November 2018 e-News

Our Mission: Offering compassionate, faith-based recovery services to mothers and their children.

Words of thanks from Sojourner House

The holiday season presents a time of joy and of loss for the families of Sojourner House. However, as parents and their children start the recovery process, they are blessed with a cornucopia of gifts and offers of loving kindness from the Pittsburgh Community.

All of us at Sojourner House; families, staff and board members, are very grateful to each of you for all that you give as volunteers and contributors, to make the journey of recovery possible.

“Gratitude is the Open Door to abundance.” (Buddha)

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving,

Joann Cyganovich

Executive Director

Executive Director Joann Cyganovich

Victorian Tea honorary co-chairs, Pearl of Hope honoree

Honorary co-chairs Janet and Harris Ferris

Pearl of Hope honoree Maelene Myers

Sojourner House's 15th Annual Victorian Tea is already proving to be a stellar one: Not only are we honoring one of our most stalwart supporters, outgoing MOMS board president Maelene Myers , but we are also thrilled to share that Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Executive Director Harris Ferris and his wife, Janet , a former Sojourner House staff member, are serving as this year's honorary co-chairs.

Myers, Executive Director of East Liberty Development, Inc. , has played one of the major roles in forming and developing S ojourner House MOMS since it opened in 2004.

“Providing safe and stable housing is very important during recovery. The fact that this is permanent housing, which creates even more stability, allows the family to heal on their timeline and not with those restrictions set by other programs, due to short-term funding criteria,” said Myers.

“Maelene Myers has been a vital instrument in creating and sustaining Sojourner House MOMS, a program that provides housing and services to families in recovery.

Without her commitment and gifts of her time, 42 families would not have the beautiful apartments that we call “MOMS” – Motivation, Opportunity, Mentoring and Spirituality," said Sojourner House Executive Director Joann Cyganovich . "She has served for many years and our community is so grateful for the lives she has changed. The opportunity to succeed has been provided for future generations to come through her work.”

The Ferrises have been recognized for playing prominent roles in not only the arts community, but also in the local philanthropic community.

Janet, who is now Controller for Las Vegas-based JLD Living Trust, previously worked in Sojourner House's Finance Department.

“We are so honored to have Janet and Harris Ferris to serve as honorary chairs to the 2019 Victorian Tea," said Cyganovich. "We love Janet, as she was a member of our staff at Sojourner for several years. During the time she spent with us, she stepped out of her role to provide contacts and resources to help the families of Sojourner House. Harris has worked in partnership with Janet, not only to help Sojourner House, but also the greater Pittsburgh community.”

Please join Sojourner House on Sunday, April 7, 2019, at the Omni William Penn Hotel. For more information, visit: www.sojournerhousepa.org

Community forum highlights hopeful responses to addiction

SoHo graduate Shannon McNeil

Sojourner House founding Executive Director Dana Gold

Sojourner House was one of multiple organizations that participated in “Hopeful Responses to Addiction” community forum on Nov. 19, at the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill.

Organized by Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania and the Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement at the J ewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh , the forum featured local religious leaders, County representatives and organizations s uch as Prevention Point Pittsburgh and Sojourner House. The audience of approximately 50 people listened to Sojourner House graduate Shannon McNeil bravely share her story. Sojourner House founding Executive Director Dana Gold also was a guest speaker.

Break-out discussions focused on addiction and its impact on the community, as well as pathways to hope.

"The least we can do is treat everyone who is suffering from the disease of addiction with love and try to educate society on this awful disease," said Meghan Briggs , Director of Clinical Services at Sojourner House.

Shadyside Presbyterian hosts retreat for residents

Associate minister and motivational speaker LaNita Butler shared her story with Sojourner House's residents during Shadyside Presbyterian Church's Annual Retreat for our women and children, on Saturday, Oct. 27. Following breakfast, residents went on to hear Baker's presentation, "New Year - New Book."

"A new year is like a blank book," she said. "The pen in your hands. It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself."

While Butler shared her words of wisdom, residents' children enjoyed various activities with church volunteers. The retreat concluded with a lovely lunch that residents and volunteers shared. Many thanks to Sojourner House board member Lisa Iadicicco who also is a member of Shadyside Presbyterian, for coordinating the inspirational day.

LaNita Butler speaking to residents

Children enjoying crafts

Residents listening to LaNita Butler

Hard at work during retreat!

Local houses of worship support SoHo via fall events

October brought support from local church sales: one, long-time Harvest Fair donor Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church; the other, first-time Rummage Sale donor Ingomar Church. Many thanks to both houses of worship for your numerous in-kind items!

Women of Southwestern PA honors SoHo at recipient dinner

SoHo Director of Development Susan Orr, right, is presented with a check from Women of SWPA.

An early winter snowstorm didn't deter Women of Southwestern PA from honoring the nearly 40 organizations it supported this year, including Sojourner House, on Nov. 15 at Valley Brook Country Club. Funds donated to Sojourner House will support our recently launched 12-month supportive housing to assist families coming out of drug and alcohol treatment.

Women of SWPA's 2018 grant recipients

Fall e-News correction: Please note that long-time donor Ann Brooks donated Old Navy flip flops for "Flip Flop Day" this past summer.