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 shares.
Tell us about your career journey. What led you to this field?
Lisa has been in social work for approximately 20 years, where she started her career as a direct support staff for people experiencing co-occurring disorders. From there, she began her journey into homeless services, taking on responsibilities ranging from case management and quality assurance & compliance to management and senior management.
She was drawn to this field because housing is where it all begins. “Without safe, stable housing and having your basic needs met, it is almost impossible to be successful in any area of your life (from employment, health, education, sobriety, etc),” Lisa explains. “In a financial study by Charles Swab found that the reality is that 59% of us are ONE paycheck away from experiencing homelessness. Most of America is no different than the folks I have the privilege to serve.”
What are you most excited about in your new role?
Lisa is most excited to join forces with De’Netta Benjamin-Miller again. Lisa and De’Netta previously worked together at another non-profit organization and Lisa is not only excited to have the privilege of working for De’Netta again but also joining the dynamic team she has built.
Inspirational Insights
What inspires you most about the work that Sojourner House does?
Lisa is most inspired by Sojourner House’s reputation for quality care and commitment to the most vulnerable populations. “They have consistently been able to pivot and evolve in an ever-changing climate,” she explains.
What is one goal you hope to achieve in your new role?
Lisa’s goal is “to provide the highest quality, evidence-based services to the Pittsburgh Region.” She wants Sojourner House to be innovative and brave in their approach to services, while also being one of the top-rated employers in the Pittsburgh region and known for taking care of anyone whoever presents at their doors — clients and staff alike.
If you could share one message with the families and community served by Sojourner House, what would it be?
“It is an honor to be able to serve you and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Lisa says. “The amount of meaning the families & community bring to my life can never be repaid. I’m looking forward to meeting each one of you.”
Personal Interests
What are some of your hobbies or activities you enjoy outside of work?
In her free time, Lisa is a dog-mom to a Labrador Retriever and a Newfoundland, true crime fanatic, amateur vegetable gardener, America’s Test Kitchen new recipe tester, and glamping extraordinaire.
Do you have any favorite books, movies, or podcasts?
She is a true crime and documentary fanatic, but outside of true crime, Lisa loves:
- Podcasts: Startalk, Through the Cracks, S*Town, Stuff You Should Know
- Books: Infinite Jest, Marley and Me, The Monster at the End of This Book
- Movies/Shows: The Newsroom, Handmaids Tale, Six Feet Under (Best series finale ever), Yellow Stone, The Girl with All the Gifts, The Way We Were
What’s a fun fact about you that might surprise people?
Her love for Pygmy Goats. Lisa has vowed that someday, she’ll own enough land to house all her passions — people, animals and plants!
We are excited to have Lisa on the team and look forward to the positive impact she will make at Sojourner House. Welcome, Lisa Trunick!
For more information about Sojourner House, visit our website.