Crittenton Center

Crittenton Center A family-oriented, 501c3 non-profit organization providing childcare, shelter & supervised living.

Annually, Crittenton Center employees help and care for over 1,500 individuals through parenting education, quality childcare and preschool, Children’s Emergency Homeless Shelter, and our Supervised Apartment Living program for older youth in foster care.

11/27/2025

Why We're Thankful...

As we head into the holiday season, our Crittenton team took a moment to reflect on what we're most grateful for- and one theme rose above the rest: FAMILY.

Family has always been at the heart of who we are and our work- whether it's the families we support, or the families we build through the relationships we form with the kids and youth in our care. At Crittenton, we really are one big (and sometimes beautifully chaotic) family, growing together every day. FAMILY IS EVERYTHING!

And today, we're especially thankful for YOU! Your support, kindness, and belief in our mission make this work possible every single day.

Enjoy this special message from our staff as they share what they're thankful for. From our Crittenton family to yours- thank you for being part of our community.

What are YOU thankful for?

11/27/2025

Kids say the most "thankful-ness" things!

We asked our little ones what they're thankful for...and they did NOT disappoint. From the sweet to the silly, their answers remind us why gratitude comes so naturally to kids.

Take a moment to laugh, smile, and feel all the Thanksgiving feels with us. What are YOU thankful for this year?

Giving Tuesday Starts Now!This season, we invite you to give a gift that speaks to the soul. Our Street Outreach Program...
11/25/2025

Giving Tuesday Starts Now!

This season, we invite you to give a gift that speaks to the soul. Our Street Outreach Program (SOP) walks alongside young people facing unimaginable challenges- and sometimes, what they need most is something for their heart, their mind, and their healing.

A journal. A puzzle. A cozy blanket. A moment of peace. Your Giving Tuesday gift today helps us provide these meaningful holiday gifts that remind our youth "You Matter".

Will you help us nurture their spirit this holiday season?

Consider giving today: https://crittentoncenter.org/about-us/donate

11/21/2025

🧐Introducing...CRITT CURIOSITY!🧐

We're launching a new monthly series that takes you behind the scenes at Crittenton Center- offering inside looks and educational soundbites about the incredible work our team does every day.

Today we're kicking things off with Erika Fuentes, our VP of Children and Family Services. Erika shares why creating strong educational environments in early childhood matters, how our programs support learning from day one, what makes our approach unique, and the vital role research-based curriculums play in helping little learners thrive.

Stay curious...and stay tuned for more Critt Curiosity episodes coming soon!

Each year, thousands of U.S. youth run away from home, are asked to leave their homes, or become homeless. Through the R...
11/18/2025

Each year, thousands of U.S. youth run away from home, are asked to leave their homes, or become homeless. Through the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program, ACF’s Family and Youth Services Bureau supports street outreach, emergency shelters, and longer-term transitional living and maternity group home programs to serve and protect these young people. Learn more about the issue at 1800runaway.org/youth-hope-month.

Help Make Christmas Magic for Kids in Foster Care!The holidays should be a time of joy, warmth, and wonder- but for many...
11/17/2025

Help Make Christmas Magic for Kids in Foster Care!

The holidays should be a time of joy, warmth, and wonder- but for many children in foster care, those moments aren't always guaranteed. That's why Foster SQUAD and Four Oaks Foster Care and Adoption are joining forces once again for Operation Santa Iowa, bringing gifts, connection, and holiday memories to kids across our state.

Here at Crittenton Center, our mission has always been simple:
We support ALL children.
No matter the agency.
No matter the placement.
No matter the circumstance.
If a child needs a little extra love this season- we show up.

This year, our partners at Foster SQUAD and Four Oaks are working to fulfill thousands of wish lists for children placed out of home. And they need our community's help.

How you can make a difference:
- Sponsor a child's wish list
- Donate financially
- Host a toy drive
- Volunteer at a holiday party

Every gift purchased helps a child feel seen, valued, and remembered this Christmas. Sign up or learn more at: www.fostersquad.org/santa

11/16/2025

Story Time with Critter is officially underway!

Each month, our mascot (Critter) will visit one of our child care sites with a special guest reader. This month, Critter stopped by our Stella West locateion, bringing along Officer Donnie Schroeder from the City of Sioux City Police Department to read "The Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything"- by Linda Williams, with our kiddos. We're so excited to continue spreading joy and early literacy across our programs!

What. A. Night. (Long post alert!)Our 130th Celebration was nothing short of extraordinary- and YOU helped make it unfor...
11/16/2025

What. A. Night.
(Long post alert!)

Our 130th Celebration was nothing short of extraordinary- and YOU helped make it unforgettable.

For 130 Years, Crittenton Center has stood as a place of hope, healing, and possibility for children and families. Last Saturday, we felt the weight of that history and the excitement of our future in every moment- from the stories shared to the generosity shown to the community that rallied around us.

Our guests, partners, and supporters came together in a powerful way. Every dollar given, every hand raised, and every conversation shared moved our mission forward. You helped us honor our past while boldly investing in the next 130 years.

This celebration would not have been possible without an incredible circle of support-

To our Event Sponsors:
empirical foods
Khalid and Terrie Rasheed
Leonard and Roberta Gill Family
KCAU Channel 9
HR & People Strategies
IBC
Security National Bank
Sterk Financial Services
CF Industries
Wells Enterprises, Inc.
Great West Casualty Compay
David and Dolores Guest
Rich and Karleen Waller
Powell Broadcasting
Jeremy and Jennifer Uhl
Deric and Joey Redmond
RBC Wealth Management
Telco Triad Credit Union
Jack and Gail Bernstein
Heidman Law Firm
CW Suter
Dixon Construction Co.
Janssen Financial Group
Morningside University
Hard Rock Casino
Northwest Bank
James and Kathy Quesenberry
King Reinsch Prosser
Kletschke Wealth Management Group- Stifel
Scott and Laci Varilek
Ron and Robbi Rohlena
Chuck and Marian Burnett
Pamela Kavanaugh Edwards/Dunes Realty, LLC.
"Trustee of God's Blessings"

Next, we would like to thank all the businesses and individuals who donated towards our Silent and Live Auctions- we had over 33 silent auction baskets and five incredible live auction items!

Of course, we can't possibly forget the individuals who helped create the overall magic of the evening-
Heath Weber- emcee
Randy Stabe- auctioneer
Ted Oliver Productions- Top Dueling Pianos
USD Volunteers and other volunteers
Sugar Shack, Erin Sautter, and our lovely Board members- who made a delicious dessert/snack table
Country Celebrations- for contributing their time, talent and a beautiful venue
Sodexo- for the wonderful MEAL!
Winnie's/Hardline- for the lovely furniture
LAMB Theatre- for the costumes and ambience accessories
Record Printing- save the dates!
Sioux City Public Museum- for the Crittenton Museum items!
and....last, but CERTAINLY not least....OUR 130TH CELEBRATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS!

From the music to the stories, from the auction excitement to the heartfelt moments- and to every person who showed up to stand with us- we felt the love and support all night long.

Here's to 130 years of impact...and to the incredible future ahead. Thank you for celebrating with us, believing in us, and championing the children and families we serve.

Incase you missed it, check out our 130 Stories for 130 Years Here! https://crittentoncenter.org/130-stories.-130-years

Community Partner of the Month: MRHD!We are thrilled to recognize Missouri River Historical Development, Inc - MRHD for...
11/14/2025

Community Partner of the Month: MRHD!

We are thrilled to recognize Missouri River Historical Development, Inc - MRHD for awarding Crittenton Center a $250,000 Impact Grant to support the renovation of our shelter space.

This investment is a GAME-CHANGER for the children and families we serve, helping us create a safer, more trauma-informed, and welcoming environment. Thank you, MRHD, for believing in our mission and helping us strengthen our community!

November is Youth Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month! Each year, nearly 4.2 million young peo...
11/12/2025

November is Youth Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month! Each year, nearly 4.2 million young people experience some form of homelessness. This is unacceptable and we’re working to create a better future for youth everywhere. Learn more about the issue at https://www.1800runaway.org/prevention-education/youth-hope-month.

If it feels like we've been running in 130 different directions...you're right! But with all the excitement surrounding ...
11/11/2025

If it feels like we've been running in 130 different directions...you're right! But with all the excitement surrounding our 130 Stories for 130 Years AND our 130th Celebration, our focus has been on sharing the incredible people and moments that make Crittenton Center who we are.

That said, we've got a few other fun things we didn't get a chance to post amidst all the celebration chaos- like our Halloween activities (details in the photos!), exciting grant announcements (links below), and the round-table discussion with Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand (check out photos and recap here: (https://crittentoncenter.org/news/meaningful-collaboration-state-auditor-rob-sand-joins-crittenton-center-for-round-table-discussion-on-child-care-and-child-welfare)

So get ready as we play a little catch-up and share some of those great moments with you (because they're too good to miss!)

And speaking of great moments...our 130th Celebration was truly unforgettable! The dust still hasn't quite settled- but stay tuned for a big post full of photos, memories, and special thank yous to our incredible sponsors, donors, volunteers, and everyone who helped make the night a success.

Grant Updates:
Cargill Back To School Supplies- $2,500: https://crittentoncenter.org/news/crittenton-center-awarded-2500-from-cargill-to-assist-in-school-supplies-for-youth
DCAT/CPPC Safe Sleep Project- $2,000: https://crittentoncenter.org/news/crittenton-center-receives-2000-from-woodbury-county-decategorization/cppc-to-support-safe-sleep-project
CF Industries Foundation Feeding Bodies and Minds Project: $10,000: https://crittentoncenter.org/news/building-brighter-futures-major-investments-strengthen-crittenton-centers-transitional-therapeutic-home
MHRD Impact Match Grant- $250,000: https://crittentoncenter.org/news/building-brighter-futures-major-investments-strengthen-crittenton-centers-transitional-therapeutic-home

Address

Physical Address: 600 4th Street, Suite 100
Sioux City, IA
51101

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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Our Story

Imagine the emotional state of these two siblings ages three and five…the police raided their home as their parents were in the process of doing co***ne, but before the police could apprehend the father, he quickly took the drugs. The children witnessed it all and were brought to us with just the clothes on their backs. We fed and bathed them, got them into warm, new socks, pajamas and tucked into a soft bed.

This is just one facet of what we do for area children and families. Please watch our video to see ALL that we do. Proudly serving Siouxland for over 120 years.