Sojourner House commemorated its 25th anniversary with a celebration dinner at the Mt. Washington LeMont Restaurant on Thursday, October 6th honoring the Sojourner House founders, past and present board members, staff, and women in recovery. The event was sponsored by the LeMont, Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, and Anna and Ed Dunlap. The program, emceed by Cori Parise, included remarks from Dana Gold, Founding Executive Director; Dr. Norma Raiff, Former Executive Director; and Joann Cyganovich, Current Executive Director. There was also the debut of our 25th Anniversary Video, which provides accounts from our founders, past residents as well as former and current staff. The recovery work of the women, and the long-term committed care of staff and volunteers was recognized. JoAnn … [Read more...] about Sojourner House Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
Message Carrier’s of Pennsylvania’s Recovery Light's Up The Night Bike Ride on September 19th, had quite a damp outcome as riders were drenched as they perched their bikes at the starting line. The 7-mile bike ride around the East End of Pittsburgh was reduced to a quick loop around the neighborhood as drizzle turned to downpours. The event, which was held in honor of Drug and Alcohol Recovery Awareness Month, had partners including Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club, who kindly donated helmets for the ladies, and Healthy Ride Pittsburgh, whom graciously rented the Sojourner House women bikes for the event. As rain continued to fall on the riders, the outing was shortened for safety concerns. Jade Wellness, who was present to support the event, rewarded the women of Sojourner House as … [Read more...] about Riding for Recovery
Recently, mothers of Sojourner House had the opportunity to attend a T'ai Chi session at Still Mountain T'ai Chi and Chi Kung. Meditation is a natural way of helping with stress, anxiety and overall well-being. As a part of the curriculum for the Mind and Body group at Sojourner House, the women learn various holistic therapies. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice of martial arts. The slow movements aid in flexibility, balance and have various health benefits. The ladies appreciated learning a new meditative therapy and enjoyed the new experience. Thanks to Mr. Jesse of Still Mountain for his gracious instruction and dedication for helping the residents. Thank you also to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville Branch, for providing space for this practice. … [Read more...] about Residents Learn the Art of T’ai Chi
Sojourner House celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. To honor the occasion, FISA Foundation has agreed to generously match donations from new or former donors, dollar for dollar, from now until the end of December. If you have never given to Sojourner House or if it has been two or more years since you last donated, please take advantage of this opportunity to double your gift. Sojourner House must raise $20,000 between now and the end of the year in order to meet this challenge. Visit our donations page to make your tax-deductible gift today. Thanks to our supporters and to FISA Foundation! … [Read more...] about Double the impact of your gift!
You can now watch and share Sojourner House's 25th anniversary film, "Fight Song." Set to Rachel Platten's song by the same name, the video debuted at the 12th Annual Victorian Tea. Carolyn Klasnick Brooks of Post Script Productions filmed and produced the film. The video features founding board member Peggy Reding and staff member JoAnn English, who opened the doors to Sojourner House in 1991 and have remained centrally involved for 25 years. Sojourner House residents, volunteers, staff, and even children who grew up in the program in the 1990s participated in the filming, which took place over one day in February. Special thanks to Christina McLachlan, former Sojourner House staff member, who sparked the idea for this video! Please share this moving celebration of Sojourner House's … [Read more...] about Watch Now: “Fight Song” Video
A record-breaking 375 guests attended the 12th Annual Victorian Tea on April 10, raising over $60,000. The event was chaired by Christie Smith, Sojourner House board member and Sojourner House MOMS board treasurer. Special thanks to honorary co-chairs Pittsburgh City Councilman Dan Gilman and his wife Amanda Gilman. Kathy Slencak, Manager of Public Relations at CentiMark Corporation and CentiMark Foundation was this year's Pearl of Hope recipient. Brenda Waters, anchor and reporter for KDKA-TV, was the event emcee. The event featured a silent auction, basket raffle, and program that included live testimonials of Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS graduates. Guests were among a unique audience to view the debut of a new video, "Fight Song," set to pop-artist Rachel Platten's … [Read more...] about Thank you, Victorian Tea supporters!