Every day Sojourner House’s team works to help mothers and their families make significant steps towards a better, substance-free life. Treatment and supportive services are a major part of recovery, but it’s only a single piece of the solution offered by our team. This month, we’re focusing on the things that help the children of Sojourner House grow.
Supporting Children at Sojourner House
Our philosophy is family-focused, and in line with this philosophy, we offer services specifically designed to benefit the children of those in recovery. Research shows that children of substance-abusing parents often suffer silently as their parents struggle with their illness. They’re likely to miss school, fall behind on their education, or develop abandonment issues and attachment disorders due to their living situation.
That’s why we’ve developed children’s services explicitly focused on helping all the members of our families recover and thrive. And every year in August, Sojourner House’s team joins families across the country in preparing to head “back to school.”
Our Partners Help Our Children Learn
As the saying goes, it takes a village to help our children grow and thrive. Fortunately for us, our village includes amazing community partners who share our mission and vision regarding education.
Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF)
The mission of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) is to advance the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness in Southwestern PA, guiding them to be productive, empowered citizens.
Long-time Sojourner House supporters will recognize the HCEF, which has partnered with us since 2008. They share our passion for supporting and educating children and received our 2023 Pearl of Hope Award during this year’s Victorian Tea in recognition of their dedication to our mutual work.
The HCEF supports numerous programs and initiatives at Sojourner House, particularly those focused on enriching the lives of the children in our care. For example, during the “back to school” season, they provide full backpacks and school supplies – sorted by grade – to all of our children.
As our families settle into a new school year, HCEF will provide after-school tutoring services as well as offer financial assistance that funds educational field trips and Learning Center programs for Sojourner House’s families.
Throughout the year, HCEF volunteers will work on our campus, further enriching the lives of the children and families there.
Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU)
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) is a regional public education agency and a crucial part of Pennsylvania’s public education system. They advocate for and advance equitable opportunities for every learner by serving over 40 districts, operating multiple family centers, and offering over 130 programs and services to educators and children alike.
With the AIU’s support, we can provide school uniforms to children who need them to attend class. Their liaisons ensure school transportation is available to the children of Sojourner House and that any associated costs are covered. They also fund field trips, provide take-home literacy kits to help evaluate the educational status of our children, and will also send volunteers to work on our campus!
Join Our Village This Month!
The HCEF and AIU’s ongoing support ensures that we can provide education to those in our care each year throughout the year. You too can make a difference and be a part of our village this Back To School season.
Your support will ensure that our staff can purchase complete sets of school items for all in our care. Donate via our website today to make a financial donation and to help us ensure our mothers and their children have everything they need to go back to school!