There are people whose presence becomes part of an organization’s story. People who continually show up, guided by quiet conviction, deep compassion, and a belief that community can change lives. Susan Orr is one of those people. Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS are honored to name Susan as the 2026 Pearl of Hope Award recipient, a recognition that celebrates individuals whose lives reflect hope in action and a steadfast commitment to women, children, and families. Susan will be honored at the 2026 Victorian Tea, our annual gathering that brings together friends and supporters to celebrate healing, resilience, and the power of walking alongside families on their journeys. Susan first learned about Sojourner House in 2004. She often describes feeling a deep pull toward … [Read more...] about A Pearl of Hope: Honoring Susan Orr at the 2026 Victorian Tea
recovery
When we talk about the overdose crisis, the numbers can feel overwhelming. But behind every statistic is a name, a family, and, too often, child left grieving. A recent Allegheny County report reveals a devastating truth: between 2016 and 2023, 3,512 children and young adults in Allegheny County lost a parent to overdose. That’s more than 400 children each year.Half were under the age of 13.Fourteen percent were under five—our community’s youngest and most vulnerable. These numbers don’t just represent loss. They represent futures that will forever be shaped by trauma. The Overdose Ripple Effect The Allegheny County data show that many parents who died of overdose had previously interacted with behavioral health, child welfare, or criminal justice systems. In the year before their … [Read more...] about Every Number Represents a Story: Helping Families Heal Together from the Trauma of Overdose
Beyond the Checkbook: Meaningful Ways to Support Sojourner House Every gift to Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS helps mothers and children find safety, stability, and the chance to build new beginnings. While many supporters give through one-time or recurring donations, there are other powerful ways to make a lasting impact on the families we serve. Give Through Your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) A donor-advised fund allows you to recommend charitable gifts to organizations you care about while receiving immediate tax benefits. You can direct a gift to Sojourner House today or schedule recurring contributions through your DAF sponsor. If your DAF is with Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or BNY Mellon, you can even make a gift directly through our website’s DAF widget for … [Read more...] about Beyond the Checkbook: Creative Ways to Give and Build a Lasting Legacy
September is National Recovery Month—a time to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of individuals living in recovery, and to recognize the communities that walk alongside them. At Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS, recovery is more than a word. Recovery is a journey that changes lives and shapes futures. Every day, we see mothers reunite with their children, families find safe and stable housing, and entire generations gain hope for a better tomorrow. Why Recovery Matters—Now More Than Ever Addiction doesn’t happen in isolation. It impacts mothers, children, families, and neighborhoods. But healing doesn’t happen in isolation either—it requires community, compassion, and opportunity. Our continuum of care meets families wherever they are in their recovery … [Read more...] about Celebrating Recovery Month at Sojourner House
Meet Our New Director of Programs & Administration! We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Trunick to Sojourner House as our new Director of Programs & Administration! Lisa comes to us with twenty years of social work experience, a passion for implementing evidence-based practices, and a dedication to helping families find and maintain safe and stable housing. We recently spoke with Lisa to learn more about what led her to Sojourner House and what motivates her in her new role: Professional Background What drew you to Sojourner House? “What really impressed me about Sojourner House was their evidence-based practices, as well as their approach to diversity across the board — from programming to staff and funding,” Lisa … [Read more...] about Welcome Lisa Trunick!
By De’netta Benjamin-Miller, LCSW – Executive Director, Sojourner House Now more than ever at Sojourner House, we see the realities of addiction and healing every day—not on the evening news or in statistics, but in the eyes of a mother fighting to stay sober so she can tuck her child into bed at night. For more than three decades, our organization has provided residential treatment and housing to mothers in recovery and their children. Our mission is rooted in compassion and community. Right now, it has never been more urgent. Now more than ever, we are facing intersecting crises. Substance use rates continue to rise. Housing insecurity is climbing. Mental health needs are going unmet. And too often, those most impacted are mothers—including women of color, women who have … [Read more...] about Now More Than Ever, Mothers in Recovery Need Our Support