Meet Our New Director of Human Resources at Sojourner House At Sojourner House, we are thrilled to welcome Gretchen Howard as our new Director of Human Resources. Gretchen brings a wealth of experience, a passion for supporting individuals and communities, and a dedication to advancing Sojourner House’s mission to support mothers, children and families in recovery. Here’s a chance to get to know her better: Professional Background What drew you to Sojourner House? Gretchen was inspired by Sojourner House’s deep commitment to providing holistic support, particularly for individuals affected by domestic violence. “The organization’s values, its emphasis on community empowerment, and its focus on making a meaningful difference aligned perfectly with … [Read more...] about Welcome Gretchen Howard!
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Support Sojourner House during Give Big Pittsburgh on Tuesday, December 3 Now, more than ever, we invite you to consider the impact of your support on families who rely on Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS in Pittsburgh. With your help, these families can find safe space for recovery and also the tools to build brighter futures together. Today, we’re sharing the story of one resilient mother, who—thanks to supporters like you—found her strength, healing, and self-worth through Sojourner House. Ashley, pictured on the far right during a recent workshop at Sojourner House MOMS, recalls the moment she learned about Sojourner House with fondness. “My CYS worker believed in me and said, ‘I have this place for you called Sojourner House in Pittsburgh.’ It was as if a … [Read more...] about Now More Than Ever: A Story of Hope and Resilience
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
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry has revealed a sad and shocking fact: 321,566 children lost a parent to a drug overdose between 2011 and 2021. This shows just how much substance use disorders are hurting families across the United States. Key Findings The Need for Holistic Care These findings highlight the urgent need for a more complete approach to helping people with substance use problems. Programs need to support not just individuals but also their families “These heartbreaking statistics show the importance of programs that support recovery for the whole family. Holistic, compassionate care for parents and their children helps prevent overdoses and saves lives.”De’netta Benjamin Miller, Executive Director of Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS, … [Read more...] about The Hidden Impact of the Opioid Crisis: Children Left Behind
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