Recovery changes everything. It changes how a mother sees herself and what she believes is possible. It creates a path toward stability, renewed relationships, and a healthier future. And when a mother begins to heal, that transformation reaches far beyond her own life. It changes the lives of her children and strengthens the entire family. At Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS, we see these changes every day. We see them when a mother takes the first courageous steps toward recovery. When she gains new tools for managing challenges, rebuild trust with her children, secures stable housing, or prepares to return to school or work. Each milestone is part of a larger journey toward lasting healing and independence. Our programs are designed to keep families together … [Read more...] about Recovery Changes Everything— Your Support Makes It Possible
Recovery
Recovery changes everything. It transforms lives, reunites families, and creates new possibilities for mothers and children. But lasting recovery depends on more than compassionate care. It also requires strong systems behind the scenes that empower staff to deliver the highest quality treatment and support. That’s why we are incredibly grateful to the FORE Foundation for investing in the future of Sojourner House . Their grant will support the selection and implementation of a new electronic health record (EHR) system. At first glance, an EHR system may not seem as inspiring as a new playground, renovated apartments, or family celebrations. Yet, this investment will strengthen every aspect of the care we provide. Ensuring that mothers and children receive more coordinated, … [Read more...] about Recovery Requires Strong Foundations
There are people whose presence becomes part of an organization’s story. People who continually show up, guided by quiet conviction, deep compassion, and a belief that community can change lives. Susan Orr is one of those people. Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS are honored to name Susan as the 2026 Pearl of Hope Award recipient, a recognition that celebrates individuals whose lives reflect hope in action and a steadfast commitment to women, children, and families. Susan will be honored at the 2026 Victorian Tea, our annual gathering that brings together friends and supporters to celebrate healing, resilience, and the power of walking alongside families on their journeys. Susan first learned about Sojourner House in 2004. She often describes feeling a deep pull toward … [Read more...] about A Pearl of Hope: Honoring Susan Orr at the 2026 Victorian Tea
When we talk about the overdose crisis, the numbers can feel overwhelming. But behind every statistic is a name, a family, and, too often, child left grieving. A recent Allegheny County report reveals a devastating truth: between 2016 and 2023, 3,512 children and young adults in Allegheny County lost a parent to overdose. That’s more than 400 children each year.Half were under the age of 13.Fourteen percent were under five—our community’s youngest and most vulnerable. These numbers don’t just represent loss. They represent futures that will forever be shaped by trauma. The Overdose Ripple Effect The Allegheny County data show that many parents who died of overdose had previously interacted with behavioral health, child welfare, or criminal justice systems. In the year before their … [Read more...] about Every Number Represents a Story: Helping Families Heal Together from the Trauma of Overdose
September is National Recovery Month—a time to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of individuals living in recovery, and to recognize the communities that walk alongside them. At Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS, recovery is more than a word. Recovery is a journey that changes lives and shapes futures. Every day, we see mothers reunite with their children, families find safe and stable housing, and entire generations gain hope for a better tomorrow. Why Recovery Matters—Now More Than Ever Addiction doesn’t happen in isolation. It impacts mothers, children, families, and neighborhoods. But healing doesn’t happen in isolation either—it requires community, compassion, and opportunity. Our continuum of care meets families wherever they are in their recovery … [Read more...] about Celebrating Recovery Month at Sojourner House
By De’netta Benjamin-Miller, LCSW – Executive Director, Sojourner House Now more than ever at Sojourner House, we see the realities of addiction and healing every day—not on the evening news or in statistics, but in the eyes of a mother fighting to stay sober so she can tuck her child into bed at night. For more than three decades, our organization has provided residential treatment and housing to mothers in recovery and their children. Our mission is rooted in compassion and community. Right now, it has never been more urgent. Now more than ever, we are facing intersecting crises. Substance use rates continue to rise. Housing insecurity is climbing. Mental health needs are going unmet. And too often, those most impacted are mothers—including women of color, women who have … [Read more...] about Now More Than Ever, Mothers in Recovery Need Our Support