09/23/2025
Day 84...
For many decades, Marian Burnett worked for Crittenton in many areas, one of those areas serving as Executive Director, guiding our mission with dedication, compassion, and vision. When we think of legacy, she was a foundational member that helped build that legacy! In her story, she reflects on her time leading the organization, the lives touched, and the lasting impact of Crittenton in our community.
"My name is Marian Burnett. I was employed at Crittenton Center for 42 years. I know I am here to talk about my experience and years of service with the Crittenton Center, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how important the history and long-term mission of Crittenton Center has been so important to the community, and I am proud to have been a part of it.
I have always been a firm believer in the mission of Crittenton Center. The words may have changed over the years to reflect the services we provided, but the heart and soul of those working the mission has never faltered. Over the years, programs were developed, some programs changed, and other programs were discontinued to meet the needs of the children and families in the community. Many of the current programs are succeeding because Crittenton Center is the only agency providing the that specific service for the children and families in our area.
My first job was a Residential Counselor supporting pregnant Mothers who lived at our facility and pregnant women who came for pre-natal care. These women had no resources available to them to pay for their pre-natal care or had little insurance. The Crittenton Center did the right thing and stepped in to fill that care gap and take care of these mothers. Some of the mothers chose to make an adoption plan for their baby and entrusted Crittenton Center to place their baby in an approved adoptive home and then supervised that placement until the finalization of the adoption.
Along with my work with the pregnant mothers, I cared for children ranging in age from infancy through 18 years in the Emergency Shelter. These children were removed from their home because they were living in abusive situations or were at risk for abuse. Crittenton Center cared for them until they were able to return home to their families after their parents were able to learn effective parenting skills or were placed in a more permanent placement. The Emergency Shelter was the only such shelter in Northwest Iowa serving hundreds of children each year. These two programs were housed in our building at 28th and Court.
After two years in those roles, I was one of the first Social Workers to do In-Home Services to families in crisis. I did the old-fashioned way of social work – rolling up my sleeves and doing what needed to be done. Seeing families reach their potential was very rewarding for me, and families could say they felt good about parenting and enjoyed it. It was important to keep in mind that their idea of success was different than what I expected of them and to let them be empowered in their care. I believe in-home social work is very effective because you are seeing families as they live and interact. Being welcomed into their homes was the first step in helping families accept new and effective parenting techniques.
My roles as a social worker and eventually a supervisor were varied and program-centered: parenting classes through the Resource Center, helping new mothers in the HOPES Program, providing childcare in our child development center and at the infant center at West High School, and teaching teenagers the skills necessary to live on their own once they turn 18. I supervised the managers of these programs and gave to the workers what I learned: to be passionate, patient, and show humility. I was proud to be a part of the hard work they were doing in the trenches, and it was rewarding to celebrate their successes with them.
Networking has always been an important part of our roles at the Crittenton Center. Supervisors, Program Directors and staff attended meetings locally and in Des Moines to network with other agency personnel to learn about the changes in the state and changes in populations needs. It was also crucial to meet with legislatures to inform them of our work and needs so they can make decisions that can positively affect the funding we received. This networking was a base for Crittenton Center to keep up with what kinds of services were necessary for the population we served.
Administratively, I, along with the Board of Directors, was instrumental in transitioning our Maternal Health program to the Siouxland Community Health Center so that this high-risk population could continue to receive the holistic care that they received at Crittenton Center and so desperately needed. This transition was a result of the changing of funding streams. Our ongoing working collaboration with the SCHC proved to be foundational in this transition. The medical care for the mothers in this program was now provided by Siouxland Medical Education Foundation at the Siouxland Community Health Center. Continuity of care became a precedent and the focus of our work with the mothers in the program. Due to Crittenton Center’s long standing commitment to maternal health, it was difficult seeing this program transition away from Crittenton Center, but it was more important to make sure this vulnerable population received the care they required.
The families that received services through Crittenton Center had the opportunity to participate in the Nurturing Program, a research based parenting program developed by Stephen Bavolek. It offered educational support groups and resources for families desiring to improve their parenting skills. The staff that did the program strongly believed that if you are going to teach the parents effective parenting strategies, why not involve the children. The parents had their group while the children had their groups that were age appropriate. The children learned the same as their parents did but at their level. Transportation and day care was provided otherwise attendance would be minimal. Home visits followed to assist the parents in implementing these new strategies. The parents that participated found it very beneficial.
Part of the legacy of my staff and Board of Directors is Crittenton Center’s Design and Dine fundraiser. In order to meet our budgetary needs, we looked at initiating a signature event to help offset the operating and programming costs. The programs at Crittenton Center were financially supported in many ways: fee for service, sliding scale fees, grants, and state/federal funding. A board member presented an idea that, while exciting, we weren’t sure how successful it would be. Design & Dine was born and has become an annual event with huge success. Local designers and business and community partners donated time, money, and even auction items to make this as success. It was the committee of hard working, dedicated, passionate women from the community and the unwavering support of Siouxland that allowed this event to become an annual successful fundraiser.
When someone talks to me or asks me about Crittenton Center. I am proud to say that I was a part of such an important agency and played integral roles for over 40 years. Crittenton Center has been providing much needed services for over 130 years and served thousands of children and families per year. The vulnerable in our community will always need support like the Crittenton Center provides. The work remains integral in our community because there are always those who need that intervention and care. The reason for its success in caring for the vulnerable is the dedication and compassion of the Board of Directors, the tireless work all the staff do each and every day, and the strong supportive community who believes in the work done at Crittenton Center.
Crittenton Center truly has carried on the wishes and works of Charles Crittenton and Dr. Agnes Eichelberger keeping alive and strong the core values and standards they set forth over 130 years ago. "
We are grateful for her leadership and for the legacy she helped build- one that continues to change lives today.
Stay tuned daily for more stories, like Marian's, as we continue our journey onto our 130th Celebration happening on November 8th, 2025 at Country Celebrations. Tickets and event details can be found at: https://crittentoncenter.org/news/a-legacy-worth-celebrating-join-us-for-our-130th-anniversary-celebration
