For more than a century, Crittenton Center has worked to support children and families across Iowa. While many people associate the nonprofit with its work in the Sioux City area, the organization has also established a growing presence in Sioux County through its Orange City child care and preschool center.
Speaking on Sioux County Radio’s The Daily Grind Monday, Vice President of Community Engagement and Development Christina Eggink-Postma says Crittenton’s mission has remained unchanged despite the organization’s long history.
“We’ve been around for over one hundred and thirty years, and we really have kind of stuck to our mission over that whole time of sheltering, educating and empowering kids and families.”
Growing Presence in Orange City
Today, that mission includes serving families in Orange City through early childhood education while expanding resources available to parents.
“We have care for about two hundred kids every day…childcare and preschool and actually we were just awarded some funding to implement some parenting education and supports there as well, which we’re really excited just launching this month.”
The new parenting education initiative is being launched through partnerships with Orange City Area Health System, the City of Orange City, MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District, and other local organizations. Eggink-Postma says offering those services through the child care center allows staff to identify challenges early and connect families with resources before situations become more serious.
Supporting Families Before They Reach a Crisis
While Crittenton provides foster care, emergency shelter, and services for youth experiencing homelessness in the Sioux City area, Eggink-Postma said one of the organization’s biggest goals is preventing families from ever reaching that point.
She said placing family support programs inside community child care centers allows staff to build trusted relationships with parents while observing children every day.
“We’re able to step in a little bit earlier in a really gentle, non-stigmatizing way (and offer support).”
Those supports may include parenting education, tuition assistance for child care, connections to food pantries, diaper programs, or other community resources, all aimed at reducing stress on families before problems escalate.
New Grants Bringing Additional Services
Several recent grant awards are helping expand programming in Orange City and surrounding communities.
Among them are:
•A Department of Education grant to launch parenting education services.
•A Department of Health and Human Services preschool initiative that helps working parents afford full-day care while children attend preschool.
•Iowa Cancer Consortium funding for sun safety education.
•Grants supporting playground improvements, outdoor learning spaces, hygiene supplies, and food pantry resources for families.
Eggink-Postma said those grants help keep high-quality child care affordable while ensuring children receive a safe, educational environment.
Helping Families Build a Better Future
Eggink-Postma shared one example of a mother who left a domestic violence situation, moved to the area with a young child and another on the way, and was connected with Crittenton through a local clinic.
The organization provided child care, connected her with community resources, and eventually employed her while helping her earn an early childhood education degree.
“We saw this mom and we saw this family. We said, ‘How can we help?’ And what can we do? And so that to me is… it’s early learning, it’s brain development, it’s all those things, but it’s also truly helping families and keeping families together and helping them see, like, ‘Hey, there’s an option for a brighter future for you.'”
She said stories like that demonstrate how stable child care can become a foundation for rebuilding lives.
Local Golf Tournament Supports Sioux County Programs
To continue expanding local services, Crittenton Center will host its first Windmills and Wedges Golf Tournament on Friday, July 31, at Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Participants will receive 18 holes of golf with a cart, lunch, dinner, prizes, and other activities, with proceeds supporting children and families served in Orange City and throughout Sioux County.
Individual registration is $150, while four-person teams may register for $600. Sponsorship opportunities also remain available.
Annual Fundraiser Coming This Fall
In addition to the local golf tournament, Crittenton Center will hold its annual Passport to Possibilities fundraising event on Saturday, October 17, at the Sioux City Country Club.
The travel-themed evening will include dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment, and fundraising activities, with proceeds supporting the organization’s child and family programs across the region. Organizers are currently seeking sponsors, auction donations, and attendees.
