"Providing compassionate, faith-based recovery services to mothers and their children."

Sojourner House e-News

April/May 2014 - Vol. 9

In This Issue

Editor's note

2014 Tea recap

Day of Giving

Annual report published

Chatham program reading

More about us

Proofreaders:

Doris Orr

Laura Stephany

Welcome to Sojourner House's e-News. In each issue, you'll learn about recent happenings at Sojourner House, as well as current and upcoming news and events. For more information or if you have a suggestion, please contact Executive Director Joann Cyganovich at jcyganovich@sjhpa.org

Editor's note

Thank you, and goodbye for now

Susan Orr

Dear readers:

After nearly two years of working for Sojourner House, I have been offered an opportunity to become Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Point Park University, where I earned my masters degree.

I have truly loved my time as Director of Development for what I affectionately call "SoHo," a wonderful, much-needed organization for families throughout our region. As some of you know, prior to my arrival as a staff member, I was a volunteer for nearly a decade, including serving on the board for six years. I hold Sojourner House's mission near and dear to my heart, and plan to return as a volunteer as soon as the dust settles at my new job. Many thanks to our committed leader, Executive Director Joann Cyganovich, the rest of the staff, board, volunteers, and everyone outside of the organization who support Sojourner House's families each and every day throughout the year. You are appreciated.

All the best,

Susan Orr

Cori Begg, Latasha Wilson-Batch, Charlee Brodsky, Joann Cyganovich

Another record-breaking friendraiser

More new friends attend Victorian Tea

Thanks to the support of hundreds of guests, corporate sponsors, media sponsors, and numerous in-kind donations, Sojourner House's Tenth Annual Tea on April 6 turned out to be a record-breaking event, raising $50,000. Taking place at Pittsburgh's Grand Hall at the Priory, the tea included presentations by two graduates and a video highlighting graduates, staff and volunteers.

Three hundred guests enjoyed the event, which was chaired by board member Cori Begg, with honorary chair being Latasha Wilson-Batch. CMU photography professor Charlee Brodsky was honored as this year's Pearl of Hope recipient.

Thanks to the support of presenting sponsor UPMC/UPMC Health Plan, as well as sponsors Eden Hall Foundation and Highmark, and media sponsor Pittsburgh Magazine. Enjoy additional photos, as well a video from the tea.

Day of Giving two weeks away

Consider supporting Sojourner House

Sojourner House is grateful to once again be a beneficiary of charitable donations made on the annual PittsburghGives Day of Giving, occurring this year on Tuesday, May 6. (Traditionally, Day of Giving has taken place in the fall.)

If you missed Day of Giving in the past, please consider supporting Sojourner House this year. It's easier than ever to make a difference!

For information:www.PittsburghGives.org

2013 annual report distributed

Hard copies available

Sojourner House's 2013 annual report recently was mailed to donors, volunteers and other friends of Sojourner House. In addition to the e-version, there are hard copies available. If you would like a mailed copy, please email cmclachlan@sjhpa.org

Writing program marks one-year anniversary

Chatham/SoHo collaboration a great success

April marked the one-year anniversary of Chatham University and Sojourner House joining forces to offer a creative writing course called "Make Mine Words." Every Thursday, Sojourner House residents meet with Chatham professors Sheryl St. Germain and Sarah Shotland. During their classes, women are asked to write poetry or prose in response to readings and prompts. The work the residents produce is powerful and deeply moving. At the end of this semester, on April 10, the residents courageously presented their word at Garfield's Most Wanted Fine Arts Gallery.

Sojourner House residents who presented "Make Mine Words" writing on April 10

Spring 2014 Make Mine Words booklet unveiled on April 10