Words can open doors. By transforming language into a shared creative experience, poemRENOVATION creates welcoming opportunities for self-expression, social engagement and meaningful connection — across generations and abilities.
Our Story
poemRENOVATION was founded by poet and former journalist Kelly de la Rocha.
As a teenager, Kelly turned to poetry writing to navigate her parents’ divorce. Years later, during the isolation of the pandemic, she rediscovered those old poems and began rearranging their words into something new.
Much to her delight, she realized the words could tell a different story, reveal a different perspective, express something she hadn’t known she wanted to say.
What fascinated her wasn’t just the outcome — it was the process. Sitting with a small collection of words and exploring their possibilities became an exercise in imagination, curiosity and self-discovery.
That insight became the foundation for poemRENOVATION.
Launched in 2022 as a digital platform, poemRENOVATION was first embraced by educators looking for new ways to engage students with language and creativity — and quickly proved its value for social-emotional learning, too. In 2024, it expanded into elder care, resonating with activity professionals, caregivers, and older adults seeking meaningful ways to connect and express themselves. Tactile word block sets were added to the program in 2025 to increase accessibility. Today, poemRENOVATION is also used in Memory Cafés, respite programs, wellness initiatives, therapeutic settings and community groups.
How It Works
poemRENOVATION invites participants to rearrange scrambled snippets of literature into something entirely their own. No rules. No wrong answers. No pressure. Just create.
Participants can explore through the interactive digital platform or tactile 3D-printed word block sets. That dual offering makes literary expression accessible to people across a wide range of abilities, including those living with dementia.
Why It Matters
Creative expression is a fundamental human need — yet many people believe writing or art is only for the naturally talented. poemRENOVATION removes that barrier.
All the words are provided, so participants can simply focus on creating with them. There are no capital letters, no punctuation, no expectation of a “correct” answer — just
the freedom to engage at their own level, in their own way. That flexibility makes poemRENOVATION an inclusive tool for people with diverse interests, communication styles and cognitive abilities.
Whether in a memory care community, a wellness program, a caregiver support group, a therapy practice, a classroom, or around a kitchen table, poemRENOVATION helps people discover the joy of creating something uniquely their own.
Recognition & Impact
poemRENOVATION is an award-winning platform, recognized for its innovative approach to creative engagement, accessibility and social-emotional well-being.
At a Glance:
- 560+ word block sets sold
- Used in senior living communities, Memory Cafés, respite programs, wellness initiatives, therapeutic settings, schools and community groups
- Two-time Yale Innovation Summit winner
- Designed for people across a wide range of ages and cognitive abilities, including those living with dementia
Today, poemRENOVATION continues to grow as a tool for connection, community and social-emotional wellness — helping people rediscover the power of words and the simple joy of creating together.