Luciana Brussi and about a dozen friends of Sojourner House supporter Kenia Ashby recently collected toys for Sojourner House’s children, to be distributed on Christmas. The donations, dropped off Dec. 14, were in honor of Kenia, a loyal friend of Sojourner House. A Brazilian jazz singer, Kenia and her band shared their talents during Sojourner House’s virtual Victorian Tea in August. Kenia suffered a stroke this autumn, but thankfully, is recuperating. Luciana and Kenia’s other friends, all natives of Brazil, live throughout the Pittsburgh area. When asked why the group of women chose Sojourner House as a recipient, Luciana said the following: “The idea to help (Sojourner House) was part of one small project I started this year! I have a small prayer group named ‘A arte de … [Read more...] about Kenia Ashby and friends donate toys to Sojourner House
By Katie Orr Sept. 30, 2020 Sojourner House friend Patty Jasko has spoken with Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS residents numerous times over the past several years, to share her story of addiction and recovery. Patty scheduled yet another visit - originally set for April - in February, before COVID-19 took hold of the world. But the Florida resident wasn’t going to let the pandemic prevent her from seeing, as she lovingly refers to Sojourner House residents, “my girls.” Via a Zoom meeting on June 18, Patty spoke to the residents about her own struggle with addiction and the ways in which she has overcome the battle. Now in recovery for almost 13 years, Patty started by admitting to the women that she “made a lot of mistakes that can’t be fixed,” but … [Read more...] about Long-time Sojourner House friend meets with residents via Zoom
Bynums Marketing & Communications, Inc. and BCC Ministries Go Virtual With the 2020 Pittsburgh Circle of Courage Awards; Event Celebrates 10 Years of Honoring Persons of Faith and Courage Bynums Marketing & Communications, Inc. and BCC Ministries are pleased to present the Tenth Annual Pittsburgh Circle of Courage Awards scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2020, at 6:45 p.m. In sensitivity to the COVID-19 epidemic, this will be a virtual event. Awardees selected for this honor include individuals from various industries who have demonstrated faith and courage in their chosen field. This year’s awardees include: Micheline Barkley BUSINESS Mike Logan SPORTS De’netta Benjamin-Miller, LCSW SOCIAL SERVICES Pastor Eric L. Ewell, Sr. RELIGION Marlin D. … [Read more...] about Sojourner House Executive Director, De’netta Benjamin-Miller, receiving Pittsburgh Circle of Courage Award during virtual event on Aug. 21
Dear Friends of Sojourner House, One of the first objects that our clients, staff, volunteers, and guests see upon entering our building is a photo of great African-American preacher Sojourner Truth. As many of you know, our 29-year-old organization was named after Sojourner Truth who was nothing short of a heroine and a role model for all generations that have followed. Truth was born into slavery, but escaped to freedom in 1826. She gave herself the name Sojourner Truth in 1843 after she became convinced that God had called her to leave the city and go into the countryside "testifying the hope that was in her." During the Civil War, Truth helped recruit Black troops for the Union Army. An electrifying public speaker, Sojourner Truth committed her life to being a … [Read more...] about A Message For Social Justice
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has developed educational materials for using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Click on the buttons below to see the educational materials which provide instructions for putting on PPE, taking off PPE, and disposing of PPE. The Infection Control Guidance page on the CDC’s website provides more information for healthcare facilities and healthcare professionals. … [Read more...] about The CDC’s Guide on PPE
We asked three staff members at Sojourner House/MOMS how the COVID-19 pandemic has been impacting their work and home lives. Matt Lewis, Director of Finance & Operations at Sojourner House Where did you grow up? "I was raised in Mars, PA." When did you start working at Sojourner House? "October 2017" What is your typical workday like during the COVID-19 crisis? "Lots of training and meetings, so, with the work that still needs to be done, it definitely makes for a longer work day!" Any proud moments or positive interactions during the crisis that you’d like to share? "Not necessarily a specific moment, but I hear about people in different positions within our organization stepping up in different ways, and I hear about SoHo and MOMS receiving assistance from people outside … [Read more...] about Meet Three Members of Our Amazing Staff