Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pierre Outreach Safe Home (POSSH) and what are its primary goals?
Pierre Outreach Services Safe Home (POSSH) is an innovative non-profit initiative designed to address the deep-rooted, unaddressed traumas and insecurities of young Black girls and their mothers, families, and caregivers resulting from generational abuse stemming from racial violence. POSSH aims to disrupt the cycle of trauma that perpetuates low-quality living and to create a safe and supportive environment for healing and development. Its goals include providing a safe home environment, trauma-informed care, skill-building, and support for families and the community to ensure the girls' long-term well-being.
Why is POSSH specifically focusing on Black girls?
POSSH focuses on Black girls because they are disproportionately impacted by intergenerational trauma, racial injustice, and societal inequities, and are often the most underserved, unseen, and mismanaged demographic. Historical and current data show that Black girls are more likely to experience physical, social, and emotional trauma, including adultification and lack of presumed innocence, which leads to higher risks of abuse and negative behavior patterns. POSSH recognizes the unique challenges these girls face and provides culturally responsive care to address their specific needs.
What is "adultification" and how does it affect Black girls, according to POSSH?
Adultification is the phenomenon where Black children, particularly Black girls, are seen as older, more robust, and less innocent than they are. POSSH highlights that this often stems from societal biases and intergenerational family survival strategies where mothers unconsciously place adult-like responsibilities on their daughters prematurely. Adultification interrupts the standard development process, making these girls more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and trauma. This is also directly linked to disproportionate suspensions in schools where black girls are punished more harshly than their counterparts.
What are the five main structures of the POSSH model?
POSSH's model includes five formational structures designed to address challenges and promote holistic healing and growth. These are:
1. Safe House Approach: Provides a secure and supportive living environment for the girls to disrupt unhealthy patterns.
2. Co-supporting Relief: Offers support and well-being planning for mothers and caregivers, acknowledging their own needs.
3. Solid Co-supporting Alliance: Builds partnerships between POSSH, parents, and school staff, increasing awareness about trauma-informed care and culturally responsive teaching methods.
4. Business Sector Relationships: Fosters connections with businesses to create financial pathways for the girls.
5. On-going Services: Provides continuous monitoring, assessment, and support beyond the initial eight-week program to ensure the long-term sustainability of healthy lifestyles.
What does the 8-week combined living restoration process at the Safe Home entail?
The 8-week combined living restoration process at the Safe Home is an intensive program that combines a safe living environment for girls Monday through Thursday with therapeutic services. The program involves the girls, their mothers/caregivers, school staff, and community partners. During their time at the Safe Home, girls receive daily guidance to interrupt bad habits, learn healthy lifestyle management, and take ownership of their healing. Separately, mothers and caregivers meet at a different location where they confront their own unresolved trauma that may contribute to their daughter’s difficulties, and gain knowledge in healing modalities for creating a healthy family dynamic.
How does POSSH engage with schools to support the girls' academic success?
POSSH understands that the school environment is often a source of inequity and trauma for black girls. POSSH creates partnerships with school staff to address the social and emotional gaps that create educational disparities. POSSH acts as a bridge between the girls, their families, and schools by educating staff on the effects of trans-generational trauma within black culture, creating better relational techniques, addressing challenging behaviors, and advocating for the girls' individual needs. Additionally, POSSH will assist parents in educational planning, step-by-step achievement goals, and being an added support system for the family and school dynamic.
How does POSSH plan to address the financial needs of the organization?
POSSH’s funding strategy is multi-pronged to ensure financial stability and reduce reliance on any single source. POSSH seeks support from individual and corporate donations, local and national grants, participation in fundraising events, and governmental support. These fundraising efforts will be continuous, with the executive director leading the charge to secure the resources for the program's needs.
What makes POSSH a unique and competitive service provider?
POSSH’s competitive edge lies in its unique approach and focus on addressing the specific needs of Black girls within the context of their cultural and familial realities. POSSH provides holistic support that includes addressing intergenerational trauma with a combination of therapeutic living and co-supporting programming that has not existed before. Additionally, POSSH is founded and managed by individuals who share the lived experience of their participants and are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. These factors allow POSH to create trust, provide effective solutions, and foster a deeper level of understanding.