|
2025 ChattaDerby was a Galloping Success!
We raised $105,000 to directly support our mission!
| |
CRITI's Workforce Development and Safety Specialist, Michiba Smith, Earns Third Certification
One challenge we often see at CRITI is that many of our clients lack the professional skills needed to move into higher-paying, more sustainable jobs they enjoy. To address this, we now offer Tech Goes Home Chattanooga (TGH CHA) courses directly at our shelter, taught by Michiba Smith, our Workforce Development and Safety Specialist, who is a certified instructor.
Through two pathways — Workforce Development and Office Ready — clients receive training in essential job skills like resume building, online job searching, interviewing, and proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. Upon completing 15 hours of training, clients may also qualify for a new Chromebook or tablet.
By offering these courses on-site at no cost, we eliminate transportation barriers and reduce the fear of unfamiliar environments, making it easier for clients to build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
We want to give a big shoutout to Michiba for her expertise in this and other fields that brings tools and skills to CRITI residents!
| | |
Intern Farewell: Haley Stovall
We’re excited to celebrate Haley Stovall, our amazing Child Advocate Intern, who has brought so much compassion, creativity, and care to our shelter. Haley is graduating from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in Child and Family Studies, and we’ve been so lucky to have her on our team.
During her internship, Haley went above and beyond. She planned and led engaging child enrichment activities that gave our kids space to grow, learn, and have fun. She also created our Reading Bingo program—a creative and fun way to build literacy skills that quickly became a favorite among the children.
Haley supported mothers in the shelter by sharing positive parenting strategies in a way that was thoughtful, encouraging, and empowering. Her warm and nonjudgmental approach made it easy for families to connect with her and feel supported.
Behind the scenes, she helped coordinate with volunteers, participated in case management meetings, and ensured smooth documentation of services—keeping everything organized and running efficiently.
Haley’s kindness, positivity, and dedication have left a lasting impact on our residents and staff. We are so grateful for all she’s contributed, and we know she’s headed toward a bright and meaningful future.
Thank you, Haley—you’ll be deeply missed!
| | | | Chattanooga Room in the Inn Publishes Core Values | | Let these values serve as our ethical foundation and guiding principles that shape every aspect of our organization's work so that we may stay aligned with our mission, hold trust and credibility with our stakeholders, provide a framework for decision making, shape our culture, and live into these values with accountability to our community. | | Chattanooga Room in the Inn Featured on Talk 102.3 | | |
We took over Talk 102.3 for four full hours on April 25th! We were on air with Jed, JR, and Natalie from 6am to 10am and enjoyed every bit of it. We discussed issues within our community, highlighted a lot of the work we do and programs we offer residents during and after their six-month stay with us, and had a bit of fun along the way.
Thank you to our guests!
Taylor Hixson, Executive Director
Jordan Farmer, Child Enrichment Volunteer
Shakika Boyd, Former Resident
LaFreda Johnson, Counselor
Jessica Brackett, Child Advocate
Berkley Congdon, Trust Federal Credit Union
Robin Sturnes, Dress for Success
Kaitlyn Bureau, Lead Case Manager
Adrienne Koon, Director of Development
Some photos credit to Talk Radio 102.3
| |
Two Sweet Stories
Sometimes, the smallest gestures carry the most powerful messages. Jessica, CRITI's Child Advocate, received a bouquet of hand-picked flowers from a young resident. You can see she was quite surprised at how sweet this is! It was a reminder that kindness knows no bounds, even in the most difficult times. It’s moments like these that make our work so meaningful.
-------------
Sidewalk chalk art is such a simple thing, but it really touched CRITI Grant Manager, Brianne Lalor, so she captured this photo. She says, "I was really moved by seeing the kids' chalk artwork today because it reminded me of the chalk artwork in my own driveway. It’s just a sweet reminder that we truly are a home for these families."
It reminds us of the joy and innocence that fill a home. And that’s exactly what we are working to provide at Chattanooga Room in the Inn—a home, not just a shelter. A place where laughter, creativity, and love can flourish, no matter the circumstances.
To see the resident children feel safe enough to express themselves like this is a reminder of how important it is to offer more than just a roof over their heads.
| | |
Women's Council of Realtors Chattanooga Hosts Event to Honor CRITI
Women's Council of Realtors Chattanooga hosted an event and we received a portion of the proceeds! Starting with fun music and a lively atmosphere, realtors from all over the city and county were guests of this fun evening, where we were honored to be the recipients of their generosity. Food was served then bingo followed and it wasn't long before someone was yelling "BINGO" as everyone else groaned. It was a great time!
| |  | |
The Chattanooga Public Library Visits CRITI
Kelsi Gately spoke to resident children about what the library offers and families signed up for library cards. Everyone got to design a button, then the library donated a few dozen books to our CRITI library. The kids picked which two books will kick off our next reading challenge, which is Reading Bingo! Kelsi read two books to the kids, so they got to mark off a spot on their bingo cards. How fun and educational! Reading is important for a myriad of reasons, and we're grateful The Chattanooga Public Library is our partner!
| | One Last Thank You to Our 2025 ChattaDerby Sponsors | |
Shelter to Stability Donor Society
Join the Shelter to Stability Donor Society and make a meaningful impact in the lives of women and children in our program. Your dedication can transform into essential resources like clean clothes, mental health counseling, and life skills classes, all of which contribute to a path toward stable living. Together, we can create a brighter future for those in need.
| | |
Thank you to our current donor society members!
- Karen Scott
- Deborah Hulse
- Pamala and Robert Thompson
- Jordan Farmer
- Julie Russell and Bill Crunk
- Joseph Shown
- Anonymous (x9)
| | | | | | |
