Guest Bio: Carrie joined Florence Crittenton in 2010 as Grants Officer and quickly moved into the role of Development Director in 2011, a position she held for eight years before becoming Executive Director in 2019. Before Florence Crittenton, Carrie was Education Coordinator for the Montana Hospital Association and gained development and project management experience with the Helena Symphony and Montana State University Athletics. Over her 15 years at Florence Crittenton, Carrie has worked extensively in budget management, fund and contract development, and advocacy. As Executive Director, she leads the integrated leadership team and guides the organization’s mission alongside the Board of Directors and staff, with deep expertise in family-centric care. Carrie holds a Business Marketing degree with a minor in Small Business & Entrepreneurship from Montana State University–Bozeman. A Helena native, she enjoys raising her two daughters, Ella and Sarah, with her husband, Fred, and is passionate about connecting families with strong community support and sustainable programs. Episode Details: In this episode, host Emily Freeman talks with Carrie Krepps, Executive Director at Florence Crittenton Family Services, about the vital work the organization has done for 125 years to support families across Montana. Carrie shares insights into the programs that meet families where they are — from residential services for young mothers and recovery programs, to home visiting, childcare, and community-based support — emphasizing the importance of connection, trust, and long-term relationships. Highlights include: The organization’s 125-year history of serving vulnerable familiesResidential programs for young moms (ages 12–20) and long-term recovery programs for mothers and childrenCommunity-based services: home visiting, parenting classes, supervised visitation, and early childhood careThe critical role of human connection, time, and trust in supporting families through trauma, substance use recovery, and isolationRedefining community: small, meaningful connections can be as impactful as large programs or eventsWhat success looks like: integrating families into community life, supporting children’s development, and fostering resilienceThis episode highlights the power of community, patience, and long-term commitment in supporting Montana families through the challenges of early parenting and beyond. Resources: Florence Crittenton: https://www.florencecrittenton.org/Resources for Perinatal Substance Use:https://mthf.org/priority/the-meadowlark-initiative/https://hmhb-mt.org/look-closer/LIFTS Online Resource Guide Category Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers: https://hmhb-lifts.org/services?service_type=Substance%20Use%20Disorder%20Treatment%20ProvidersEnjoying the podcast? We’d love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Take our LIFTS Podcast Listener Survey at hmhb-mt.org/survey. Connect with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Website Facebook Instagram For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at https://hmhb-lifts.org/
