May 2026

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What Transformation Really Looks Like

Transformation does not happen all at once. It unfolds over time through moments that may seem small on their own but together tell a much larger story.

It looks like a mother sitting in her car with everything packed, preparing to leave after graduating our program, and unexpectedly finding herself in tears as she says goodbye. She never imagined that leaving a shelter could feel so emotional, but she is surrounded by people who have supported her every step of the way.

It looks like a message sent in the excitement of the moment that simply says, “Ms. Gina, it’s real,” accompanied by a photo of apartment keys in hand. In that instant, a family is stepping into a space that is entirely their own after a long journey toward stability.

It looks like children discovering new confidence in themselves for the very first time. In one of our volunteer-led workshops, boys who had never used a hammer before learned how to build birdhouses. As they figured it out, their confidence grew, and so did their pride in what they had created.

It looks like a child in tutoring who is learning to read one word at a time, gaining encouragement with each small success, and beginning to believe in their own ability to learn and grow.

It also looks like a mother who, even in the midst of uncertainty, holds tightly to what matters most. She reminds us that children need love and to know they are loved, and she lives that truth every day through her strength and care.

Transformation does not end when a family graduates from our program. Through aftercare, families continue to build life skills, establish routines, and create stability in their new homes. We remain connected, listening closely to their experiences and using what we learn to strengthen the support we provide to future families.

This is what transformation really looks like. It is steady, personal, and built through relationships and time. It is made possible by a community of people who choose to invest in this work.

ChattaDerby 2026: A Night of Gratitude and Hope

On May 2nd, some of our most dedicated supporters for ChattaDerby 2026 gathered for an elegant Kentucky Derby watch party and appreciation evening held at The Signal.

The night was designed as a celebration of the people who make our work possible. Major donors, sponsors, and staff filled the room for a four-course dinner and a live-stream of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, but the heart of the evening had nothing to do with horses.

One of the most powerful moments of the night was when CRITI graduate Melissa Hillebrandt took the stage to share her story. Her words were a reminder of why every gift, sponsorship, and act of generosity matters deeply to the women and children who walk through CRITI's doors.

CRITI Executive Director Taylor Hixson also addressed guests, reflecting on the impact of our six-month residential program and the community that sustains it.

Guests participated in the Call the Post game, cheered on their picks during the Derby, and some were crowned winners in the Best Dressed Gentleman and Best Hat contests, bringing plenty of laughter and Kentucky Derby spirit to the evening.

ChattaDerby is not a fundraiser, but CRITI's way of saying thank you to the people who believe that every woman and child in Chattanooga deserves safety, stability, and a chance to start again. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and thank you to everyone who supports our worthy mission.

Listening, Learning, & Growing

We believe the people closest to the problem are closest to the solution.

That belief comes to life through our listening sessions, where graduate families gather around the table as our CRITI Advisory Board to share their real experiences, challenges, and the barriers they have faced.

There are no filters or summaries. These are honest conversations with people who know our program best because they have lived it.

What we hear in these sessions directly shapes how we move forward. From program adjustments to new ideas, the insights our graduates share help us better support current residents and strengthen the path for the families who come next.

Thank you to our graduates for trusting us with your stories and your honesty. You are not just alumni. You are helping build a stronger program for others.

Life Skills Instructor Highlight

We love celebrating the incredible life skills instructors who pour their time and talent into our Life Skills Program, and this month we are thrilled to spotlight Cori Tinkham Cruz.

Cori serves as Project Director at Gaining Ground and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Food Studies at Boston University. Outside of work and school, she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

Through her work with Gaining Ground, Cori brings a passion for food, sustainability, and community into our kitchen. She leads hands-on cooking classes using fresh, locally grown produce, with a focus on meals that are simple, nutritious, and budget-friendly for families.

Her first session featured a crowd-pleasing pasta with homemade sauce packed with hidden vegetables, perfect for even the pickiest eaters.

Cori, thank you for sharing your talents with our families and for investing in our residents. We are grateful to have you as part of our community.

Thank You for Your Nominations. Voting Opens Soon

Nominations for the Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of the Best closed on April 30, and we are so grateful for your support.

Voting opens May 25th on the Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of the Best website, and we would be honored to have your vote. Your support helps us reach more people in our community and continue empowering women and children experiencing homelessness. Stay tuned for voting details and thank you for being part of this work.

Celebrating National Volunteer Week

April 19 through 25 marked National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize the people who give their time, energy, and compassion to serve others. We are so grateful for the dedicated volunteers who support our mission each and every day.

From tutoring to helping with events, organizing donations, and offering encouragement, our volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of the women and families we serve. Their generosity helps create a community where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward.

To each of our current volunteers, thank you. Your willingness to show up consistently and serve with care is a vital part of everything we do.

If you have been looking for a way to get involved, we would love to welcome you to our volunteer community. There are a variety of opportunities available, and we will help you find a role that fits your interests, skills, and schedule.

To learn more and sign up, visit our volunteer webpage.

Year-Round Impact Made Possible By Our Annual Sponsors

Our new Annual Sponsorship program gives businesses the chance to gain year-round marketing visibility while supporting women and children experiencing homelessness.

Sponsors will be featured across TV, radio, print, digital and paid social media, as well as CRITI’s website, newsletter, and events. Every marketing opportunity keeps CRITI at the center, connecting your business with a trusted local nonprofit and the families we serve.

Become a sponsor and join us in making a lasting impact while sharing your commitment with the community.

Annual Sponsor Info

Mattress Firm

Republican Womens Club

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!