rescue” work with an emphasis on maternal and infant health. Crittenton and his partners understood the mission was not only to provide shelter, but to address the social justice issues and institutionalized bias that kept needy and victimized women at the margins of society.

Today, there are 26 Crittenton agencies, all independently organized and governed that meet a variety of needs in their communities. For more information on the history and legacy of Charles Crittenton, visit https://nationalcrittenton.org/who-we-are/our-history/.