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
Events
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
The 20th Annual Victorian Tea wasn't just a fundraiser; it was a celebration of two decades of making a difference. Here's to many more years of tea, joy, and changing lives together! Record-Breaking Fundraising: For the first time, the Victorian Tea grossed more than $100,000. The generosity of our supporters surpassed all expectations. We are so grateful to each person who donated to help us surpass our goals. The funds raised will directly benefit the mothers, children and families of Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. They will provide crucial support and resources to those in recovery. It's heartwarming to see our community come together to empower those who need it most. Recognition of Excellence: We were honored to present Pearl of Hope awards to Murrysville … [Read more...] about A Memorable Celebration:
On a damp and rainy Wednesday morning, something remarkable unfolded. Nearly fifty people, including more than a dozen members of the clergy gathered to pray for the families, programs, and facilities of Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. The Day of Prayer has been a long-held vision of Executive Director De’netta Benjamin-Miller, who, since her arrival at Sojourner House five years ago, has seen the unwavering support of numerous faith-based organizations. "When I realized how many faith-based organizations support us and our mission, I started to think about how we can get everyone together to give us the one resource that’s more valuable than money: prayer," she shared. Members of the clergy, representing multiple denominations and faiths, shared blessings, prayers, and … [Read more...] about Uniting in Prayer: Sojourner House’s Inaugural Day of Prayer
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