Being Involved and Making a Difference Empowerment and Well-Being Among Women Living in Poverty

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 volunteerwork 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. Froma holistic nursing perspective, the findings provide support for community volunteerism as a health-promoting strategy among women living in economic poverty.