Each year Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS recognize the contributions and commitment of individuals and organizations with our Pearl of Hope award. We’re proud to announce for 2024 we are recognizing an individual and an organization. Both recipients have been making a difference in lives of the families we serve for many years. Dr. Rober Breit, MD, or Dr. Bob as he is known at Sojourner House, has been holding a parenting group at Sojourner House for more than 15 years. A pediatrician by trade, Dr. Bob has been a long-time friend of Sojourner House, having served as a board member and a mentor. His rapport and connection with our mothers make a huge impact on their lives. He helps them build the skills they need to repair relationships with their children and build a brighter … [Read more...] about Sojourner House Names 2024 Pearl of Hope Awardees
We are delighted to announce that Tammy Thompson, the esteemed Founder and Executive Director of Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, has been named the honorary chair for the 20th Annual Victorian Tea hosted by Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. Thompson, a former board member of Sojourner House MOMS, brings with her a wealth of experience as a Housing Counselor and a passionate advocate for financial literacy and family empowerment. Having personally navigated through the challenges of poverty and homelessness, Thompson brings a unique perspective to her advocacy work. "Her first-hand experiences with poverty and homelessness have given her a unique perspective. I am ecstatic and grateful to have her as our honorary chair," remarked De’netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director of … [Read more...] about Celebrating Community Leadership: Tammy Thompson Named Honorary Chair for the 20th Annual Victorian Tea
Sojourner House recently welcomed Kristen Nuss to the staff in the newly created role of Advancement Communications Manager. Working with the advancement team, she will focus on bring the Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS story to the community to inspire more people to get involved. We recently sat down with Kristen to learn more about her and what motivates her in her new role. What attracted you to the role at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS? What unique attributes do you bring to the team? What is the most adventurous thing you’ve done? What professional background history would you like to share? What do you love to do in your free time? What inspires you at work or personally? Do you have a motto, personal mantra or words to live by? … [Read more...] about Meet Kristen Nuss
The generosity shown by our community partners, volunteers and donors during the holiday season was truly incredible. From Thanksgiving through Christmas, we received donations of food, personal care products, household supplies, toys and other gifts for the families we serve. Here is a glimpse of some of the donations we received this year: Thank you so much to the community partners, donors and volunteers who continue to think of the families of Sojourner House each year. Your generosity is inspiring! Community Donations: Thank you to the foundations that have chosen to support Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS through grant funding this year: If the spirit of generosity has inspired you to get involved with Sojourner House or Sojourner House MOMS, … [Read more...] about Spirit of Giving
As a child Nishauna witnessed firsthand the impact of her mother’s substance use disorder. Her mother’s struggles brought them to Sojourner House in search of hope and stability. “Stability. Sojourner House means stability to me. It’s a safe space for change and a place for me to feel safe. Coming here at that age was crucial. My whole life would have been different without Sojourner House,” Nishauna said. For Nishauna, arriving at Sojourner House at such an impressionable age was the turning point for her that helped her break the generational cycles of substance use disorder and create a different life for herself. “I believe that I am still here because I am supposed to help others,” she said. Now as a social worker at age 36, she uses her experiences to help others on their … [Read more...] about Nishauna’s Story
Vanessa spent time with her son at both Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS putting in the work to overcome her substance use disorder and find the path she wanted for herself and her son. The programs gave her an amazing foundation and the confidence to go after what she wanted for her life. “I was at Sojourner House for 5-6 months and then MOMS for 5 years. Now, I own my own home,” she said. “If you stay with it, you really can do it.” Vanessa credits her time at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS for everything she has today. “I met some amazing women here,” she said. “This place gave me a sense of peace that helped me prepare for whenever I got out of here.” “Life shows up,” Vanessa said about life after her time at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. … [Read more...] about Vanessa’s Story