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, women are running families, they’re running communities, and it’s important that we support them.”
She explains how the work of her organizations, Sojourner House, and the nonprofit safety net are so vital.
“I think we’re all just trying to get home. At the end of the day, regardless of who we love, what we believe in, or where we live and what our dreams are, I think we’re all just trying to get home at the end of each night to a place that’s warm and to find love and have support.”
Mrs. Fetterman came to visit Sojourner House earlier this year. While she said the highlight of her visit was being able to rock a baby to sleep, she was also struck by the supportive environment of the organization. “To see how brave and how open these women were, that really reflects a safe environment where they feel comfortable. You can tell the women feel embraced and safe there and were so open to sharing, you know, their challenges and their hopes and dreams. And I always say if someone lets you into their vulnerability, into their pain, that’s a very big privilege.”
It’s no secret that Ms. Fetterman is married to U.S. Senator John Fetterman. As she traveled around Pennsylvania this past year on the campaign trail, she heard stories of so many Pennsylvania families dealing with addiction and recovery. “Addiction does not discriminate. It doesn’t matter, you know, what household you grew up in, if there were two parents there, if it was stable or not. It finds its way into all families.”
And she feels that supporting recovery work is critical to all community members: “You’re helping families find their way again. These are gonna be your neighbors. These children are gonna go to school with your children and we should want all children and all families to thrive.”
Mrs. Fetterman is also planning a separate tea for the women and children of Sojourner House this spring, and is very excited to meet with the families of Sojourner House again!
The 19th Victorian Tea is coming up quickly, so don’t miss your chance to buy an individual ticket or sponsor a table.
Even if you cannot attend the event, you can still donate to Sojourner House and their important cause: helping women and their families along the path to recovery.