After nearly 12 years as the Executive Director of Sojourner House, Joann Cyganovich is retiring and moving onto the next adventure. But during her time with the organization, she has helped to usher in some dramatic changes and major steps forward for the organization and their goals of helping mothers struggling with addiction to get the help that they need without having to worry about losing their kids. All of this experience has given tremendous perspective to Cyganovich, and we asked her to share some words of wisdom, both from her time at Sojourner House, and looking forward to the future of the organization. What makes our organization so important both today and for the future of our city and region? “There is no such thing as recovery housing or halfway housing for … [Read more...] about Parting Words of Wisdom from Outgoing Executive Director Joann Cyganovich
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After nearly 12 years at the helm of Sojourner House, Executive Director Joann Cyganovich will retire on June 30. Sojourner House has experienced a stellar past decade-plus of growth, and an increasingly well-regarded reputation. Much of that can be attributed to Joann. Highlights of her tenure at Sojourner House include, but certainly aren't limited to: Spearheading the creation of MOMS Green. MOMS Green -- located between Hays and Black streets in East Liberty -- a play park and garden for the MOMS neighborhood created in 2010. The 18-month project transformed two blighted vacant lots into a safe, landscaped play space and garden area for Sojourner House MOMS families and the entire neighborhood to enjoy. Overseeing Sojourner House's 2012 acquisition and rehabilitation of … [Read more...] about Sojourner House Executive Director to Retire
For someone who doesn’t like to be in the spotlight, Maelene Myers has been nothing short of a lighthouse in the East End community for more than two decades. And for Sojourner House MOMS, Myers has played a pivotal decision-making role forming and developing Sojourner House MOMS since it opened in 2004. As a matter of fact, Myers, who is Executive Director of East Liberty Development, Inc. has sat at the helm of the Sojourner House MOMS board as its president for a decade. She plans to step down from that role after next week’s MOMS board meeting adjourns. When asked why she has taken on Sojourner House MOMS as a decades-long project she holds close to her heart, Highland Park resident Myers said the following: “Providing safe and stable housing is very important during recovery. The … [Read more...] about Maelene Myers to be 2019 Pearl of Hope Recipient
Shadyside Presbyterian Church’s 25th annual Strawberry Festival, which took place on June 8 on the lawn of the church, was once again an evening full of great fun and great camaraderie. Proceeds from the event have benefited Sojourner House for the past eight years. Read all about the festival in the Summer 2018 of issue of Shady Ave magazine. … [Read more...] about 25th Annual Strawberry Festival
At Sojourner House's signature fundraiser, the 14th Annual Victorian Tea, 350 guests attended the on Sunday, April 15, 2018, raising over $60,000. The event was chaired by Nancy Davis, Sojourner House board member. Special thanks to honorary chair, Karin Mayr, Founder and CEO of Sabika Jewelry. This year's Pearl of Hope recipient was Lynne Chadwick, CAO and Director of Risk & Compliance at BNY Mellon, and long-time Sojourner House supporter. Shannon Perrine, reporter for WTAE-TV's Action News, was the event emcee. The event featured a silent auction, basket raffle, and program that included a poetry reading from a Sojourner House graduate, and a live musical performance from Eric Granata and Nina Sainato. The program also included a proclamation from the City of Pittsburgh … [Read more...] about Thank you, 14th Annual Victorian Tea Supporters!
Please check out our new video! This video had its debut at the 14th Annual Victorian Tea. Sojourner House opened its doors to Chatham University's Words Without Walls program in 2012. During Words Without Walls, MFA students visit Sojourner House each week to teach creative writing. At the end of each semester, our residents present their work to the public during readings at local art galleries. Please watch the video to hear excerpts from the most recent Words Without Walls poetry reading. … [Read more...] about Words Without Walls Poetry Reading Video