Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS are proud to announce a recent grant from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services aimed at addressing alarming disparities and stigma in opioid use disorder and overdose death rates among black and brown communities in Pittsburgh. This funding, derived from the county’s opioid settlement funds, marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to combat opioid addiction and its devastating impact on our community. “Opioid and other substance use disorders continue to impact the black community,” states De’netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director of Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. “The funds from this grant will empower us to extend our reach and provide essential support to individuals in need within our … [Read more...] about Addressing Opioid Disparities and Stigma: Sojourner House’s New Initiative in Pittsburgh
recovery
We are delighted to announce that Tammy Thompson, the esteemed Founder and Executive Director of Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, has been named the honorary chair for the 20th Annual Victorian Tea hosted by Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. Thompson, a former board member of Sojourner House MOMS, brings with her a wealth of experience as a Housing Counselor and a passionate advocate for financial literacy and family empowerment. Having personally navigated through the challenges of poverty and homelessness, Thompson brings a unique perspective to her advocacy work. "Her first-hand experiences with poverty and homelessness have given her a unique perspective. I am ecstatic and grateful to have her as our honorary chair," remarked De’netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director of … [Read more...] about Celebrating Community Leadership: Tammy Thompson Named Honorary Chair for the 20th Annual Victorian Tea
As a child Nishauna witnessed firsthand the impact of her mother’s substance use disorder. Her mother’s struggles brought them to Sojourner House in search of hope and stability. “Stability. Sojourner House means stability to me. It’s a safe space for change and a place for me to feel safe. Coming here at that age was crucial. My whole life would have been different without Sojourner House,” Nishauna said. For Nishauna, arriving at Sojourner House at such an impressionable age was the turning point for her that helped her break the generational cycles of substance use disorder and create a different life for herself. “I believe that I am still here because I am supposed to help others,” she said. Now as a social worker at age 36, she uses her experiences to help others on their … [Read more...] about Nishauna’s Story
Vanessa spent time with her son at both Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS putting in the work to overcome her substance use disorder and find the path she wanted for herself and her son. The programs gave her an amazing foundation and the confidence to go after what she wanted for her life. “I was at Sojourner House for 5-6 months and then MOMS for 5 years. Now, I own my own home,” she said. “If you stay with it, you really can do it.” Vanessa credits her time at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS for everything she has today. “I met some amazing women here,” she said. “This place gave me a sense of peace that helped me prepare for whenever I got out of here.” “Life shows up,” Vanessa said about life after her time at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. … [Read more...] about Vanessa’s Story
Sam and her son are finding their path forward with the help of Sojourner House MOMS. The program has not only given her a safe place to stay as she works toward recovery, but it has also taught her many valuable skills and helped her build a bond with her son. One of the highlights of the program for Sam has been the life skills and personal finance classes she has been able to take to prepare her for life after the program. “They’ve taught me so much about where to put my money and how to manage it,” she said. “It’s helping me build confidence to know that I can do it.” Her time at Sojourner House MOMS has helped Sam learn what she wants for her future and the type of life she wants for herself and her son. She can finally envision a life without her substance use. “I relapsed … [Read more...] about Sam’s Story
Every day, Sojourner House provides compassionate recovery services and works to create a brighter future for families. We are proud to help the mothers in our care make major steps towards a better life for themselves and their children. And this September, our team is also proudly sharing our knowledge and mission with the Pittsburgh community by taking part in Recovery Month. This annual observance is particularly significant to us, and we are excited to be able to work with the Pittsburgh community throughout this month to share knowledge and hope related to recovery. Throughout the month of September, Sojourner House will attend Recovery Month events and wellness fairs, and will work with community leaders to spread an important message: that no one is alone in the journey … [Read more...] about Honoring Recovery Month at Sojourner House