About POETIC
Founded in 2017, POETIC’s mission is to equip youth (ages 12-18+) who have experienced child maltreatment, commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking to find their voices, reclaim their narratives and persist forward through comprehensive, evidence-based, and trauma informed programming. POETIC’s programming is built on the belief that every youth should have equitable access to mental health, quality education and economic empowerment in order to tackle the underlying systems that lead to re-victimization and generational trauma.
POETIC’s nationally recognized 5-Systems model utilizes evidence-based therapeutic interventions, 24/7 access to support, art therapy, case management, advocacy, an on-site school, and paid internships in one integrated program. We are able to meet the youth's psychological, emotional, academic, social, and occupational needs unlike any other agency in our community.
Our Reasons Why:
Based on our longitudinal Research (POETIC baseline statistics from our founding to present day):
At the point of intake (day one at POETIC),
71.5% of POETIC youth have a history of substance use
51.4%have a history of self-harm and/or suicidal gestures
50% have a history of psychiatric hospitalization
92% of POETIC girls endorse 4 or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
88% endorse 6 or more ACE
For this reason, we are rooted in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) that teaches every youth (and their guardians) skills towards greater emotion regulation, tolerating distressful situations, engaging with others more effectively, and mindfulness.
While recidivism is not a goal but merely a byproduct of our innovative program, 95% of POETIC girls do not go back to the Juvenile Justice System and 99% complete probation successfully.
*** We are proud 2024-2025 beneficiaries of Attorney's Serving Communities (ASC) ***.
Find out more about upcoming events!
To equip girls who have experienced child maltreatment, commercial sexual exploitation, and sex trafficking to find their voices, reclaim their narratives and persist forward.
Your donation support:
$25 contributes to providing one POETIC youth three meals a day and snacks.
$50 provides art therapy supplies for one class.
$100 provides job-based and entrepreneurship training to increase financial independence.
$500 provides a POETIC youth group and individual therapy.
POETIC exists to address the vulnerabilities that drive exploitation and trafficking in youth. In line with our 11 Core Values, we aim to be a space that is validating and welcoming for all youth, guardians, staff and board members.
Organization name
POETIC
Causes
Human Trafficking & Exploitation, Mental and Behavioral Health, Youth & Children
Operating Budget
$1,000,000 - $2,999,999
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx
BIPOC Leadership
Both the Executive Director/CEO and Board Chair
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
PO Box 132633