Innformer

October 2024

According to The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, "early childhood is a critical period for brain development, which is important for boosting cognition and mental well-being. Good brain health at this age is directly linked to better mental heath, cognition, and educational attainment in adolescence and adulthood. It can also provide resilience in times of stress."

Our reading nook was made possible by a grant from Families in Transition through Hamilton County Schools, aimed at helping Chattanooga shelters establish small libraries for families.

Starting in October, we’ll kick off a group reading initiative to encourage our kids to read; complete with exciting group rewards. Here’s how it works:

- Once our kids collectively read 1,000 pages, we’ll celebrate with a pajama party and movie night!

- After reaching 3,000 pages, we’ll host an ice cream party.

- Finally, when we hit 5,000 pages, the kids will enjoy a glow-in-the-dark dance party!

Wednesday, October 23rd at 12pm, we are hosting a ONE-HOUR open house for anyone interested in becoming a child advocate! In this meeting, we'll delve into volunteering procedures, techniques for supporting children with trauma, and the required paperwork for volunteering eligibility.



As the holiday season approaches, our volunteer needs grow and we hope you're by our side advocating for the children in our program.

Child Enrichment is a time when our youngest residents grow and play. Every Monday night from 6:30-7:30, our kiddos get to participate in a number of enriching experiences for both body and mind such as gardening, crafts, yoga and movement class, group counseling, and, of course, playtime! Weekly volunteers are an integral part in our child enrichment success!

Congratulations, Michiba Smith!

We are thrilled to announce that our Resident Safety Trainer, Michiba Smith, has achieved her certification as a CPR trainer! Thanks to Michiba’s dedication, every woman who moves into Chattanooga Room in the Inn will now have CPR certification. This not only enhances their resumes but also equips them with a vital skill for ensuring safety in community living and as parents when they transition to permanent housing.

As our Resident Safety Trainer, Michiba is responsible for providing essential training on building protocols and emergency procedures, including severe weather, fire, and other incidents. This ensures that all residents are prepared, safe, and knowledgeable, with the tools to create a safety plan for their families once they achieve permanent housing.



We are grateful for Michiba's hard work and the positive impact she's making in our community!

Thank you, First Christian Church Chattanooga, for inviting us to speak at your lovely Outreach Sunday! It was a pleasure meeting the congregation and to be involved in such a special service! And thank you for being a continuing positive force in women and children's lives by providing meals.

Your church, ministry, organization, or even just a group of friends can get involved by signing up to volunteer! *picture from First Christian Church website*

When you make a donation and request your employer match it, your donation goes farther for our mission. Companies often match 100% of a donation and it's usually easy to initiate. Ask if your employer matches donations today!

Unum Delivers

Shemar Mckoy and MeShonda Williams-Lucious from Unum stopped by with a TON (four big boxes!) of care packages for our residents that included soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, socks, feminine hygiene products, and more!



We're so grateful for partnerships like this and for those who make generosity a priority.

Every Last Petal has chosen CRITI as their outreach organization of the month! From now until October 17th, if you order from them and choose a thrifted vase, 30% of the proceeds will be donated to Chattanooga Room in the Inn!

Flowers for your loved ones or flowers for the women in our program. Check out Every Last Petal today!

Supporter John Christof has pledged to hike Sequatchie Mountain every day, rain or shine, from August 11 - October 15 to raise awareness for homelessness and domestic violence. He has a goal to raise $1,000 and has chosen Chattanooga Room in the Inn as the recipient of his efforts.

Sequatchie Mountain is 1,000 feet and he will have climbed 66,000 feet by the end of this campaign (more than twice the height of Everest). John says, "If this 68-year-old man can walk up mountains, perhaps you can show your support with a donation to help others in need. You will feel the power of KINDNESS as soon as you make your donation and know you just helped a deserving person."

Donate to this campaign by clicking the button below and entering "Mountain of Kindness" in the note field.

In addition to doing an absolutely fantastic job cleaning the common areas of our facility, Chattanooga Cleaning Solutions brought some wonderful gifts for the women and children here! It's gifts like this that make the CRITI world go 'round!

We had a great time campaigning with United Way of Greater Chattanooga! Thank you for being one of our biggest fans and leading the way in our community with giving and support!

Brandie taught financial literacy to CRITI's residents a few years ago. Even though Brandie's employment has changed, her heart is still at CRITI. Her company, King's Elderberry set up a booth at the Chattanooga Market Place in August and a portion of proceeds for the month went to CRITI. Thank you Brandie and King's Elderberry!