History of Tamar’s Center

Sr. Grace Pleiman, Franciscan Sisters of the Poor (SFP)founded Tamar’s Place in 2010. Sr. Grace and the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor recognized that there was a need in downtown Cincinnati for basic care and a safe place to rest for women who were experiencing addiction and sex trafficking. The name Tamar originates from a story in the Bible, found in the Old Testament Book of 2 Samuel 13:1-22, and was adopted for this respite. Until 2022, Tamar’s Center was located in a church, initially in one room and then in the basement. The women were able to take a shower, rest, eat, and get a change of clothes.

In 2022, The SFP purchased a home in Lower Price Hill to serve as a permanent site for Tamar’s Center. Tamar’s Center today is a day center that provides care for women who suffer from addiction; many of these women are homeless. Tamar’s acts as a first responder, helping the women with their most urgent needs, including; food, rest, showers, counseling, and case management.

Tamar’s Center has decided to focus more on empowering and is now making case management sessions a requirement for those who return to Tamar’s on a consistent basis. Our case manager meets with clients to help them determine their short and long term goals and then develop a plan.

Tamar’s has established “Tuesdays at Tamar’s” themed events. There is a new theme each Tuesday. Some examples include facials, crafts (making bracelets), foot soak, basic safety defense classes, yoga, manicures, and cupcake decorating.

Tamar’s offers a weekly (Wednesday) Peer Support Recovery Group which is led by a current Tamar’s client. Tamar’s staff allow the group privacy to be able to discuss sensitive topics related to their recovery that they may otherwise not have felt comfortable revealing. The events allow clients to experience camaraderie while engaging in a positive and rewarding activity.

Our volunteer chefs prepare home cooked meals each week for our “Tuesdays at Tamar’s” events and Wednesday Peer Recovery Support Group. Tamar’s continues to provide self-serve food items on a daily basis.