Commonly Asked Questions

All Program Participants

  • We serve adult women who are rebuilding their lives after addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, incarceration, or other life-altering challenges.

    • Women, age 18 or older

    • Moms with custody of one or more children age 10 or younger

    • Living in sobriety and committed to maintaining it

    • Ready and able to work at least 32 hours a week

    • Free from the use of controlled substances

    • Able to live cooperatively in community with other women

  • Poiema provides a safe, structured living environment paired with holistic, trauma-informed care. Residents have access to:

    • Safe and stable housing

    • Restorative classes and recovery support

    • Parenting education

    • Employment and financial coaching

    • Mentorship and individualized case management

    • On-site childcare during scheduled program activities

    • Transportation for work, recovery groups, and essential appointments (when available)

    Each woman also receives a personalized service plan and regular one-on-one support to help her move toward lasting stability, healing, and independence.

  • Poiema offers long-term transitional housing, with stays typically ranging from 12 to 24 months, based on each resident’s progress and goals.

  • Many of our residents have a history of justice involvement. Each application is reviewed individually. We do not admit registered sex offenders.

  • The program fee is $450 per month per adult and $50 per month per child. If there are financial concerns, we encourage applicants to speak with staff.

  • Yes. Employment is required within 60 days of admission for individual care and 90 days for mothers with children. Residents are expected to work 32–40 hours per week once employed and to arrange their own childcare during work hours.

  • No. While faith is central to our program culture, curriculum, and values, applicants do not need to be Christian nor become a Christian to qualify or participate.

    We do ask that participants are open to being in a community shaped by Christian principles.

  • Yes. Poiema is a drug- and alcohol-free program with a zero-tolerance policy. Applicants must be committed to sobriety and actively engaged in recovery support.

    If you are not currently sober, you can still apply as long as you are willing to enter treatment first. Women who are transitioning out of a substance use treatment program are also welcome to apply as part of their discharge plan.

  • At Poiema, we use a supportive accountability process. We walk with each woman through coaching, redirection, and written plans, offering many chances for growth because change takes time. But if someone repeatedly breaks policies, their actions show they are not ready for a structured program, and dismissal will follow.

    Serious violations, such as drug use or violence, result in immediate dismissal.

  • Spiritual development is an important part of the program. We ask that all residents be open to participating in a faith-based community. Attendance at a Christian church aligned with our values is part of the regular schedule.

  • Possibly. This depends on where you are in the program, your goals, and your ability to manage program responsibilities. Talk to staff about your education goals.

  • Unfortunately, we do not offer readmission once a resident leaves or is dismissed from the program.

  • We’re grateful to have a network of volunteers who help provide rides to required program activities. While rides depend on volunteer availability and can’t always be guaranteed, we’ve historically been able to meet most requests—about 70% on average. Residents are responsible for arranging their own transportation for work shifts and any needs outside of supported hours.

  • Poiema Movement provides a drug-free, faith-centered environment for women pursuing long-term recovery. We follow an abstinence-based approach, which is a well-recognized and research-supported pathway to recovery. Studies on 12-step programs, therapeutic communities, and faith-based recovery models show that many individuals achieve long-term sobriety, stability, and restored family relationships without narcotic medications.

    Because of this focus, we do not allow narcotic-based MAT, such as methadone, Suboxone (buprenorphine), or other opioid-based maintenance medications. We do welcome residents who use non-narcotic medications as part of their recovery plan, including:

    • Naltrexone (including Vivitrol)

    • Antidepressants, antipsychotics, or other prescribed mental health medications

    • Non-addictive sleep aids or anxiety medications (such as hydroxyzine or trazodone)

    We recognize that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Women who prefer or require opioid-based MAT will be supported with referrals to trusted programs that align with their treatment needs.

Volunteers

  • There are many ways to be part of Poiema’s mission of restoration:

    • Serve – Volunteer with childcare, transportation, mentoring, or event support.

    • Give – Your generosity fuels everything we do. Make a one-time donation, a monthly donation, or give toward special needs as they arise. Every dollar directly supports women and children on their journey to healing.

    • Partner – Collaborate as a church, business, or community group through financial or in-kind support.

    • Attend – Come to tours, fundraisers, graduations, and community gatherings.

    • Pray – Set your alarm for 2:10 daily and join us in prayer for our residents, staff, and mission.

    • Follow – Connect with us on social media and share our story with others.

    • Invite – Bring Poiema to your church, workplace, or group to raise awareness.

    • Lead – Join a board committee and use your skills to strengthen our mission.

Mother’s with Children

  • We serve children age 10 and under. All children must be medically and behaviorally stable. We do not currently accept families with children over age 10.

    Our homes are designed with this age group in mind to provide focused, developmentally appropriate care. Serving older children would require a different structure and support model.

  • Childcare is available on-site only during scheduled program activities and is provided by trained staff and volunteers who have completed background checks. Residents are responsible for securing and managing their own childcare during work hours and at all other times outside of programming.

  • Each family is provided a private room. Some rooms include a private bathroom, while others have a shared bathroom. (No more than two families share a bathroom.)

    All common areas are shared, and all family members must be able to live well in community.

  • Visitors must be approved in advance and follow program policies. Overnight visitors are not permitted. All visitation is supervised to maintain safety and stability in the home.

  • Yes, but curfews and check-ins are required. Overnight passes are not allowed during the first two phases of the program unless related to visitation with your children.

  • Sometimes. For those who meet our admission criteria, placement depends on current capacity, the ages of your children, and available space in our family home.

  • Yes. Residents receive financial coaching, create monthly budgets, and contribute to savings. This is a key part of preparing for long-term stability.

  • Yes. We welcome pregnant women, as long as they meet other eligibility criteria. Admission may be timed to ensure stability before or after delivery.

Donors

Please note: All drop-off donations are by scheduled appointment only at 10395 Berry Road, Waldorf, MD.

Request a drop-off date & time via email: info@poiemamovement.com

  • We gratefully accept the following:

    • Toiletries

    • Diapers

    • Cleaning supplies

    • Paper products

    Gently used items*

    • Clothes for women & children

    • Kitchen & household items

    • Toys (without batteries)

    • Furniture: we need durable, family-safe furniture built to last-solid wood, sturdy construction, child-safe, and able to withstand daily use.

    *Items may be purchased new, found secondhand, or donated, as long as they’re built to serve families with dignity and care.

  • Yes. Poiema Movement is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A donation receipt will be provided.

    • Items we need most:

      • Cleaning supplies: laundry detergent, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, all-purpose cleaner, disinfecting wipes, sponges, kitchen & bathroom trash bags

      • Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products

      • Diapers & wipes: all sizes (especially sizes 3–6) and baby wipes

      • Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, napkins, tissues

    • Quality check
      All donated items must be new, unopened, and in original packaging. We cannot accept partially used products.

    • Packaging
      Group like items together in sturdy bags or boxes that you can leave with us. Please label your bags or boxes with your name and phone number.

    • Drop-off only
      Supplies must be dropped off by appointment at LifePoint Church, 10395 Berry Road, Waldorf, MD. We do not offer pickups for consumable items.

    • Easy option – Amazon Wish List
      To make donating simple, you can also purchase items directly from our Amazon Wish List. Items ship straight to us and ensure we receive exactly what’s most needed.

    • Receipt
      Ask for a donation receipt if you’d like one for tax purposes.

    • Questions
      If you’re unsure about a donation, reach out and we’ll be happy to confirm.

    Thank you for helping us keep our homes stocked with the essentials women and children need every day.

    • Send photos first
      Email clear photos and basic details, like dimensions and condition, so we can confirm the item fits our space and needs. Include your name, phone number, and address. Send to: info@poiemamovement.com

    • Quality check
      We accept gently used, clean, safe, and fully functional furniture. We cannot take items that are ripped, stained, broken, wobbly, missing parts, or in need of repair.

    • Approval and scheduling
      Once approved, we will help you choose a plan:

      • Drop-off by appointment only at 10395 Berry Road, Waldorf, MD.

      • Request a pickup if you cannot deliver. Pickups depend on volunteer availability and are not guaranteed. We will try to find a volunteer when possible.

    • Prepare your item
      Please clean the furniture, empty drawers or shelves, and disassemble large pieces if possible. Bag and label hardware.

    • Label your donation
      Attach your name and phone number to the item. If you have multiple items, label each piece.

    • Day-of instructions
      For drop-off, arrive at your scheduled time and check in with our team. For pickups, have items at ground level and ready to load.

    • Receipt
      Ask for a donation receipt if you need one for your records.

    • Questions
      If you are unsure whether an item qualifies, reach out with a photo and we will let you know quickly.

    • Quality check
      We accept new or gently used clothing that is clean, freshly washed, and free of stains, rips, odors, or heavy wear. Shoes must be in good condition with no holes or broken soles. We prioritize in-season items, children’s clothing, and work-ready attire for women.

    • Limit your donation
      Because we have limited storage, we ask that each donor provide no more than 1–2 bags or boxes at a time.

    • Prepare your items

      • Wash and neatly fold clothing.

      • Pair shoes together (tie laces or place in a bag).

      • Label bags or boxes with sizes (e.g., “Girls 4T” or “Women’s Medium”).

    • Packaging
      Bring clothing in sturdy bags or boxes that you can leave with us. Please avoid trash bags when possible.

    • Drop-off only
      All clothing must be dropped off by appointment only at LifePoint Church, 10395 Berry Road, Waldorf, MD. We do not offer clothing pickups.

    • Receipt
      Ask for a donation receipt if you need one for tax purposes.

    • Questions
      If you’re unsure whether items qualify, email us with a photo.

    Thank you for helping us provide women and children with clothing that reflects dignity, comfort, and care.

    • Age range
      We accept toys for children birth through 12 years old.

    • Battery-free only
      We do not accept toys that require batteries or electrical cords.

    • Quality check
      Toys must be clean, gently used or new, and in good working condition. We cannot accept toys that are broken, chipped, missing pieces, stained, or heavily worn.

    • Toys we love (creative play + Montessori-inspired)

      • Building blocks, wooden toys, and stacking sets

      • Pretend play items (kitchen sets, play food, dolls without batteries, toy cars, tool sets)

      • Dress-up clothes and costumes

      • Puzzles, board games, and educational games

      • Books (board books, picture books, early readers)

      • Outdoor play items (balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, chalk, ride-on toys, sports equipment)

    • Toys we cannot accept

      • Stuffed animals or plush toys

      • Toys requiring batteries or chargers

      • Broken or incomplete sets

    • Packaging
      Bring toys in sturdy bags or boxes that you can leave with us. Please group toys by age range when possible (for example, “Toddler,” “Preschool,” “Elementary”).

    • Drop-off only
      All toy donations must be dropped off by appointment only at LifePoint Church, 10395 Berry Road, Waldorf, MD. We do not offer toy pickups.

    • Receipt
      Ask for a donation receipt if you need one for tax purposes.

    • Questions
      If you’re unsure whether a toy qualifies, send us a quick email with a photo. info@poiemamovement.com

    Thank you for helping us provide safe, creative, and developmentally enriching play for the children at Poiema.

    • Items we accept
      We welcome gently used or new gear that is safe, clean, and in good working order, including:

      • Feeding gear: high chairs, booster seats, bibs, toddler utensils, bottles.

      • Sleep & rest: Pack ’n Plays, portable cribs, white-noise machines, baby monitor.

      • Travel gear: strollers, umbrella strollers, diaper bags, baby carriers/slings

      • Play & learning: activity mats, play gyms, bouncers, walkers, ride-on toys, shape sorters, stacking toys

      • Bath & care: infant tubs, potty chairs, training seats, diaper pails, changing pads.

    • Items we cannot accept
      For safety and health reasons, we do not take:

      • Used car seats (we only accept brand new, in box)

      • Non-portable cribs (must have folding option)

      • Used breast pump parts or bottles

      • Recalled, expired, damaged, or incomplete gear

      • Items with mold, stains, tears, rust, or missing straps/pieces

    • Quality check
      All gear must be clean, fully functional, and ready for use. Please wipe surfaces, wash fabric covers, and check that all straps and locks work properly.

    • Packaging & prep

      • Disassemble large items if possible (with hardware bagged and labeled).

      • Place small items (like baby gates or toys) in sturdy bags or boxes.

      • Label each item or box with your name and phone number.

    • Drop-off only
      All donations must be dropped off by appointmentonly at LifePoint Church, 10395 Berry Road, Waldorf, MD. We do not offer pickups for baby gear.

    • Receipt
      Ask for a donation receipt if you need one for tax purposes.

    • Questions
      If you’re unsure about an item, email us with a photo and we’ll confirm whether we can use it. info@poiemamovement.com

    Thank you for helping us provide safe, high-quality gear that supports the daily care of babies and toddlers at Poiema.