Services: Residential Program
Residential Program
The Gemma House
Residents are women who have experienced the “revolving door” syndrome of incarceration and who are homeless or at risk of being homeless upon release from jail. Six women at a time receive:
- A safe, structured, and supportive home for up to 18 months.
- Comprehensive Case Coordination services to guide residents through each step of the program.
- Treatment services including: individual therapy, group therapy, recovery work, and a focus on healing from past trauma and abuse.
- Weekly educational workshops.
- Assistance addressing physical and mental health concerns.
- Individual Mentors to assist with employment, educational & other services.
- Connection to Community Resources.
- Money Management and budget 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 and engage in the community. The structure of the Gemma house was developed 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 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 and supporting the residents, monitoring schedules, events and house maintenance, and providing overall structure to the Gemma house. The Gemma Assistant House Managers 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, compliance with the Court and Probation, and securing permanent housing. The Case Coordinator meets with residents weekly to track progress, provide guidance and support, and attend or coordinate meetings with community agencies when needed.
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.
The Gemma house
