Transitional Living Program for Women and Children

At Poiema Movement, we are deeply committed to empowering women in crisis through our comprehensive restorative program, with a special focus on trauma recovery. Our approach is holistic, targeting not just the symptoms but the root causes of trauma. By integrating trauma recovery into every aspect of our programming—from skills development workshops to social, emotional, and spiritual growth sessions—we address both the immediate and long-term needs of our participants. This focus on healing from trauma allows women to develop crucial life skills and build confidence in their abilities, setting a foundation for a stable future. In our supportive and nurturing environment, Poiema Movement doesn't just help restore lives; we empower women to transform them, enabling them to become active, thriving members of the community.

At Poiema Movement, we recognize the fundamental need for stability and support in times of crisis, particularly for children and their mothers. Our housing service provides up to two years of residence in a secure and welcoming community. Each family is given a private living space that ensures comfort and privacy, complemented by access to communal areas where residents can forge supportive relationships and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Additionally, our transportation services facilitate access to essential services and opportunities, further enhancing the stability and independence of our residents. This comprehensive approach not only offers a safe haven for women and children in crisis but also lays a solid foundation for them to rebuild and transform their lives.

At Poiema Movement, we understand that economic stability is crucial for long-term independence and resilience. To empower our participants, we offer comprehensive employment and financial literacy services designed to equip women with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce and manage their finances effectively. Our employment services include resume building, job search assistance, and interview preparation, helping women secure meaningful employment that aligns with their skills and goals. Concurrently, our financial literacy training covers budgeting, saving, credit management, and smart spending habits. By providing these tools, women not only gain employment but also become proficient in managing their earnings, paving the way for financial independence and a stable future for themselves and their children.

At Poiema Movement, we understand that trauma can deeply affect children, influencing their emotional, cognitive, and social development. Our parenting classes are specifically designed to address the challenges posed by trauma and to support mothers in fostering resilience within their families. Classes will include critical age appropriate strategies for helping children process their experiences and build strong, healthy relationships.

We will educate mothers on how trauma impacts behavior and development, and equip them with effective techniques for communication and emotional support. By strengthening family dynamics in this way, our program helps create more stable, nurturing environments where children can thrive despite past adversities.

Poiema Movement serves adult women (18+) who are the biological or legal guardian of at least one child age 10 or under. Applicants must be willing to participate in a faith-based, structured transitional living program and committed to sobriety in a drug-free environment. Participants should demonstrate readiness to actively parent and rebuild family stability, with the ability to care for their children and engage in parenting, therapy, and life skills programming. Children must be age 10 or under, medically and behaviorally stable, and accompanied by documentation of custody or active reunification efforts. All residents agree to community living, house rules, and Poiema’s code of conduct—including zero tolerance for substance use, violence, or unsafe behavior. A screening interview, orientation, and required documentation (ID, custody papers, etc.) are part of the intake process.

Poiema Movement provides trauma-informed housing for women and their children ages 10 and under, offering a safe space for healing, stability, and growth.

This age limit reflects our intentional focus on meeting the developmental and emotional needs of younger children while supporting the complex needs of mothers navigating crises such as homelessness, domestic violence, or substance use recovery. Welcoming older children would require a different structure and support system, and expanding beyond our scope could compromise the depth of care we provide. We know the needs are great, and while we can’t serve every family, we are committed to partnering with others who share the work of restoration—each doing our part in the greater story of hope and healing.