Helena, Montana
“Where Compassion Meets Action”
In 1927, my unmarried, pregnant grandmother was given sanctuary and support in the Crittenton Home during the last four months of her pregnancy and well beyond the birth of my mother. The Home was more compassionate and forward thinking than most ‘homes’ for unwed mothers during that era. The matrons of this safe place created a supportive non-judgmental family like atmosphere and strongly encouraged the mothers to keep their babies. A woman was treated as an individual with a future and was allowed to stay there until she could find a way to properly support herself and her child. During their stay, the women were given anonymity and often used assumed names.
Helena’s Crittenton Home continues to operate today providing innovative, comprehensive, and nurturing programs that engage and empower children, young adults, and young families to thrive and build productive lives. Though times have changed, their mission remains powerful. For more information click “Learn More”.
A Writer's Trek 