Omena’s model first took root in Madagascar. After years of refining our approach there, we’re now bringing that work to the United States.
Just like physical health, mental and emotional health require awareness and preventive care. The patterns we address aren’t cultural anomalies, they’re universal human patterns that cause harm wherever they occur.
Omena is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Rhode Island, where our founder is located. It is the first place where we are applying and testing our model with local communities to build a foundation for future national expansion.
Rhode Island –
Our pilot state
Rhode Island faces statewide emotional abuse rate of 13.1 per 10,000 children, concentrated economic hardship, and limited access to preventive mental health resources.
Its scale allows us to work closely with partners, listen actively, and co-create solutions that reflect local realities.
What we learn here with our tools, and through collaboration, will inform how we support other communities facing similar challenges.
"I've always said that being a parent is the hardest job I've ever had... This was super insightful. It starts with breaking patterns that didn't start with us."
"I'm fully committed to this work. Our students carry trauma. This is the work that allows us to teach."
What the U.S. hub enables:
