​​About POISE
POISE, Inc. - Professional, Optimum, Independent, Superior, and Educated - is a nonprofit organization founded by Delmas "Dedee" Harper to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through education, training, housing support, youth development, career readiness, life skills, financial literacy, etiquette, health and wellness, and family-support services. POISE, Inc. is committed to helping individuals build stability, confidence, independence, and long-term success. Through comprehensive programs and community partnerships, POISE provides tools, training, mentorship, and support that help participants improve their quality of life and move toward personal, academic, professional, and financial success. POISE. Inc. is the parent company for Poise4Kids, Poise4Youths, and Poise4Teens.
​Our Services
POISE, Inc. provides training and support to youth, adults, and families by helping participants build a strong foundation for success. Our work is grounded in the belief that stability comes first. When individuals have access to basic needs such as housing, food, childcare, emotional support, and safe environments, they are better positioned to learn, grow, work, and thrive. POISE provides programs and services that support job readiness, life skills, financial literacy, professional etiquette, academic support, career development, affordable and transitional housing, youth development, family engagement, and community empowerment.
Our Programs
POISE, Inc. offers programs designed to meet the needs of youth, adults, and families. Our programs provide the tools, skills, training, and support needed to help individuals improve their quality of life, pursue employment and educational opportunities, strengthen family stability, and build sustainable futures.
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The POISE Pathway: From Stability to Success - The POISE Pathway is built on a simple principle: stability must be strengthened before long-term success can be achieved. POISE helps participants address basic needs, build confidence, develop professional and life skills, and move toward self-sufficiency.
POISE4Teens Afterschool Program - POISE4Teens prepares teens ages 13-19 for adulthood through structured afterschool and summer programming. The program provides academic assistance, tutoring, mentorship, etiquette training, career exploration, leadership development, job readiness, financial literacy, civic engagement, physical fitness, sports, dance, arts, home economics, STEM activities, meals, transportation, family engagement, and enrichment opportunities.
POSTURE Re-entry and Reintegration Program - POSTURE supports individuals transitioning back into the community by providing access to transitional housing, re-entry support, professional development, social-skills training, career training, and resources that promote long-term stability and successful reintegration.
Teen Maternity Transitional Housing Program - The Teen Maternity Transitional Housing Program supports young mothers ages 16-25 by providing safe housing, life-skills training, parenting education, educational support, career guidance, childcare connections, and stability-focused services that help young mothers transition toward independence.
​Our Vision
POISE, Inc. envisions a community where individuals and families are stable, self-sufficient, prepared, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our vision is to help people become POISED with the tools, training, resources, and support needed to navigate life's challenges, strengthen their families, and create a lasting legacy of success.
​​Our Mission
The mission of POISE, Inc. is to cultivate Professional, Optimum, Independent, Superior, and Educated individuals through enrichment programs that support personal, academic, employment, housing, financial, youth development, and family-stability goals.