Meet the Families

Sojourner House Helps Family on the Long Road Home

Thirty-two year old Sasha and her three children have lived at Sojourner House for almost three years, receiving the counseling and support her family needs to put their lives on track. An alcoholic and crack addict, Sasha got serious about recovery when she nearly lost her kids. After participating in an intensive treatment program, she and her children moved into Sojourner House and began rebuilding their lives.  

“I came to Sojourner House kicking and screaming,” Sasha says. “The program really helped. I trusted the counselor. For the first time, I looked at my issues. I wanted to stay sober. I got help with parenting, coping, acknowledging my disease, and setting goals.” Her children have benefitted from Sojourner House children’s services. “The kids are way better now. The program is awesome.”  

After eight months in intensive rehabilitation, Sasha and her family moved to the more independent MOMS program. With a lot of hard work and compassionate support, they have managed to put their painful past behind them and look forward to a stronger, happier future.  

Child of Sojourner House Tells Her Story of Triumph

Leigh’s early years were plagued with her parents’ demons. Her parents were both teens when Leigh was born. Her father was shot and paralyzed when Leigh was very young, and her mother fell into drug addiction within a few years of her birth. Raised partially by her grandmother, Leigh’s early childhood was unstable and frightening.  

At age six, Leigh and her mother made the life changing move to Sojourner House. Our intensive, family-oriented recovery program opened the door to a more stable life and stronger relationship for Leigh and her mother. “The program encourages mothers to spend time with their children,” says Leigh, “and I vividly remember the joyful times I spent with my mother at Sojourner House, playing board games, talking and laughing.”  

Leigh’s time at Sojourner House was a turning point in her young life. Now 22, Leigh successfully completed her Bachelor’s degree in May of 2010 and is currently enrolled in the Masters Program at the University of Pittsburgh. While in the undergraduate program, Leigh volunteered as a “homework helper” at least once a week.  Now she is employed by Sojourner House and is pleased to work part-time as a program aide.  “It was so humbling to return here,” Leigh says. “I was excited to work with the kids in play care. I looked in their eyes and saw myself.” Her perspective is uniquely motivating for families. “Help from Sojourner House definitely guided me on the right path.”  

Faith, Trust, Helping Hand Give Family a New Life

Few mothers have known April’s heartache and despair. Abused as a child, April lost her loving father at age 13. By 15 she was pregnant, only to lose her daughter to crib death at four months old. These events launched 20 years of alcohol and drug abuse, incarceration, and untreated schizophrenia that resulted in losing five children to foster care.  

“I was sick and tired when I came here [to Sojourner House],” April says. When she came to Sojourner House for help, Clinical Supervisor Sharon Jones told her “if I wanted to get my life back together, people at Sojourner House could help. Let me tell you, they have.”  

April’s youngest son joined her a month after she moved in, and she has begun the process of rebuilding her relationships with her family and other children. The program is “no cake walk,” though April says, “they’ve given me the tools I need to rise above the ashes and become a star.  I trust them now.  This program is blessed. They showed me my life is worth fighting for. And I owe them my life.”
 

Making a Difference

We are proud to help our mothers make major steps towards a better life for themselves and their families. Our work in this effort is made possible by compassionate and generous donors like yourself. Whether you are able to donate physical items listed on our Wishlist or can make a monetary donation online, you're gift will make a significant impact on our goals.

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