Sojourner Project, Inc.

Sojourner programs and services promote increased safety for all victims of domestic violence & abuse at any stage of their experience.

Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that all people have the right to live safely in their homes free from violence, threats of violence, or other forms of harassment and abuse.

Our mission is to: 

Advocate for increased victim safety; 

Support the transition from victim to survivor; 

Educate for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence. 

Sojourner’s work also includes services and advocacy for those victimized by sexual violence and elder abuse. 

Programs:

Sojourner Shelter is a secure and confidential emergency residence for women and children who are unsafe in their homes due to violence & abuse. The Shelter provides basic needs - food and clothing, case management and personal advocacy, transportation assistance, support and life skills groups and specialized activities for children.  Services are designed to empower and help women achieve greater safety for themselves and their children. A 24-Hour Crisis/Help Line monitored by shelter advocates and volunteers is dedicated to callers who seek information or emergency assistance. Each year the shelter houses around 350  women and children, responds to 3,000+ crisis line calls and serves approximately 24,000 meals to the residents.

Sojourner's Community Advocacy Program provides services to domestic violence victims who do not require or request emergency shelter. Our Community Advocates helps clients stabilize their lives, maintain safety for themselves and their children and increase their understanding of options and resources available to them while they live in their own residence. Advocates work in the Criminal and Civil/Family Court systems and provide clients confidential assistance with safety assessments, information and referrals, help with preparing and filing Orders of Protection and work with clients on strategies for creating a violence free future. Each year legal advocacy is provided for about 750 women and men with 300+ children whose lives were safer because of our work.

 Sojourner’s Community Outreach and Education Program works to raise awareness about domestic violence through presentations to schools, civic groups, faith communities, businesses and professional groups.  Raising awareness is critical to the prevention of domestic violence and its devastating effects on the lives of individuals, families and communities.  Sojourner also focuses on youth violence prevention to teach the skills needed for healthy and safe relationships. Last year the education program facilitated over 250 presentations and/or professional trainings.

A Story of Sojourner: Caroline's journey to a life free from violence began with a choice to leave her abusive partner. With her 3 children, Lizzy, Gavin and James, she moved to our shelter. Feelings of shame and guilt overwhelmed, but she soon realized she had taken an important step toward a better life. “The support group was like looking into a mirror each time I heard another woman share her experiences. It seemed like I was hearing my story over and over. I finally gave myself permission to move on.” She noticed changes in her children too. “My kids started expressing their feelings and were less afraid.” In parenting group, Caroline learned ways to help her children cope and express feelings in healthy ways. She obtained an Order for Protection, participated in family therapy, maintained her sobriety, and found safe, affordable housing. The family stays in touch with Sojourner staff and Lizzy, the youngest child says “ the most important lesson I learned in children’s group was, hands are for helping and not hurting.”