Services: Residential Program
Residential Program
The Gemma House
Residents are women who have graduated from the Gemma Day Program and who would otherwise be homeless after jail. Six women at a time receive:
- A safe home for 6-18 months.
- Comprehensive Case Coordination.
- Individual and Group Therapy.
- Individual Mentors.
- Educational Opportunities.
- Access to Community Resources.
- Money Management Coaching.
- Assistance Transitioning to Permanent Housing.
Gemma’s residential program was designed to help otherwise homeless women recently released from jail receive the support they need to rebuild their lives in the community. Based on research of the most effective transitional housing programs and the specific unmet needs of women getting out of jail in Santa Cruz County, the structure of the Gemma residence was developed.
The Gemma house was purchased by the Redevelopment Agency of Santa Cruz County and is leased to Gemma. The house is centrally located in Live Oak, near a bus stop and community services. The residential House Manager lives on site, supervising the residents, monitoring events and house maintenance, as well as recruiting, interviewing and supervising volunteers. The Gemma Weekend Assistants take over the residential House Manager’s duties on weekends and holidays.
The Gemma Case Coordinator works with each resident to create short-term and long-term goals related to sobriety, education, employment, financial stability, support networks, health, and securing permanent housing. The Case Coordinator meets with residents weekly to track progress and make changes as necessary. Volunteer Mentors help implement the case coordination plan by attending meetings, appointments and running errands with the each client. Residents have access to GED classes and tutoring, and are required to already have or acquire a GED in order to complete the program. Clients meet weekly with a Gemma therapist for individual therapy, focused on recovery from substance abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The Gemma house
Although children may not live with their mothers at the Gemma House, programs for children and families are an integral part of the curriculum. Gemma works with DFS (Department of Family Services) to support women in fulfilling reunification requirements. Family therapy and therapy for clients’ children is also available.
After completion of 6 to 18 months in residence, Gemma clients are assisted in transitioning to permanent housing. As clients transition to living on their own, regular contact by telephone, email, letters and visits— for a minimum of six months — is part of the program’s aftercare commitment. Clients may continue to receive services for up to 18 months.