Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 3

and transportation, to school-age kids. The shared location
allows both organizations to provide service in an area of
Sioux City that is underserved with child care resources.
The Crittenton Center is continuously evaluating services
provided and those needed. Sometimes that means
making tough decisions. Recently, they closed the doors
on their emergency shelter for children. The landscape
of child welfare has changed significantly over the years.
Instead of caring for kids who had recently been removed
from their homes, or kids from the local community, the
shelter provided services to more clients from outside
the community. These clients also had multiple health
diagnoses and histories of physical and sexual aggression.
Maintaining and hiring appropriate staff for the 24/7 facility
became impossible.
“Closing a program is never easy; however, we remain
stronger and more committed than ever to serving
children and families. The Crittenton Center is actively
engaging in conversations with local partners to reimagine
our shelter space so we can continue fulfilling our mission
and serve children in the area in a new capacity. We are
excited about being part of the solution on the prevention
side and rethinking how we deliver services in the shelter
facility,” said Heying.
In discussing this month’s magazine theme of vulnerability,
Heying and Feathers see many applications to the
Crittenton Center. They recognize that vulnerability is really
an opportunity to experience human connection. Together
they share the story of Cheyenne.
Cheyenne first came to Crittenton Center’s emergency
shelter when she was two years old. For the next 14 years,
Cheyenne lost count of how many times she returned to
the emergency shelter. “She experienced physical, sexual,
and emotional abuse,” explained Heying. “She came to see
the staff here, at Crittenton, as her family since it was the
only place she was safe.” Eventually, Cheyenne aged out
of the system, but she has learned to be independent with
the help of the SAL. She graduated high school, is getting
a job, and thinking about a future. “She’s someone who
Preschool and Childcare is the key to a child’s success and
vital to parents, so they can provide for their families.
knows her vulnerability,”said Heying. “She acknowledged
what she’s overcome and that she has a lot to overcome in
the future, too. That vulnerability and her resilience makes
her one of the most courageous people I know.”
Feathers expanded the conversation by explaining,
“Research shows it takes generations to change the cycle of
abuse, poverty, or neglect. That’s a lot of intentional effort,
and who’s there to support it when previous generations
don’t know how? We are!”
“The best ways readers can support us is with the old adage
– time, treasure, and talent,” said Heying. Feathers added, “A
lot of people want to donate goods, like clothes or toys. We
don’t have a place to store these. And some of our youth
have never had anything new. So when we can utilize our
partners and monetary donations to purchase something
new, they realize they are valued and important.” Heying
enthusiastically added, “A few months ago, a young lady
came to us with just the clothes on her back. It wasn’t her
first time interacting with Crittenton Center. She was always
in oversized hoodies pulled low over her face. After she got
a new outfit that she picked out, I almost didn’t recognize
her. Her head was up. Her hair was combed. She had some
self-confidence. Those things we take for granted are really
important.”
Time and talents are also greatly appreciated by Crittenton
Center. “We always need activities for kids. If you have a
talent to share – crafts, sewing, games – we would love to
have you come do that with our kids or parents. Volunteers
are needed for all kinds of tasks and are greatly appreciated.
Just stop into the office (located in the Ho-Chunk Center
downtown Sioux City) or call us.” Heying says. “Allow yourself
to be vulnerable and connect to these young people who
greatly need someone to care.”
Siouxland Magazine | Inspire / 21
Erin is a mother of 3 who has defied all odds. Through the
Resource Center Program, Erin was able to rekindle her
relationship with her older kids and learn all she needed to
know about parenting.
Ways you can support the Crittenton Center:
• Donate funds
• Donate gift cards for department stores
• Volunteer
• Share a talent
Dr. Cyndi Hanson, Executive Director for Northeast Community
College’s Extended Campus.
Photos Contributed by Crittenton Center.