Dear Friends of Sojourner House, One of the first objects that our clients, staff, volunteers, and guests see upon entering our building is a photo of great African-American preacher Sojourner Truth. As many of you know, our 29-year-old organization was named after Sojourner Truth who was nothing short of a heroine and a role model for all generations that have followed. Truth was born into slavery, but escaped to freedom in 1826. She gave herself the name Sojourner Truth in 1843 after she became convinced that God had called her to leave the city and go into the countryside "testifying the hope that was in her." During the Civil War, Truth helped recruit Black troops for the Union Army. An electrifying public speaker, Sojourner Truth committed her life to being a … [Read more...] about A Message For Social Justice
Staff
We asked three staff members at Sojourner House/MOMS how the COVID-19 pandemic has been impacting their work and home lives. Matt Lewis, Director of Finance & Operations at Sojourner House Where did you grow up? "I was raised in Mars, PA." When did you start working at Sojourner House? "October 2017" What is your typical workday like during the COVID-19 crisis? "Lots of training and meetings, so, with the work that still needs to be done, it definitely makes for a longer work day!" Any proud moments or positive interactions during the crisis that you’d like to share? "Not necessarily a specific moment, but I hear about people in different positions within our organization stepping up in different ways, and I hear about SoHo and MOMS receiving assistance from people outside … [Read more...] about Meet Three Members of Our Amazing Staff
Updated: April 23, 2020 In response to COVID-19, all Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS non-direct care staff are working remotely until Friday, May 15. Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS are considered to be essential, life-sustaining services. Please know that our programs are operating and continuing to accept clients while our staff members practice universal precautions for screening and intake, via the Department of Health and CDC guidelines. Sojourner House continues to provide 24/7 services while residents follow Governor Wolf’s Stay-At-Home Order. At this time, we are not allowing visits from any outside providers. All groups and sessions for participants who do not show signs of illness are taking place in-house. We are still available to help those … [Read more...] about Sojourner House & Sojourner House MOMS Response to COVID-19
Thanks to our new friends at Albert Anthony Real Estate, Sojourner House families were able to celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early this year. Volunteers from Albert Anthony Real Estate provided a wonderful Valentine’s Day-themed celebration the evening of Feb. 10, for the families of Sojourner House. Phillip and Colleen Anthony and Jenny Butler decorated for the holiday, and prepared dinner. Board members were also invited to assist with set-up. They brought homemade desserts, provided Valentine’s Day cards for the residents to send to their loved ones, and enjoyed dinner with the residents. Albert Anthony Real Estate is a Pittsburgh-based brokerage company that provides Real Estate Services to buyers and sellers. All of their volunteer work and contributions are … [Read more...] about Albert Anthony Real Estate share the Valentine’s Day Love with Sojourner House
In the time of year when so many think about giving and giving back, Sojourner House is blessed with a great deal of love and support during the holiday season. One of the annual holiday traditions the residents and families enjoy is a Christmas dinner prepared and served by Mitzvah Day volunteers. Mitzvah Day is a holiday tradition where Pittsburgh’s Jewish community volunteers on Christmas Day. “We have Mitzvah Day on Christmas because we recognize that this is not our holiday and we want to make other people’s holiday better,” explains David Chudnow, the Volunteer Center Manager of Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. “Sometimes that is in the form of a friendly face at a fun event like the dinner at Sojourner House or by helping out so that the staff at an organization can take … [Read more...] about Christmas Day Mitzvah is Holiday Tradition
Our staff are full of amazing talent and skill and we want to share their stories with you. And no better person to start with than our new Executive Director, De’netta Benjamin-Miller. Introduction Name De’netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director What interested you about this position? The leadership position interests me because it was aligned with my passions. I'm a licensed clinical social worker. I still practice as a therapist outside the Sojourner House. I've been doing this for 18 years. I have a passion and interest in dual diagnosis, but particularly helping individuals heal from trauma. The agency's vision and mission is very attractive. I like the fact that it's a small hard-working organization, which gives me the opportunity to really get to know all the … [Read more...] about Meet De’netta