By: Kristen Nuss Advancement Communications Manager
Sojourner House: More than 30 Years of Transforming Lives
For over three decades, Sojourner House has been a lifeline for mothers, children, and families facing the challenges of substance use disorder. Since its founding in 1991, Sojourner House has empowered families to rebuild their lives by offering compassionate, comprehensive care. Located in East Liberty, Sojourner House provides inpatient, residential treatment to mothers with substance use disorders. With the capacity to support 14 families at any given time, our program offers a unique opportunity for mothers to bring up to three children with them and receive intensive treatment over a six-month period.
Aftercare at Sojourner House: A Lifeline for Mothers, Children and Families
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment concludes—it’s a lifelong journey. At Sojourner House, we recognize the critical importance of the post-treatment phase, where reintegrating into daily life presents its own set of challenges. That’s why our commitment extends beyond treatment through comprehensive aftercare services designed to ensure long-term success for the families we serve.
The Current State of Aftercare
Many recovery treatment programs provide clients with recommendations for staying sober after they graduate, but they often lack the necessary staff support to ensure these recommendations are followed. Unfortunately, this leaves many individuals vulnerable during a time when they need guidance and assistance the most. Recognizing this gap, Sojourner House has made it a priority to expand and enhance our aftercare services, ensuring that our clients receive the continued support they deserve.
Currently, before a client leaves our program, their case manager works diligently to help them secure housing. After they depart, the case manager strives to stay in contact, offering any necessary follow-up support. While this is a vital component of our aftercare efforts, we understand that it is not enough. The challenges faced by individuals in recovery, especially during the critical first year, require a more structured and proactive approach.
The Importance of Structured Aftercare
Statistics show that the first year after completing treatment is the most vulnerable period for relapse, with the highest risk occurring within the first 90 days. The reality is stark: In Allegheny County, 667 women tragically lost their lives to accidental overdoses between 2020 and 2023. These numbers underscore the urgent need for sustained support during the critical first year of recovery.
Behind every statistic is a mother determined to create a brighter future for her children. Sojourner House’s commitment goes beyond offering treatment; it’s about restoring hope and helping families reclaim their lives.
Expanding Our Aftercare Services
One of the first steps we’ve taken is creating a simple but effective resource: a refrigerator magnet listing essential community contacts. Clients who complete our program also receive an Aftercare Kit that includes a zippered tote to assist with moving, key contact information, peer support resources, and harm reduction tools like Narcan and fentanyl testing strips. These items are small but crucial in supporting clients through the vulnerable early days of their new chapter.
Additional Support for a Successful Transition
In addition to these expanded services, we are exploring the possibility of providing discharge “baskets” to our clients as they move into their new homes. These baskets would contain a starter kit of basic needs, such as household items and personal care products, to help ease the transition and reduce the stress that often accompanies moving into a new environment. By addressing these practical needs, we can help our clients focus on their recovery and avoid potential triggers that could lead to relapse.
The Road Ahead
By investing in structured, comprehensive aftercare, we can help prevent relapses and support our clients as they build new, healthier lives. The road to recovery is not easy, but with the right tools and support, it is a journey that can lead to a brighter future for everyone involved. At Sojourner House, we are proud to be a part of this transformative process, and we will continue to do everything in our power to support the women and families who entrust us with their care.
Recovery is a long and challenging path, but with the right support, it leads to lasting change. Sojourner House is proud to be part of this journey, providing the resources and care that mothers, children, and families need to build brighter, healthier futures. Through structured, compassionate aftercare, we aim to be the safety net our clients rely on as they embrace their second chance at life. Together, we’re helping families not just survive—but thrive.
