Frequently 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.

  • Poiema serves adult women in crisis through two programs: individual care for women without children, and GenHope for mothers with custody of one or more children (must be ages 10 or under). All residents must be sober, stable, and willing to fully engage in our structured, faith-based program.

  • 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.

  • Poiema is a drug- and alcohol-free program with a zero-tolerance policy. Applicants must be committed to sobriety and willing to actively engage in recovery support. Women transitioning from a substance use treatment program are welcome to apply as part of their discharge plan.

  • Poiema uses a supportive accountability process that includes redirection, written plans, and dismissal if necessary. Some behaviors—like 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.

  • Transportation to required program activities is offered through our volunteer network, which means rides are not guaranteed and depend on volunteer availability. Historically, we’ve been able to fulfill about 70% of ride requests. For all other needs, including work shifts outside supported hours, residents are expected to arrange their own transportation.

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 share a bathroom with one other woman-led family. 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.

For Donors, Volunteers & Partners

  • You can donate, volunteer, sponsor a resident, or host a supply drive. Visit our volunteer opportunities page for details.

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

  • We gratefully accept essential items like toiletries, diapers, cleaning supplies, paper products, and new or gently used clothes (women & children) and household items. Please contact us first for current needs.