Theresa Rolley Guides Women Through Crisis at The Women’s Lunch Place

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, November 1, 2026

Theresa Rolley has led twice-weekly group therapy sessions at The Women’s Lunch Place in Boston for nearly three years, helping women facing homelessness and poverty openly share and process their emotional struggles. Her approach fosters community and mutual support, offering participants a vital space for healing that complements the shelter’s broader efforts to address both immediate needs and long-term resilience.

In a modest basement space in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, Theresa Rolley has been leading twice-weekly group therapy sessions for nearly three years at The Women’s Lunch Place, a day shelter serving women facing poverty and homelessness. The 62-year-old facilitator uses a compassionate and interactive approach to help participants work through their challenges.

On a recent Wednesday morning, Rolley gathered 18 women around in a circle and asked them to imagine an invisible hole in the center of the room where they could place their troubles. The women, many of whom are familiar with the routine, shared candidly, naming the emotional burdens they carry. “Temptations, sadness, depression, anger, family, trauma, betrayal,” they voiced, with Rolley repeating each word to acknowledge their experiences and encourage reflection.

The sessions aim to empower women by creating a safe space to confront personal crises collectively. Rolley’s method promotes mutual support and learning through dialogue, allowing participants to recognize that their struggles are shared and that there are pathways toward healing.

The Women’s Lunch Place, where these meetings take place, is dedicated to providing shelter and resources for women who are often marginalized. Rolley’s role extends beyond simple facilitation; she acts as a guide to help women navigate complex emotional landscapes, fostering resilience amid instability.

This group model underscores the importance of community and empathy in addressing the multifaceted issues faced by women experiencing homelessness and poverty. By encouraging openness and collective problem-solving, Rolley’s work contributes to the broader efforts of The Women’s Lunch Place to offer not only immediate relief but also long-term emotional support.

Across the sessions, the women confront a range of hardships, yet Rolley’s supportive leadership helps them find strength in shared experiences, reinforcing that even in difficult circumstances, recovery and growth remain possible.

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