As of May 2023, Sojourner House has had the pleasure of welcoming Laura McCurdy to the team as our new Director of Advancement. Laura comes to Sojourner House with over 25 years of experience working with non-profit and mission-based organizations. We recently sat down with Laura to hear about her role in her own words: How did you first learn about Sojourner House? I was aware of Sojourner House’s programs because I know someone that's gone through the program. What is your typical day like? Right now, I’m in the information-gathering phase, but in my role, a typical day consists of meeting with key constituents and attending networking opportunities to bring more exposure to the organization. The goal is to foster relationships that will drive funds and help to … [Read more...] about Meet Laura McCurdy!
The relationship between mental health and substance abuse is complicated and interrelated. We have previously written about destigmatizing substance use, and unfortunately, mental health issues are also often stigmatized. But by understanding these disorders and how they influence each other, we can create an environment that promotes healing and recovery. It must be noted: not everyone with substance use disorder also experiences mental health issues. Nor does someone having mental health disorders mean that they will engage in substance use. But there is a strong correlation between the two that needs to be understood to offer better support to people struggling with these health issues. Here are just a few of the ways that substance use disorder and mental health … [Read more...] about How Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Influence Each Other
Since 1987, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence has run a public health program in April known as Alcohol Awareness Month. The program has focused on different issues regarding alcohol consumption over the years, including its use among teenagers. Most recently, organizers have used the month to discuss the causes and effects of unhealthy alcohol use, as well as how to help families and communities deal with drinking problems. Sojourner House is very familiar with the impact of alcohol abuse on individuals and families. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 28.6 million adults ages 18 and older had Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the past year. This Alcohol Awareness Month, we’re focused on two key things that all community members … [Read more...] about Talking About Alcohol Use Disorder for Alcohol Awareness Month
At Sojourner House, we help families that have been impacted by addiction – or, as it’s clinically referred to, substance use disorder. While “addiction” is still a very common term in general conversations, “substance abuse disorder” has been the preferred medical terminology since 2013, as detailed in the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines. The terminology and language we use to discuss substance abuse are extremely powerful. The right language can help to lay the groundwork for understanding substance abuse as a complex, chronic, treatable disease from which patients can recover, the same as any other medical condition. The wrong language, however, can stigmatize the disease, as well as the person suffering from it. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, … [Read more...] about Words Matter and Can Remove Stigma from Substance Abuse
We are so honored to have advocate, non-profit leader, and mother, Gisele Barreto Fetterman as the Honorary Chair of the 19th annual Victorian Tea. The Victorian Tea is Sojourner House’s largest annual fundraiser. Hundreds of supporters put on their Sunday best to connect, sip tea, enjoy light refreshments, bid on auction items, learn about the work of Sojourner House and hear from the women and families they serve. With her years of experience running Free Store 15104 and For Good PGH, Ms. Fetterman understands the needs and challenges facing the people in our area and feels it is important to support the women and mothers at Sojourner House. In her own words: “I think women will save the world and all my heroes are women. I really believe in investing and supporting. You know, … [Read more...] about Meet the 2023 Victorian Tea Honorary Chair, Gisele Barreto Fetterman
Each year, we honor a special individual or organization with the Pearl of Hope Award. This award recognizes the deep commitment of an individual or an organization to the mission of Sojourner House and Sojourner MOMS. We’re proud to award the 2023 Pearl of Hope Award to our long-time community partner, Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF)! For 15 years, Sojourner House and HCEF have partnered on a number of projects aimed at helping the children and families served by Sojourner House. The Pearl of Hope award represents our thanks and gratitude for HCEF’s never-ending support and dedication to our mutual work. A Shared Mission Sojourner House and HCEF share a dedication to supporting and educating children experiencing homelessness in our community. The … [Read more...] about 2023 Pearl of Hope Winner: Homeless Children’s Education Fund