It was not long after Mother's conversion that she became active in the Women's Christian Temperance Union; and at one time was president of that organization. When the Los Angeles branch of the Congress of Mothers (later known as the Congress of Parents and Teachers) was organized, she was chosen as its first president.
It was her desire to serve God and humanity in every way possible, and the greatest joy of her heart was that of rescuing the wayward and bringing them to Christ.
Though Mother was not well, suffering from a number of afflictions, her physical condition did not quench her passion for souls. She helped in reform movements and did everything in her power to lift the fallen, even to going into the slum districts to search for those who wanted a better way of Life.
Jail and prison visitations were another phase of her personal work. Week after week she took a message of helpfulness to some mother's boy. All this took a toll on her strength; and the sheriff at the jail she so often visited on Temple Street hill in Los Angeles noticed her weakening condition and said: "Mrs. Crawford, someday you will be coming here for the last time." Her interest in the prisoner went beyond the Jail bars; and she established a place of business - a harness shop - where the men could work when they were paroled. After a short time in her employ, the ex-prisoner could be given a recommendation to another place of employment.