Reducing Stress and Promoting Wellness Among Parents and Service Providers: A University–Community Collaboration

Background: Chronic stress is linked to worse parenting outcomes, with potential downstream effects on child development. Existing interventions targeting stress among low-income parents struggle with engagement and retention, and family service providers often report high stress themselves. Objectives: This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a stress reduction and wellness program, adapted and disseminated to parents and service providers through a novel university–community collaboration. Methods: The program was delivered in multiple formats to parents and staff from three community-based programs serving families with young children. A mixed-methods approach was used to assess engagement, retention, satisfaction, and well-being outcomes. Results: Results revealed high program satisfaction and pre–post improvements in parents’ coping and mental health. Strengths, barriers, and avenues for improvement were identified. Conclusions: This program shows promise for reducing stress among low-income parents and service providers. Ongoing collaboration to address barriers may improve accessibility and effectiveness of future iterations.