Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS are proud to announce a recent grant from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services aimed at addressing alarming disparities and stigma in opioid use disorder and overdose death rates among black and brown communities in Pittsburgh. This funding, derived from the county’s opioid settlement funds, marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to combat opioid addiction and its devastating impact on our community. “Opioid and other substance use disorders continue to impact the black community,” states De’netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director of Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. “The funds from this grant will empower us to extend our reach and provide essential support to individuals in need within our … [Read more...] about Addressing Opioid Disparities and Stigma: Sojourner House’s New Initiative in Pittsburgh
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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
As a child Nishauna witnessed firsthand the impact of her mother’s substance use disorder. Her mother’s struggles brought them to Sojourner House in search of hope and stability. “Stability. Sojourner House means stability to me. It’s a safe space for change and a place for me to feel safe. Coming here at that age was crucial. My whole life would have been different without Sojourner House,” Nishauna said. For Nishauna, arriving at Sojourner House at such an impressionable age was the turning point for her that helped her break the generational cycles of substance use disorder and create a different life for herself. “I believe that I am still here because I am supposed to help others,” she said. Now as a social worker at age 36, she uses her experiences to help others on their … [Read more...] about Nishauna’s Story
Vanessa spent time with her son at both Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS putting in the work to overcome her substance use disorder and find the path she wanted for herself and her son. The programs gave her an amazing foundation and the confidence to go after what she wanted for her life. “I was at Sojourner House for 5-6 months and then MOMS for 5 years. Now, I own my own home,” she said. “If you stay with it, you really can do it.” Vanessa credits her time at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS for everything she has today. “I met some amazing women here,” she said. “This place gave me a sense of peace that helped me prepare for whenever I got out of here.” “Life shows up,” Vanessa said about life after her time at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. … [Read more...] about Vanessa’s Story