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
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“National Recovery Month reminds us that we are all recovering from ‘something’ and helps reduce the stigma attached to substance use disorders/addiction,” said De’netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director of Sojourner House. September is National Recovery Month. During National Recovery Month, Sojourner House celebrates and supports individuals who are in recovery from substance use disorders and their families. Sojourner House is planning Yoga in the Streets, a free community event held in celebration of September as National Recovery Month. The event will take place on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Kelly Street (between N. Murtland Avenue and N. Lang Avenue), Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Yoga in the Streets will feature a resource fair of local organizations … [Read more...] about Sojourner House Celebrates National Recovery Month with Yoga in the Streets Community Event
By Katie Orr Sept. 30, 2020 Sojourner House friend Patty Jasko has spoken with Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS residents numerous times over the past several years, to share her story of addiction and recovery. Patty scheduled yet another visit - originally set for April - in February, before COVID-19 took hold of the world. But the Florida resident wasn’t going to let the pandemic prevent her from seeing, as she lovingly refers to Sojourner House residents, “my girls.” Via a Zoom meeting on June 18, Patty spoke to the residents about her own struggle with addiction and the ways in which she has overcome the battle. Now in recovery for almost 13 years, Patty started by admitting to the women that she “made a lot of mistakes that can’t be fixed,” but … [Read more...] about Long-time Sojourner House friend meets with residents via Zoom
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
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
Leah Lizarondo is the CEO and co-founder of Food Rescue Hero and 412 Food Rescue, social enterprises with a technology, logistics and civic engagement model that aims to fight hunger and promote sustainability by preventing perfectly good food from entering the waste stream and directly distributing to organizations that benefit those who are food insecure. Founded in 2015, 412 Food Rescue is one of the fastest-growing food recovery organizations in the U.S. Creating the infrastructure for national retailers. Leah’s work at 412 Food Rescue has been featured in national media including NPR, Fast Company, FoodTank, Martha Stewart Living, Food & Wine, Saveur, Organic Life, Bust Magazine, Redbook, and Civil Eats. In April 2014, she gave the TEDx Talk “Why the Farm Is Not Getting … [Read more...] about Introducing this Year’s Victorian Tea Honorary Chair, Leah Lizarondo