LEXINGTON, Ky. — Over three days, more than 300 doctoral candidates in the University of Kentucky’s online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program will present their capstone research during the 5th Annual Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars, held April 27–29, 2026. Registration is free and opens April 20.
Among them, Mindy Banfield’s capstone will focus on an organizational support framework designed to strengthen the well-being of professionals working in the homeless services sector. By focusing on the conditions that support staff, the framework aims to help agencies improve service delivery and operate more effectively.
Her work is shaped by a career in human services, where she has seen firsthand how public welfare systems and homelessness response efforts intersect, and how the demands placed on professionals continue to grow.
“Workforce well-being is an essential component that shapes service quality, organizational stability and the outcomes experienced by community members,” Banfield said.
As communities face rising homelessness and increasing pressure on social service systems, Banfield’s research points to a disconnect between the complexity of the work and the support structures in place to sustain it.
Her project reframes organizational support as a key driver of system effectiveness, emphasizing that the conditions in which professionals work directly influence the outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
“Organizational support is a systems leverage point,” Banfield said. “When agencies prioritize workforce well-being parallel to service delivery, they are better positioned to respond.”
Through this work, Banfield also highlights the role of leadership in shaping strong, responsive organizations—reinforcing the need for intentional strategies that support both staff and the communities they serve.
Following graduation, she plans to continue advancing organizational and systems-level improvements across human services, with a focus on strengthening workforce well-being and improving outcomes.
At the center of her work is a clear takeaway:
“Effective organizational support is a strategic necessity for transforming systems and driving meaningful change,” Banfield said.
The Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars will feature more than 200 presentations and is open to the public, with continuing education credits available for attendees. Registration will open on April 20th. Registration information and showcase news will be shared via email. Those interested in staying informed can subscribe to the College’s email list at https://ukcosw.com/subscribe and select “DSW Showcase and News.”
Note: The perspectives presented in this research are those of the individual scholar and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Kentucky.