The stigma associated with being an unwed mother may not be as pronounced as it was in 1893 when the Florence Crittenton Home opened in Denver’s red light district and “fallen women” were objects of ridicule, often with zero support from family or friends.
Today, whispers can persist, but people in general realize that what’s done is done and what’s important now is to keep Mom in school and baby healthy.
Twenty-five years ago the Florence Crittenton Home became the Florence Crittenton School for pregnant and parenting teens, offering high school-level classes, counseling and parenting support for moms; a Qualistar-rated early learning center for their babies; and a Young Fathers Program for the dads.
The anniversary was celebrated Sept. 16 at a luncheon held at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center. It also was the occasion to salute Noreen Keleshian on her impending retirement after 20 years as president and CEO of Parent Pathways, the school’s parent agency.
Dorotha Hogue and Dorothy Gilboy Corley were recognized for their longterm support, and Maria Guajardo, director of the Mayor’s Office for Education and Children, shared her vision for helping girls become “smart, bold and knowing how to tell right from wrong.”
Guajardo was introduced by Florence Crittenton senior Maria Trujillo, whose goal is to become a registered nurse.
Former Gov. Bill Owens; United Way’s chief executive, Christine Benero; retired Denver Kids director Donna Hultin; and Pure Brand Communications partner Larry Holdren were among those attending the lunch, joining a group that also included board chair Doug Hock and his successor, Helen Salazar Martin; Sherry and Andy Kenney; Kwali Farbes; Helen Drexler; Rebecca Gart; Mike Kehoe; Lynn Bronikowski; Kelli Kindel; Olivia Mendoza; Craig Archibald; Judy Koff; Karen Spies; John Lewis; Patti Klinge; and Shaun Yancey.
Coming right up.
Songbird Hazel Miller performs Thursday when Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods marks its 40th birthday with a celebration at Denver Botanic Gardens. Purchase a $75 ticket by calling 303-830-1651 … Thursday’s also the date for Colorado UpLIFT’s fundraising gala. It begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center; for tickets, call 303-830-6615 … 7News reporter Christine Chang will be at Kings Land Chinese Seafood Restaurant Saturday to emcee a dim sum brunch that benefits the Nathan Yip Foundation. Tickets are $35 ($25 for those up to age 12) and reservations can be phoned to 303-817-8400 … That evening, Neiman Marcus teams with its Cherry Creek neighbor, Elway’s, for a fashion show and silent auction to benefit Creative Adoptions. Allen and Wendy Fears are chairing the 5 p.m. event that takes place in a tent set up outside the restaurant; secure a seat by calling 303-730-7791 … Colorado first lady Jeannie Ritter joins Mayor John Hickenlooper to read the “Green Eggs and Hamlet” parody at an Oct. 6 breakfast hosted by Reach Out and Read Colorado. It’s at 7:30 a.m. at Denver Botanic Gardens and is supported by such literacy advocates as Ann and Hal Logan, Lori and Grady Durham, Lyndia and Cy Harvey, Nan and Spike Eklund, Judy and Newell Grant and Drs. Ann and Doug Jones. Call 303-623-3800.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter
