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Being Involved and Making a Difference

Empowerment and Well-Being Among Women Living in Poverty

University of South Carolina

Margaret K. De Jong, M.S., A.P.R.N., B.C.

Mennonite Central Committee

Kerry McLoughlin, M.A.

Family Health International

Background: The relationships between poverty, empowerment, and health are of theoretical and practical interest to nurses, yet few researchers have examined volunteerism in poor communities from a holistic health perspective. Purpose: This study explores the experiences of women engaged in community volunteer work in the context of economic poverty. Method: Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 women, ages 21 to 77 years, who qualified for federal assistance or self-identified as low-income and were currently involved in volunteer community work.Findings: Participants’ stories of being involved and making a difference illustrated women making connections, developing relationships, gaining knowledge and skills, increasing self-esteem and confidence, reaching out to help others, and strengthening communities. Conclusion: At both the individual and community level, well-being was enhanced through women’s community volunteerism in the context of economic poverty. Implications: At the individual and community levels, well-being was enhanced through women’s community volunteerism in the context of economic poverty. From a holistic nursing perspective, the findings provide support for community volunteerism as a health-promoting strategy among women living in economic poverty.

Key Words: poverty • volunteerism • women’s health • women’s work • community health

Journal of Holistic Nursing, Vol. 23, No. 1, 70-88 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/0898010104272023


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