Fifteen years ago, Vanessa was working toward a different future for herself and her son. Her journey brought her first to Sojourner House, where she and her son could remain together while she received treatment for substance use disorder. From there, she moved to Sojourner House MOMS, where she continued building the stability, confidence, and independence she needed for the life ahead. Today, Vanessa is a homeowner. She has built a career she loves. And the son who was by her side during her recovery journey has completed his education at Duquesne University. “I was at Sojourner House for five or six months and then MOMS for five years. Now, I own my own home,” Vanessa said. “If you stay with it, you really can do it.” Building a Foundation Vanessa describes her years at … [Read more...] about Recovery Changes What’s Possible: Vanessa’s Story
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Recovery changes everything. It changes how a mother sees herself and what she believes is possible. It creates a path toward stability, renewed relationships, and a healthier future. And when a mother begins to heal, that transformation reaches far beyond her own life. It changes the lives of her children and strengthens the entire family. At Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS, we see these changes every day. We see them when a mother takes the first courageous steps toward recovery. When she gains new tools for managing challenges, rebuild trust with her children, secures stable housing, or prepares to return to school or work. Each milestone is part of a larger journey toward lasting healing and independence. Our programs are designed to keep families together … [Read more...] about Recovery Changes Everything— Your Support Makes It Possible
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
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
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!