Passport to Freedom (P2F): Adaptation and Implementation of a Wellness Program

Passport to Freedom: Adaptation and Implementation of a Wellness Program to Educate and Empower Women Living in Transitional Housing Due to Intimate Partner Violence

Women currently residing at an emergency shelter for women and children will participate in group sessions that cover topics that promote physical and emotional well-being through a combination of mindfulness exercises and health promotion activities..

In a group setting, the intervention will cover topics such as Mindfulness, Health (examine impact of trauma and stress on physical and mental well-being), Healthy relationships, Family matters (coping with conflicts) and Reflection session.

Each group session (5) will last approximately 90 minutes, once weekly, and begin and end with mindfulness exercises. The women are also encouraged to download free mindfulness apps to practice the exercises between sessions.

Women enrolled will receive health information that will cover a range of chronic health topics (pain, asthma, hypertension, diabetes, obesity), to complement already existing tools on mental health and post traumatic syndrome.

Women enrolled will complete surveys:

baseline questionnaires, a pre and post survey during each session, and follow-up questionnaires 4 weeks after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Able to read and write English
• Currently residing at the House of Ruth Maryland emergency shelter or onsite transitional housing.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under 18 years of age
• Inability to speak or write English
• Physical or mental health conditions that would prevent meaningful group participation.