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
Sojourner House
Sam and her son are finding their path forward with the help of Sojourner House MOMS. The program has not only given her a safe place to stay as she works toward recovery, but it has also taught her many valuable skills and helped her build a bond with her son. One of the highlights of the program for Sam has been the life skills and personal finance classes she has been able to take to prepare her for life after the program. “They’ve taught me so much about where to put my money and how to manage it,” she said. “It’s helping me build confidence to know that I can do it.” Her time at Sojourner House MOMS has helped Sam learn what she wants for her future and the type of life she wants for herself and her son. She can finally envision a life without her substance use. “I relapsed … [Read more...] about Sam’s Story
Every day Sojourner House’s team works to help mothers and their families make significant steps towards a better, substance-free life. Treatment and supportive services are a major part of recovery, but it’s only a single piece of the solution offered by our team. This month, we’re focusing on the things that help the children of Sojourner House grow. Supporting Children at Sojourner House Our philosophy is family-focused, and in line with this philosophy, we offer services specifically designed to benefit the children of those in recovery. Research shows that children of substance-abusing parents often suffer silently as their parents struggle with their illness. They’re likely to miss school, fall behind on their education, or develop abandonment issues and attachment disorders … [Read more...] about Partners Help Sojourner House’s Families Go Back To School
We are so honored to have advocate, non-profit leader, and mother, Gisele Barreto Fetterman as the Honorary Chair of the 19th annual Victorian Tea. The Victorian Tea is Sojourner House’s largest annual fundraiser. Hundreds of supporters put on their Sunday best to connect, sip tea, enjoy light refreshments, bid on auction items, learn about the work of Sojourner House and hear from the women and families they serve. With her years of experience running Free Store 15104 and For Good PGH, Ms. Fetterman understands the needs and challenges facing the people in our area and feels it is important to support the women and mothers at Sojourner House. In her own words: “I think women will save the world and all my heroes are women. I really believe in investing and supporting. You know, … [Read more...] about Meet the 2023 Victorian Tea Honorary Chair, Gisele Barreto Fetterman
Each year, we honor a special individual or organization with the Pearl of Hope Award. This award recognizes the deep commitment of an individual or an organization to the mission of Sojourner House and Sojourner MOMS. We’re proud to award the 2023 Pearl of Hope Award to our long-time community partner, Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF)! For 15 years, Sojourner House and HCEF have partnered on a number of projects aimed at helping the children and families served by Sojourner House. The Pearl of Hope award represents our thanks and gratitude for HCEF’s never-ending support and dedication to our mutual work. A Shared Mission Sojourner House and HCEF share a dedication to supporting and educating children experiencing homelessness in our community. The … [Read more...] about 2023 Pearl of Hope Winner: Homeless Children’s Education Fund
Pittsburgh, PA (February 1, 2023) — Sojourner House announced today that Gisele Barreto Fetterman is the Honorary Event Chair of the 19th Annual Victorian Tea. The ticketed fundraising event will take place on Sunday, April 16, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh. Registered attendees are invited to a meet and greet from 1 to 2 p.m. also taking place at the Omni William Penn Hotel.“We are delighted to have Gisele serving as Honorary Event Chair,” said De’netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director of Sojourner House. “Gisele is an innovative changemaker in our region, having founded the Free Store 15104 and co-founded 412 Food Rescue and For Good PGH. She is committed to building pathways for families to thrive, which very much aligns … [Read more...] about Sojourner House Victorian Tea Welcomes Gisele Barreto Fetterman as Honorary Event Chair