WALDORF, Md. — A faith-based transitional setting for young women in crisis began construction on the next phase of The Poiema Movement on Dec. 2, 2024, just off Berry Road in Waldorf. This nearly 5,000-square-foot home is designed for women with children who are facing homelessness.
Executive Director Tiffany Barber said the head pastor of LifePoint Church, Michael Rogalski, envisioned the project in 2016 as an extension of the church. The first home, which has four bedrooms, opened in 2020. In 2021, The Poiema Movement became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A second phase was added in 2022, and now the staff is excited to move forward with this next step in restoration and grace for women in crisis.
Angela Rogalski, Michael’s wife and the church’s missions director, became the board president of Poiema Movement in 2021.
Barber, who has her own unique story, was thrilled when she was asked in 2018 to assist with the project.
“It’s an expansion of the redemptive healing that ‘only God can do,’” Barber said. “We chose the term Poiema because of its Greek meaning of ‘masterpiece’ from Ephesians 2:10. We do use a biblical curriculum, and the ladies have responded to it. It’s not something that’s forced, but they know on the front end that attending services is part of the process. They tell us that’s been their favorite aspect.”
Barber said the women who come through their doors are seeking completely transformed lives. She said they are typically unemployed and impacted by choices they made or choices that were made for them.
“They invest time for one year here and leave with employment, obtain a driver’s license, earn their GED, and at times purchase their first car,” Barber said. “They transition into independent ladies. One resident has even stayed on as staff with us. When they enter, they are fed on arrival and have a one-on-one with staff. They will continue to have permanent training and a mentor for one year. We do drug testing as well and establish a budget for them and assist them with maintaining it.”
The Poiema Movement has support from the Charles County Charitable Trust and the Southern Maryland Delegation.
“They are supportive and have been out,” Barber said.
She also said they have a dedicated staff, including program director Ruth Proffitt; resident manager Jen Warnack; office manager Tara Sarica; resident monitor Erin Barge; and developmental officer Desiree Fenstermacher.
The next impact meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2025, at 1 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.
If you’d like to donate to this cause, financial contributions can be made at www.poiemamovement.com.
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