An OT Program Manual for IPV Survivors Living in Transitional Housing

Authors

McCall Cowart, University of St. Augustine For Health SciencesFollow
Rebecca King, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow

Files

Description

This capstone project aimed to address the financial instability and employment challenges experienced by female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) residing in transitional housing. Grounded in the Occupational Adaptation model, the project involved the development and implementation of a client-centered job readiness and money management program tailored to the unique needs of this population. A comprehensive literature review identified critical barriers to economic independence among IPV survivors, including economic abuse, lack of education, and limited access to resources. Through collaboration with the YWCA of Palm Beach County’s Harmony House, a six-week program was delivered, incorporating lessons on budgeting, financial safety planning, resume building, job applications, interview preparation, and banking. Data collected via pre- and post-program surveys indicated a marked improvement in participants’ financial literacy, self-confidence, and perceived independence. Despite challenges in attendance and the need for individualized delivery, participants reported high satisfaction with the program. The findings underscore the essential role of occupational therapy in empowering IPV survivors and promoting long-term self-sufficiency and well-being through holistic, skills-based interventions.

Publication Date

Spring 4-25-2025

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Employment, Empowerment, Financial stability, Occupational therapy, Survivors, Intimate partner violence, Job readiness, Money management

Medical Subject Headings

Employment, Empowerment, Financial stability, Occupational therapy, Survivors, Intimate partner violence, Job readiness, Money management

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, held online at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences April 25, 2025.

Recommended Citation

Cowart, M., & King, R. (2025, April 25). An OT Program Manual for IPV Survivors Living in Transitional Housing. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/46

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.