History of Florence Crittenton Programs
Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina. Inc. was founded in 1897 by a group of Charleston women in response to a suicide account in the local newspaper of a young out-of-wedlock pregnant woman who had come to Charleston to have her baby. The "Christ Love Mission" (as we were first named) was established as a maternity home for unwed mothers. This Charleston agency name was changed to Florence Crittenton Home and Hospital in 1899 after a visit to Charleston by Charles Crittenton. Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina has continuously maintained a residential program for unwed mothers since that time, serving the entire state of South Carolina.
19 St. Margaret Street location illustrated by Dale Watson

Until the early 1950's delivery of infants was made at the 19 St. Margaret Street location which was completed in 1932 to house the residential program. Originally, private physicians, including obstetricians and pediatricians, cared for the mothers and their infants on a volunteer basis. In 1954 the Medical University of South Carolina assumed responsibility for prenatal and medical care at the hospital, a relationship that continues today.

Parents, social agencies, physicians, clergyman and school personnel have referred young women to the agency since it was founded. Families paid what they could for their care. Since 1958, FCP has received funds annually from United Way agencies across the state; through service contracts with state agencies; and donations from the public and private sector. The residential program is open to any pregnant woman in South Carolina, regardless of ability to pay. Over the years FCP has expanded services to meet the changing needs of the pregnant women in South Carolina.

In 1959 the accredited school program began to meet the educational needs of the women in residence. Today, the school program continues to serve the residents through support from the Charleston County School District. In 1986, in response to increasing numbers of inquiries for school services apart from residential care and the high level of school drop outs in Charleston County due to pregnancy, the Day Program was started to provide comprehensive on-site services during pregnancy to Charleston County students, as well as a two year follow-up. The name of the agency was legally changed from the Florence Crittenton Home to Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina in 1986 to reflect the expansion of services.

In 1997 FCP expanded services to include a transitional living program for young mother/infant dyads to provide a safe, supportive living environment as the mothers work or complete their education. This program, currently housed in duplexes at the former naval base, was expanded further in 1999, through a grant from the Duke Endowment, to include an apartment complex on Nunan Street.


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