On November 10, 2022, Sojourner House staff and supporters came together to celebrate a new and improved MOMS Green outdoor space. Thanks to generous financial support and hard work on MOMS Green, Sojourner House is more prepared than ever to offer daily support and enrichment to the lives of our clients and their families.
Multiple speakers attended our MOMS Green ribbon cutting, including:
- De’netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director of Sojourner House/MOMS
- AJ Jefferson, Executive Director of Homeless Children’s Education Fund
- Carlos Carter, former Executive Director of Homeless Children’s Education Fund and current Executive Director of the Urban League
About Our MOMS Green Space
MOMS Green is an important place for Sojourner House’s kids and families to learn, grow, and thrive together. Originally this outdoor play yard opened in 2011. Though it was always a central part of life within Sojourner House, it became particularly important to staff and residents in 2020.
During the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, MOMS Green took on an even more significant role in the lives of residents and staff. Within this outdoor space, our community could connect at a healthy distance, breaking the isolation many experienced during this health crisis.
How and Why We’ve Improved MOMS Green
After 11 years of regular use – and after seeing firsthand the growing value of having an accessible outdoor space – we knew it was time for MOMS Green to receive some enhancements. And this November, we cut the ribbon to reveal its upgraded play yard and a new pavilion.
Within this new and improved MOMS Green, we envision families sharing a meal, playing a game, planting a garden, having a birthday celebration, or just sitting and reading. Additionally, these updates will make it easier for our staff to offer after school, cultural, and STEM programs to the children of Sojourner House.
“Our families need to be safe and I am so thankful for MOMS Green and how it is a safe space for our families,” De’netta said during the event.
Thanking Those Who Made This Possible
These MOMS Green improvements represent what creativity and resourcefulness can do. We are grateful to our project partner, the Homeless Children’s Education Fund, and to all who gave gifts to support this project. The major supporters include:
- Eden Hall Foundation
- Massey Charitable Trust
- The Grable Foundation
- Pittsburgh Rotary Foundation
- Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation
Additionally, we want to acknowledge the support of Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, Calvary Episcopal Church, and Southminster Presbyterian Church. We also sincerely thank each of you who has supported this exciting project. Thanks to you, our dream of an enhanced outdoor education and play yard for our families is now a reality!