Our Pearl of Hope for 2025
Each year, at the Annual Victorian Tea, Sojourner House presents the Pearl of Hope award to an individual or organization that has played a significant role in furthering our mission of providing compassionate, faith-based support to mothers and children in recovery. Past honorees have included dedicated advocates, community leaders, and organizations committed to empowering families affected by addiction.
Honoring Nishauna
This year, Sojourner House is proud to honor Nishauna Leigh Ball. Her journey from a child in the program to a leader in the field of social work exemplifies the hope that Sojourner House provides.
At just four years old, Nishauna Leigh Ball arrived at Sojourner House with her mother. Together they sought stability amid a life filled with hardship. Today, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she is a dedicated advocate for families facing the same challenges. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and a commitment to giving back to the community that once supported her.
Finding Her Purpose in Social Work
During her studies at University of Pittsburgh, Nishauna initially considered careers in nursing or law. However, after taking an Introduction to Social Work class, she discovered her true calling. Realizing that her own experiences could help others, she decided to pursue a degree in social work.
In 2007, she returned to Sojourner House—not as a resident, but as a volunteer. Consequently, the place that had once provided her and her mother with stability now became the foundation of her career. She later worked as a Program Aide and front office support staff, learning from the same compassionate professionals who had once guided her family. One unforgettable moment came during a night shift when she walked through the halls checking apartments. When she reached the very unit where she had once lived as a child, she was struck by the profound full-circle moment—standing on the other side, now in a position to help others.
A Career of Service and Advocacy
Upon leaving Sojourner House, Nishauna remained deeply connected to the organization through speaking engagements, fundraising efforts, and leadership roles. In 2012, she joined resolve Crisis Network, where she was twice promoted, becoming the youngest Clinical Supervisor in the organization’s history. In 2016, she transitioned to POWER, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in recovery, where she revitalized intake procedures and became the first-ever Program Development Manager.
Throughout her career, she continued to support her mother’s recovery and became a caregiver for her grandfather, helping him achieve sobriety before his passing in 2018.
In 2019, she joined the Board of Sojourner House and MOMS, eventually serving as Vice President. Even after relocating to Florida in 2021, she remained committed to the organization, visiting Pittsburgh regularly to participate in events, donate, and mentor the women in the program.
A New Chapter and Continued Commitment
A Message of Hope
To the families currently at Sojourner House, Nishauna offers this message:
“There is hope for you. There is hope for your children. I am proof that no matter how difficult the journey, a different and better life is possible. If you have to start over 15 times, then start over—but don’t give up. You are needed, you are loved, and you have support. You can and will overcome.”
As a first-generation college graduate with a successful career, Nishauna’s story exemplifies the mission of Sojourner House. Sojourner House provides the support, compassion, and faith-based guidance necessary for families to heal and thrive. Not only is Nishauna’s journey a testament to her personal drive and determination, but it also demonstrates the power of community support to help break generational cycles.
The Power of Community Support
Nishauna firmly believes that the ongoing support of the community is vital to the growth and success of Sojourner House.
“This organization is in the heart of Pittsburgh neighborhoods—it belongs to the community. The more support it receives, the more resources it can provide to families in need. Your support can change lives. It changed mine.”
Join Sojourner House to Celebrate Nishauna
Sojourner House will honor Nishauna with the Pearl of Hope award at the 21st Annual Victorian Tea, Sojourner House’s signature fundraising event, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Hotel Pittsburgh. This elegant afternoon of tea, inspiration, and community support brings together advocates, donors, and families to celebrate the resilience of the mothers and children served by Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. Proceeds from the event directly support Sojourner House’s life-changing programs, providing critical resources for families overcoming addiction. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit our website.