By Lindsey Hayakawa Feb. 3, 2021 In honor of Black History Month, Sojourner House will highlight inspirational female roles from black history, each week in February. Deservedly, Sojourner Truth is the first woman to be highlighted. Sojourner House stands on her shoulders, by caring and showing compassion to the people we serve. Sojourner Truth’s story and accomplishments inspire us to fight for freedom from the slavery of addiction. Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) was an American abolitionist and women's rights activist. Truth was born into slavery in Swartekill, NY, but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826. After going to court to recover her son in 1828, she became the first black woman to win such a case against a white man. She gave herself the … [Read more...] about In honor of …. Sojourner Truth
By Lindsey Hayakawa Jan. 25, 2021 Self-care. Work-life balance. Effective coping strategies. Addressing harassment. All of these are crucial topics to discuss. And that they were, during “Women & Workplace Wellness,” a recent virtual panel discussion hosted by Ola Jackson, owner of Onyx Women Network (OWN). The candid discussion, sponsored by Highmark and Allegheny Health Network, took place on Dec. 29. “Our Women and Workplace Zoom event was so badly needed at this time. It turned out to be one of the most successful online events that we had. The response great,” said Jackson. One of the panel participants: Sojourner House’s very own Executive Director, De’netta Benjamin-Miller. “De'netta Benjamin-Miller brought so much insight to … [Read more...] about Sojourner House Executive Director took part in Women & Workplace Wellness panel discussion
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