Misericordia University Women with Children Program Featured at Pennsylvania State of the Woman Listening Session

Statewide Listening Tour Showcases Misericordia's Commitment to Supporting Single Mothers and Their Families

DALLAS, Pa. — Katherine Pohlidal, director of the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program at Misericordia University, recently participated as a featured speaker during Governor Josh Shapiro's Advisory Commission on Women State of the Woman Listening Tour, lending her voice to a statewide conversation focused on the experiences, challenges, and priorities of women across Pennsylvania.

Hosted by the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women and Executive Director Ashley Walkowiak, the State of the Woman Report Listening Session was held May 28 at Action Together NEPA in Wilkes-Barre. The event brought together women from across the region to share their lived experiences and help shape the Commission's recommendations for improving the lives of women throughout the Commonwealth.

Pohlidal joined several regional leaders to discuss the unique challenges facing women in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with a particular focus on the intersection of poverty, education, and family stability. She highlighted Misericordia University's nationally recognized Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program, which provides a comprehensive two-generation model designed to empower single mothers through higher education while supporting the developmental and educational needs of their children.

The listening session centered on several key questions, including the most pressing issues facing women over the next decade, barriers to economic and family stability, and what gives women hope for the future. Feedback gathered during sessions across Pennsylvania will help inform the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women's forthcoming State of the Woman Report.

The Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program at Misericordia University provides single mothers with access to higher education, affordable housing, childcare, academic support, financial literacy education, and career development resources. Through its holistic approach, the program equips families with the tools needed to break the cycle of poverty and build lasting economic independence. To learn more, click here.