As our fiscal year comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the inspiring stories and events that have shaped our journey. From community-driven campaigns to heartfelt events, each initiative has brought us closer to our mission: helping mothers, children, and families facing substance use disorder and homelessness find a brighter future. Here are some of the highlights from this memorable year.
Giving Tuesday Impact Campaign Stories
Our Giving Tuesday Impact Campaign was a tremendous success, thanks to the unwavering support of our community. The inspiring stories we shared showcased the strength, empathy, and hope mothers and their children find at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. For Vanessa, Sam, and Nishauna, our programs have been life-changing.
Inaugural Day of Prayer
This year, we held our inaugural Day of Prayer for the families, programs, and facilities of Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. The day served as a beacon of hope for those in recovery as well as for those who support them.
The Day of Prayer was a long-held vision of Executive Director De’netta Benjamin-Miller, who, since her arrival at Sojourner House five years ago, saw 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.
We are already looking forward to hosting the event again next year.
Victorian Tea: 20 Years of Tradition
The 20th Annual Victorian Tea wasn’t just a fundraiser; it was a celebration of two decades of making a difference in the lives of mothers, children, and families facing substance use disorder and homelessness.
The record-breaking fundraising success of this year’s tea is a testament to the support Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS receive from generous individuals, churches, organizations, and businesses. Together, we can create a community where families find a brighter future and learn to thrive.
Take a look at some highlights of this year’s event.
You Matter Events Highlighted the Importance of Self-Care
We held multiple events for the mothers at Sojourner House to remind them that they matter. The events throughout the year emphasized the importance of self-care on the path toward recovery.
Self-Care Workshop
Board members Natasha Lightner and Charmaine McCall hosted a workshop on self-care at Sojourner House. They donated makeup and skincare products while sharing helpful beauty tips. This evening also offered a wonderful opportunity for the mothers to bond and build stronger relationships.
Facials by Scrubbed Esthetics
The “You Matter” theme continued in the spring when Scrubd Esthetics offered complimentary facials to the women at Sojourner House. Many of the women experienced a facial for the first time, leaving them feeling refreshed and renewed.
Girls’ Night Out at Treasure House
Treasure House Fashions on McKnight Road has been a long-time community partner for Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. This spring, two different groups of mothers had the opportunity to shop at this thrift store specializing in women’s clothing.
Following the 20th Annual Victorian Tea, we hosted an afternoon tea party for the mothers at Sojourner House. Before the event, the mothers in residence shopped for tea dresses at Treasure House. The women enjoyed selecting the perfect outfits, which brought smiles to their faces. The tea party was a delightful afternoon of fellowship. Vanessa Fuller, a program alumna, and Tammy Thompson, who served as the honorary chair for the Victorian Tea, shared their inspiring stories.
A few weeks later, a group of newly arrived mothers enjoyed a Girls’ Night Out at Treasure House. Paired with board members who volunteered as personal shoppers, each mother picked out new clothes for their fresh start.
We are deeply grateful for community partners like Treasure House and Scrubd Esthetics. Your partnership helps show our mothers, children and families their worth and give them the confidence to work through their challenges together.