At Sojourner House, we are privileged to work alongside incredible partners who believe in the strength, resilience, and worth of the women we serve. This year, we are thrilled to recognize Treasure House Fashions as a Pearl of Hope awardee at the 21st Annual Victorian Tea on April 27, 2025! For years, Treasure House Fashions has been more than a clothing resource for women in transition. They have been a beacon of dignity, empowerment, and encouragement. Through their Sponsored Girls Night Out events, they have created a shopping experience about self-worth, confidence, and celebration. Thanks to a grant from PNC Charitable Trust, Sojourner House moms have enjoyed after-hours shopping experiences at Treasure House, complete with personal shoppers, refreshments, and a powerful message: … [Read more...] about Treasure House Fashions Honored with Pearl of Hope Award at the 21st Annual Victorian Tea
Community
Our Pearl of Hope for 2025 Each year, at the Annual Victorian Tea, Sojourner House presents the Pearl of Hope award to an individual or organization that has played a significant role in furthering our mission of providing compassionate, faith-based support to mothers and children in recovery. Past honorees have included dedicated advocates, community leaders, and organizations committed to empowering families affected by addiction. Honoring Nishauna This year, Sojourner House is proud to honor Nishauna Leigh Ball. Her journey from a child in the program to a leader in the field of social work exemplifies the hope that Sojourner House provides. At just four years old, Nishauna Leigh Ball arrived at Sojourner House with her mother. Together they sought stability amid a life … [Read more...] about A Full-Circle Journey of Hope and Healing
Sojourner House is thrilled to announce Dr. Camille Clarke-Smith as the Honorary Chair of the 21st annual Victorian Tea, taking place on April 27, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Pittsburgh. A respected leader in health and wellness, Dr. Clarke-Smith embodies the mission and values that Sojourner House upholds: empowering individuals and families to rebuild their lives through compassion, resilience, and community-centered care. A Legacy of Empowerment and Advocacy Dr. Clarke-Smith brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to uplifting underserved communities. As the Program Director in the Quality Improvement Department at UPMC Health Plan, she leads the Medicare Faith and Wellness Program, a groundbreaking initiative addressing health equity by engaging faith-based … [Read more...] about 21st Annual Victorian Tea Honorary Chair Named
On a beautiful day in Homewood, the streets came alive with the energy of wellness, community, and fun as families gathered for the annual Yoga in the Streets event. This special day celebrated physical and mental well-being while fostering community connections through education, entertainment, and shared resources. Positive Coping with Yoga Instructors Ursula Howard and Dr. Camille Clarke Smith led two sessions of yoga in the morning and afternoon. Community members took time to move their bodies during each of the sessions. They also enjoyed some moments of mindfulness during the busy day. Subsequently, they learned how yoga can be beneficial for coping with the stressors and triggers of everyday life. Educational Fun for All One of the day's highlights was the Science Bus, … [Read more...] about Yoga in the Streets: A Day of Wellness, Education, and Fun
Celebrating Community and Connection in Recovery At Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS, community and sisterhood are everything. These values shone brightly at our recent Sista to Sista Picnic. Mothers and children came together to celebrate their recovery journeys, build connections, and strengthen the bonds that help them heal. A Day of Joy, Connection, and Empowerment On a warm summer day, our families gathered for an afternoon of fun, relaxation, and connection. The Sista-to-Sista Picnic was more than just a casual event; it celebrated the strength, resilience, and unity that drives recovery. Children enjoyed frozen T-shirts, water balloons and playful games. Meanwhile, mothers engaged in group activities and shared heartfelt conversations. The air was filled with … [Read more...] about Sista to Sista Picnic: A Sojourner House Tradition
As our fiscal year comes to an end, it's the perfect time to reflect on the inspiring stories and events that have shaped our journey. From community-driven campaigns to heartfelt events, each initiative has brought us closer to our mission: helping mothers, children, and families facing substance use disorder and homelessness find a brighter future. Here are some of the highlights from this memorable year. Giving Tuesday Impact Campaign Stories Our Giving Tuesday Impact Campaign was a tremendous success, thanks to the unwavering support of our community. The inspiring stories we shared showcased the strength, empathy, and hope mothers and their children find at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. For Vanessa, Sam, and Nishauna, our programs have been … [Read more...] about Inspiring Stories and Impactful Moments: A Year in Review