Faculty Advisor(s)
Karen Weis and Jennifer Rugletic Washko
Abstract
Mothers experiencing homelessness face challenges related to chronic stress, trauma, disrupted routines, and limited access to supportive resources, all of which negatively impact health, well-being, and occupational participation (Anderson et al., 2024). Occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to address these challenges through occupation-based, trauma-informed interventions that promote resilience, empowerment, and engagement in meaningful activities. This doctoral capstone addressed these complex needs through a multifaceted approach that included a scoping review, program development, advocacy, and educational initiatives. A scoping review examined stress-management interventions supporting single mothers experiencing homelessness in the United States. Although positive outcomes were reported, the literature revealed limited evidence supporting holistic, occupation-based interventions, highlighting a need for community-based programming that addresses stress management and meaningful occupational engagement. Guided by these findings, The Resilient Women’s Collective was developed and implemented as a seven-week occupation-based wellness program across two shelters in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. Grounded in trauma-informed care, the program incorporated meaningful occupations and reflective activities to promote stress management, resilience, and empowerment. An advocacy initiative, Care Can’t Wait, addressed barriers related to childcare accessibility and affordability in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Additionally, collaboration with another doctoral capstone student led to the development of the Mercy Mission in Action workshop series, increasing healthcare students’ understanding of the Sisters of Mercy's Critical Concerns and their application to practice. Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate occupational therapy’s role in program development, advocacy, and education to promote health, well-being, and occupational participation among vulnerable populations.
Publication Date
Summer 8-2026
Document Type
Poster
Department
Occupational Therapy
Keywords
occupational therapy, homelessness, mothers experiencing homelessness, stress management, trauma-informed care, resilience, advocacy, community-based practice, mental health
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Johnstone, Mary Campbell, "The Resilient Women's Collective: Empowering Women to Recognize Their Worth" (2026). Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026. 15.
https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/otd_capstone2026/15