Pathways to Empowerment: Empowering Me. Uplifting We. Building Stronger Futures Together.
Pathways to Empowerment 2026 is a celebration of resilience, progress, and community. Rooted in the ideal “Empowering Me. Uplifting We. Building Stronger Futures Together,” this annual event highlights the individual growth of teen moms and their children while showcasing the collective strength of the FloCrit community. Through inspiring stories, engaging activities, and opportunities to give, attendees will leave feeling connected, inspired, and motivated to make a difference.
As FloCrit’s signature event, Pathways to Empowerment brings together over 500 attendees, including supporters, partners, community leaders, board members, alumni, teen moms, and their families, to celebrate the transformative work of Florence Crittenton Services.This event is a chance to rally support for the young families we serve and to highlight how our programs such as education, housing, mental health support, and early childhood education create brighter futures.
At FloCrit, we use a two-generation approach, empowering teen moms to achieve their goals while setting their children up for long-term success. Supporting one generation uplifts the next, creating a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities.
In addition to this event, we’ll honor the 2026 Dr. Kate Waller Barrett Advocate Award and Charles Crittenton Community Partner Award recipients.
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant Street, Denver, CO 80204
Sponsorships are available! View the Sponsorship Packet for more information.
2026 Award Recipients
Dr. Kate Waller Barrett Award Recipient
Dr. Kate Waller Barrett Advocate Award
Dr. Kate Waller Barrett was a humanitarian, philanthropist, and social reformer. While raising six children and opening a shelter for unwed mothers, she earned a Medical degree and a Doctor of Science. In 1895, Dr. Barrett joined Charles Crittenton to co-found the Florence Crittenton Mission, establishing homes for unwed mothers across the country. More than 70 Crittenton homes operated in the United States and abroad at the time of her death.
We honor Dr. Barrett’s advocacy efforts and leadership in supporting girls and young women. The Dr. Kate Waller Barrett Advocate Award is given to an individual who supports the empowerment of young mothers and their children in our community.
2026 Dr. Kate Waller Barrett Advocate Award Winner: Mike and Elaine Ackerman
Mike and Elaine are dedicated supporters of Florence Crittenton Services and are inspired by the strength, resilience, and potential of the young mothers it serves. Their journey with Florence Crittenton Services began with a single invitation—when a trusted friend encouraged Elaine to attend a FloCrit luncheon. Moved by the stories she heard, she returned home inspired, sparking a shared commitment that would grow into years of dedicated involvement.
Since then, Mike and Elaine have become passionate advocates for the organization’s mission and the teen families it serves. They have witnessed powerful transformations: young women arriving uncertain of their future and, over time, gaining the confidence and tools to build stable, thriving lives for themselves and their children. These moments continue to fuel their dedication and belief in what is possible.
Grateful to be part of such a mission-driven community, Mike and Elaine feel priviledged to stand alongside courageous young mothers and the extraordinary teams who support them every step of the way.
Charles Crittenton Community Partner Award Recipient
Charles Crittenton was a businessman and social philanthropist who, in partnership with Dr. Kate Waller Barrett, founded the National Florence Crittenton Mission to support young women. Upon the death of his youngest daughter, Florence, at age 4 in 1882, Charles committed himself and his fortune to catalyze social change. He set up the original Florence Crittenton Night Mission in New York City in 1883.
Charles met Dr. Barrett in 1893, who was running her own women’s home in Washington, D.C. The two joined forces to advocate for the rights of young women to build better futures for themselves and their families.
The Charles Crittenton Community Partner Award is given each year to a FloCrit partner organization that demonstrates Charles’ relentless support of the potentials of young mothers and their children through partnership and promotion.
2026 Charles Crittenton Community Partner Award Winners: Mile High United Way and The Denver Foundation
Mile High United Way
Mile High United Way has played a transformative role across Denver and beyond, working at the intersection of education, financial stability, and health to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Florence Crittenton Services was one of the first agencies funded by Mile High United Way in 1893, which began a steadfast partnership. Mile High United Way has been creating opportunities not just for Florence Crittenton Services, but for countless organizations and individuals citywide.
Mile High United Way’s impact aligns closely with FloCrit’s mission through its focus on Education, improving school readiness and access to quality early childhood programs, which supports young families on the path to success. Its emphasis on economic stability, providing resources like job training and housing support, mirrors FloCrit’s commitment to empowering families to achieve financial independence. Additionally, Mile High United Way’s work in health and well-being, advocating for equitable access to healthcare and mental health services, complements FloCrit’s efforts to ensure holistic support for underrepresented communities. Finally, their dedication to community strengthening, through volunteerism, corporate partnerships, and initiatives like Colorado Gives Day, aligns with FloCrit’s vision of fostering a connected and supportive community.
Mile High United Way’s support has gone far beyond financial contribution. It has enabled transformative collaborations that address systemic challenges and create real, lasting change. Together, we’ve worked to empower young mothers, provide educational opportunities, and create pathways to brighter futures.
The Denver Foundation
The Denver Foundation, established in 1925, is one of Colorado’s oldest and largest community foundations. With nearly a century of service, the foundation has been a steadfast force in improving lives in Metro Denver, promoting equity and addressing critical community needs. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, and strategic grantmaking, The Denver Foundation connects generosity with opportunity, creating lasting impact and empowering communities.
We are honored to celebrate their extraordinary partnership and collaboration with Florence Crittenton Services. For over 100 years, The Denver Foundation has been a pillar of Denver’s philanthropic landscape, working together to strengthen vulnerable women, children, and families. The Denver Foundation’s financial stewardship and unwavering support have been instrumental in advancing opportunities for teen families across Denver.
Additionally, we commend the incredible collaboration between The Denver Foundation and Mile High United Way. With a shared history of advocacy and impact dating back over a century, their partnership exemplifies the power of uniting for the common good.
Rising Phoenix Alumna Award
The Rising Phoenix Alumna Achievement Award celebrates the success and accomplishments of Florence Crittenton Services alumnae who have risen above challenges, embraced opportunities, and created brighter futures for themselves and their families. This award recognizes and honors the strength, resilience, and determination of FloCrit graduates, showcasing their journeys as powerful examples of what is possible when their potential is realized through access to education, supportive services, and a community that believes in them.
Justina is a Florence Crittenton Services alumna who excelled through high school. She graduated and earned her CNA certification from CEC Early College, giving her a clear sense of her capabilities. After graduating in 2013, she worked as a CNA, navigated a growing family, and even took guardianship of two godchildren for five years. Justina landed a career in hospitality, starting as a server at what was The Egg & I and is now First Watch. She moved up quickly and became a lead server, helped open a new location, trained staff through a full conversion and, after COVID, stepped into management.
Today she’s a General Manager at First Watch in Lakewood, one of their youngest GMs in Colorado. Her husband Eloy, a plumber who also found his career through FloCrit, is right beside her. Their daughter Alize, 16, is a sophomore at CEC Early College — the same school where Justina got her start — and wants to be a crime scene investigator. They are proud homeowners, where they are raising their three children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Attire is business casual or cocktail.
Where is it located?
The Denver Art Museum is located at 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood. Our event is in the Martin Building (the newly remodeled original DAM building). Enter in the Sie Welcome Center entrance off 13th Avenue, on the south side of the building.
Ride share, elderly and handicapped drop-off/pick-up is available on 13th Avenue, between Broadway and Bannock streets.
Visit the DAM Accessibility page for more information on access at the DAM.
Please find more information about location and parking here.
Where should I park?
- Cultural Center Garage: Located on 12th Ave. between Broadway and Bannock streets.
- Street and metered parking (most are free after 6pm): Available within walking distance of the museum.
- Surface lots: Nearby unattended lots.
- Art Garage: Covered parking adjacent to the Art Studios at 1200 Lincoln Street.
Please find more information about location and parking here.
Will I have access to the art galleries?
Guests will have access to the 2nd floor galleries; however, food and drink are not allowed in the galleries.
Non-flash photography is allowed in galleries and public spaces. You will see on the gallery door or object label if photography is not allowed.
What is the event schedule?
- 6:00 pm doors open
- 6:00-7:00 pm Cocktail hour in the Creative Hub on the 1st floor, passed apps, galleries open.
- 7:00-7:30 pm Dinner in the Sturm Ballroom on the 2nd floor.
- 7:30-8:30 pm Program and paddle raise.
Will there be a silent auction?
This year, instead of a silent auction, we’re inviting you to place symbolic bids through GiveSmart in our “Pathways to Abundance” fund-a-need exhibit—a meaningful way to support FloCrit teen families by funding essential items. Anyone can place a bid through this link 24 hours before the event.