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
Sojourner House MOMS
Meet Our New Director of Programs & Administration! We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Trunick to Sojourner House as our new Director of Programs & Administration! Lisa comes to us with twenty years of social work experience, a passion for implementing evidence-based practices, and a dedication to helping families find and maintain safe and stable housing. We recently spoke with Lisa to learn more about what led her to Sojourner House and what motivates her in her new role: Professional Background What drew you to Sojourner House? “What really impressed me about Sojourner House was their evidence-based practices, as well as their approach to diversity across the board — from programming to staff and funding,” Lisa … [Read more...] about Welcome Lisa Trunick!
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
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
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