Support Sojourner House during Give Big Pittsburgh on Tuesday, December 3
Now, more than ever, we invite you to consider the impact of your support on families who rely on Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS in Pittsburgh. With your help, these families can find safe space for recovery and also the tools to build brighter futures together.
Today, we’re sharing the story of one resilient mother, who—thanks to supporters like you—found her strength, healing, and self-worth through Sojourner House.
Ashley, pictured on the far right during a recent workshop at Sojourner House MOMS, recalls the moment she learned about Sojourner House with fondness.
“My CYS worker believed in me and said, ‘I have this place for you called Sojourner House in Pittsburgh.’ It was as if a lifeline had been thrown to me at my darkest moment,” she said.
“She told me, ‘What if I told you that you could go into treatment with your kids?’”
In that moment, she knew she had to take the chance. A few days later, with just two suitcases, she was on her way to Sojourner House.
“That was the first time in six years I was able to go to sleep without worrying about someone beating me in the middle of the night.”
Ashley and her two daughters began their time at Sojourner House in the fall of 2023. Upon completion of her treatment program, she chose to continue on to participate in the Sojourner House MOMS transitional house program.
Empowerment and Self-Esteem
“I was very self-conscious and had low self-esteem,” Ashley said, recalling her first days at Sojourner House. “I didn’t realize what the word ‘boundary’ meant, and they brought that to life for me.” Ultimately, simple acts of kindness and reassurances from others who had walked her path, helped her learn to set boundaries and begin to trust again.
During her stay, Ashley was part of a makeover day that gave her the confidence to see herself in a new light. “Looking in the mirror, I finally felt good about myself. There were times before when I didn’t, and I would just look in the mirror and cry. They gave that confidence back to me,” she said, reflecting back on the day.
During her time at Sojourner House MOMS, Ashley found a sense of community and healing. The continued support after treatment helped her feel truly valued.
“It’s such a beautiful thing to be able to walk down the stairs and have people who care about you,” she said. “Sojourner House MOMS has been such a great help.”
“You don’t go to treatment for six months and just get it. You have to keep working at it. Sojourner House provides everything you need for that. It was such security to me,” she said
Recently, Ashley secured permanent housing. Now, more than ever, she and her daughters have something to be grateful for this holiday season.
Remember Ashley This Giving Season
On Giving Tuesday, you can make a difference in the lives of families at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. Now, more than ever, your generosity can help more mothers like Ashley find a lifeline in their darkest moments.
If you would like to learn more about the programs and services available at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS, please visit our website www.sojournerhousepa.org.