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
sojourner house moms
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
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
Sojourner House is thrilled to announce Dr. Camille Clarke-Smith as the Honorary Chair of the 21st annual Victorian Tea, taking place on April 27, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Pittsburgh. A respected leader in health and wellness, Dr. Clarke-Smith embodies the mission and values that Sojourner House upholds: empowering individuals and families to rebuild their lives through compassion, resilience, and community-centered care. A Legacy of Empowerment and Advocacy Dr. Clarke-Smith brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to uplifting underserved communities. As the Program Director in the Quality Improvement Department at UPMC Health Plan, she leads the Medicare Faith and Wellness Program, a groundbreaking initiative addressing health equity by engaging faith-based … [Read more...] about 21st Annual Victorian Tea Honorary Chair Named
Meet Our New Director of Human Resources at Sojourner House At Sojourner House, we are thrilled to welcome Gretchen Howard as our new Director of Human Resources. Gretchen brings a wealth of experience, a passion for supporting individuals and communities, and a dedication to advancing Sojourner House’s mission to support mothers, children and families in recovery. Here’s a chance to get to know her better: Professional Background What drew you to Sojourner House? Gretchen was inspired by Sojourner House’s deep commitment to providing holistic support, particularly for individuals affected by domestic violence. “The organization’s values, its emphasis on community empowerment, and its focus on making a meaningful difference aligned perfectly with … [Read more...] about Welcome Gretchen Howard!