Why I Choose To Race For Crittenton Services

By Holly Fillipovich

Pause for a second. Picture your young self or a close young female friend who is pregnant and has no support.  She has no family support, no financial support, no emotional support.  

Where is this soon to be young mother to go with her unborn baby?  Who will help her develop parenting skills and important life skills to support herself and her precious baby?  How will she continue with her education?  Imagine the fear, anxiety, thoughts of uncertainty that would consume her…..

One solution for this young mother could be found at Critten ton Services, Inc!  Located in Wheeling, Crittenton is the only treatment center in the state of West Virginia licensed to serve the needs of these young mothers and their children.  The agency's goal is to help these young women find a way to raise their family in a safe environment where they are taught skills that will help guide them on a path of success for the rest of their lives. 

I have been volunteering at Crittenton for the last 15 years because I believe in their mission.  I love what they stand for, what they provide for young families and children who have limited options.  It’s dear to me because at the age of 19, I was that pregnant, scared young mother.  I was still a teen trying to figure out my own self, wondering how am I going to finished college, work and raise a child?   I gave birth to my son James while starting my junior year in college and I’m proud to say he just graduated high school last weekend!  What was different for me, was I had a strong support system between my family and James’ Dad, his family and many friends that truly cared.  I give back because I want other young mothers to be cared for and believed in, to experience and rely on a support system and have the courage to be bold, be a good Mom and follow their bliss!

My belief is we are all in this together. I encourage you to join me on June 24 at 9am in Moundsville at Grand Vue Park for the Founding Fathers 5K to benefit Crittenton Services, Inc.  Shout out to Zieggy Tribe member Sonny Baxter who has already committed to participating in the race. My hope is that more members of the Zieggy Tribe will be there! Plus, they can bring their friends and family. Both runners and walkers are welcome to participate. 

For more information on how to register for the race, go to florencecrittenton.net. While you fit in some early morning exercise, you can enjoy beautiful Grand Vie Park and support a worthy cause by living our Ziggy values of inspiring each other and serving others!