We are delighted to announce that Tammy Thompson, the esteemed Founder and Executive Director of Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, has been named the honorary chair for the 20th Annual Victorian Tea hosted by Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. Thompson, a former board member of Sojourner House MOMS, brings with her a wealth of experience as a Housing Counselor and a passionate advocate for financial literacy and family empowerment. Having personally navigated through the challenges of poverty and homelessness, Thompson brings a unique perspective to her advocacy work. "Her first-hand experiences with poverty and homelessness have given her a unique perspective. I am ecstatic and grateful to have her as our honorary chair," remarked De’netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director of … [Read more...] about Celebrating Community Leadership: Tammy Thompson Named Honorary Chair for the 20th Annual Victorian Tea
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As a child Nishauna witnessed firsthand the impact of her mother’s substance use disorder. Her mother’s struggles brought them to Sojourner House in search of hope and stability. “Stability. Sojourner House means stability to me. It’s a safe space for change and a place for me to feel safe. Coming here at that age was crucial. My whole life would have been different without Sojourner House,” Nishauna said. For Nishauna, arriving at Sojourner House at such an impressionable age was the turning point for her that helped her break the generational cycles of substance use disorder and create a different life for herself. “I believe that I am still here because I am supposed to help others,” she said. Now as a social worker at age 36, she uses her experiences to help others on their … [Read more...] about Nishauna’s Story
Vanessa spent time with her son at both Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS putting in the work to overcome her substance use disorder and find the path she wanted for herself and her son. The programs gave her an amazing foundation and the confidence to go after what she wanted for her life. “I was at Sojourner House for 5-6 months and then MOMS for 5 years. Now, I own my own home,” she said. “If you stay with it, you really can do it.” Vanessa credits her time at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS for everything she has today. “I met some amazing women here,” she said. “This place gave me a sense of peace that helped me prepare for whenever I got out of here.” “Life shows up,” Vanessa said about life after her time at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS. … [Read more...] about Vanessa’s Story
Sam and her son are finding their path forward with the help of Sojourner House MOMS. The program has not only given her a safe place to stay as she works toward recovery, but it has also taught her many valuable skills and helped her build a bond with her son. One of the highlights of the program for Sam has been the life skills and personal finance classes she has been able to take to prepare her for life after the program. “They’ve taught me so much about where to put my money and how to manage it,” she said. “It’s helping me build confidence to know that I can do it.” Her time at Sojourner House MOMS has helped Sam learn what she wants for her future and the type of life she wants for herself and her son. She can finally envision a life without her substance use. “I relapsed … [Read more...] about Sam’s Story
Give Big Pittsburgh launches Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Where might your dollars go? Your Impact Spread the word! After making your donation, help spread the word about Give Big Pittsburgh and Sojourner House by sharing your reason for giving. Download and post the "I Gave" image to keep the momentum going and help others join the movement to Give Big Pittsburgh this Giving Tuesday! … [Read more...] about Mark your Calendar for to Give Big this Giving Tuesday
As of May 2023, Sojourner House has had the pleasure of welcoming Laura McCurdy to the team as our new Director of Advancement. Laura comes to Sojourner House with over 25 years of experience working with non-profit and mission-based organizations. We recently sat down with Laura to hear about her role in her own words: How did you first learn about Sojourner House? I was aware of Sojourner House’s programs because I know someone that's gone through the program. What is your typical day like? Right now, I’m in the information-gathering phase, but in my role, a typical day consists of meeting with key constituents and attending networking opportunities to bring more exposure to the organization. The goal is to foster relationships that will drive funds and help to … [Read more...] about Meet Laura McCurdy!