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Our Mission: Offering compassionate, faith-based recovery services to mothers and their children.
Spring 2019 e-News
Tea guests enjoy afternoon at the Omni William Penn
Janet Ferris and Maelene Myers
Janet Harris, Victorian Tea Honorary Co-Chair; and Maelene Myers, Victorian Tea Pearl of Hope Awardee
The year 2019 marked not only Sojourner House’s 15th annual Victorian Tea, but also a new home for the fundraiser: the Omni William Penn Hotel. Three hundred guests enjoyed an elegant afternoon tea, as the William Penn has provided to so many guests over the years. The annual fundraiser brought together mothers, daughters, fathers, and sons, to enjoy tea and pastries and enjoyable entertainment and programming - and most importantly - to learn about, and support Sojourner House and our mission.

This year, our honorary co-chairs of the Victorian Tea were Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Executive Director Harris Ferris and his wife, former Sojourner House staff member Janet Ferris . The Pearl of Hope awardee was long-time Sojourner House MOMS board member and East Liberty Development, Inc. Executive Director Maelene Myers .

Click HERE to see photos from this year's tea. Hope to see you at the 2020 tea!
PA Treatment Alliance goes to Harrisburg
L-R: Claire Smyth, Government Relations Coordinator; Rosa Davis, POWER CEO; Fred Massey, Familylinks, Inc. CEO; Joann Cyganovich, Sojourner House Executive Director
Founding members of the PA Treatment Alliance visited Harrisburg April 8-10 to continue their efforts to positively impact legislation that removes barriers and protects access to addiction treatment for women and families. Pictured Government Relations Coordinator Claire Smyth, POWER CEO  Rosa Verdiglione Davis ,  Familylinks, Inc.  CEO Fred Massey, and  Sojourner House Executive Director Joann Cyganovich.

Sojourner House, Family Links and POWER joined forces in 2018, to form the Pennsylvania Treatment Alliance. The Alliance was formed to combat the opioid epidemic with a focus on serving women and families who are struggling with addiction to receive treatment.

Signed, sealed, delivered: 2018 annual report
Similar to all of the years since Sojourner House’s doors opened in 1991, 2018 was one of motion for our residents, staff and volunteers. Learn about life at Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS, by perusing this year’s annual report . If you’d like a hard copy of the report, please contact Susan Orr, Director of Development .
Sojourner House ED in the news
With less than two months to go before Executive Director Joann Cyganovich retires on June 30, she continues her efforts to support Sojourner House's mission:
In February, Joann was interviewed on WESA-FM's "The Confluence" about the recent PA Supreme Court's ruling that women who use drugs during pregnancy are not guilty of child abuse. She hopes that "this ruling will encourage more women to seek out similar programs." Please click HERE to listen to the full interview.
Joann at Confluence
Joann and WESA-FM reporter Megan Harris
Comcast "Newsmakers" host Sheila Hyland and Joann
In April, Joann was interviewed on Comcast "Newsmakers" and highlighted our mission, history, and our recently created PA Treatment Alliance. Visit Comcast "Newsmakers" to watch Joann's interview.
Last, but not least, the YWCA recently chose Joann to receive the 2019 Tribute to Women Leadership Award in the Health & Human Services category. She will be recognized at YWCA's May 24 Tribute to Female Leadership luncheon. For more information, visit YWCA. To purchase tickets, please click HERE .
Giving thanks to Sojourner House volunteers
Sojourner House relies on the devotion and generosity of volunteers every day. We would not be where we are today without their ongoing support. Sojourner House's annual Volunteer Recognition Event on April 24 - coordinated by Child Development Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator Liz Wasel - honored those who are so giving of their time, talents and resources.
Volunteers enjoyed dinner and of course, cake!
L-R: Victoria Wellstead, Ann Brooks, Millicent Novic, Joann Cyganovich
Volunteer Coordinator Liz Wasel thanking guests at the Volunteer Recognition Event
Volunteers introduced themselves and described their connection to Sojourner House.
Sojourner House also highlighted our volunteers in the 2019 Victorian Tea video titled, "Volunteers: The Backbone of Sojourner House."
"Volunteers: The Backbone of Sojourner House"
Shop for a cause at Ten Thousand Villages
Acclaimed local establishment supports SoHo
Oakland-based Butterjoint hosted its Feb. 12 "Donations & Libations" event to support Sojourner House. Bartenders donated their cash tips from that evening and the restaurant donated sales from a featured menu item and drink special. The successful evening raised almost $600. In attendance were former and current Sojourner board members, Sojourner staff, long-time supporters, and new friends.

The Donations & Libations series regularly highlights organizations doing important work in our community. Butterjoint’s wonderful staff chose Sojourner House as one of their 2019 recipients.
L-R: Cynthia Closkey, Sarah Mayer and Andrew Gordon
L-R: Staci Flint, Lindsey Hayakawa, Dominic Zappa
L-R: Lynne Chadwick, Jennifer Thoma, Mary Bockovich
Ashley Farelli, Matt Lewis
L-R: Jennifer Thoma, Susan Orr, Claire Lapiska
Reed McManigle, Susan Orr