OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract

Dismas House is an approved Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), 501(c)(3) non-profit residential re-entry program serving men who are returning to the community from Tennessee prisons and county jails. The purpose of this capstone experience is to work with the residents of Dismas House by supporting them as they face barriers reentering society after incarceration. Dismas House offers services under their "Four Pillars of Programming", which includes basic needs, health & well-being, life skills, and legal support. These four pillars were taken under consideration when creating resources and implementing new programming for the residents. Outcomes of this project included creating resource folders for the residents to take with them when they graduate the program and leave on good terms. Special programming and recovery groups were also created around resident interest, including groups such as importance of leisure and recreation, communication styles, healthy relationships, empathy, emotional intelligence, comfort zones, intrinsic motivation, accountability, self-sabotage, and game nights.

Publication Date

Spring 4-21-2025

Faculty Mentor

Elicia Cruz, PhD, OT/L

Department

Occupational Therapy, School of

College

Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of

Document Type

Poster

Degree

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Degree Level

Doctoral

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

Keywords

reentry; post-incarceration; programming; occupational therapy; motivation

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