The Organization
About Sisters of Sojourn
Sisters of Sojourn was founded in 2000 to raise funds for victims of domestic violence. Each year for the past twenty years, Sisters of Sojourn has hosted an annual event to raise funds for Sojourn, the second-oldest domestic violence shelter in California and the primary such facility on the Westside of Los Angeles.
Sojourn has been serving adult and child victims of domestic violence since 1977, and aims to empower people to rebuild their lives and to end the cycle of violence in our community. Sojourn provides victims of domestic violence with shelter, legal advocacy, education, and service-enriched programs, enabling them to regroup, rebuild and reestablish their esteem and lives following their trauma. Last year, 1,744 people found safety, connection and hope through Sojourn’s programs.
Sisters of Sojourn’s funds specifically support Adams House, Sojourn’s second stage shelter. Sojourn’s Adams House was established in response to the needs of victims in Sojourn’s 30-day emergency shelter. Adams House serves adult and children victims of domestic violence who have lived in constant crisis and still are living in the shadow of threat from their abuser. This is a population who, without such a second-stage shelter, would have to live on the street or return to their abusive homes. While some people are ready to move to independent living after a 30-day program, many are still too traumatized to live independently, pay rent, hold a job, and find childcare. For these victims, a longer stay in a supportive program is essential in order to provide them with the time to heal and to acquire the skills and resources necessary to live independently.
Adams House is a four-unit building which was reconfigured to provide twenty-two beds, common areas, and offices for a second-stage (transitional) housing program for victims of domestic violence. All Adams House residents have completed a stay in a 30 to 45-day emergency domestic violence shelter and are preparing for independent living. The building, a model of congregate living, has nine bedrooms that may be configured into suites to accommodate both large and small families. While there is privacy within the family suites, Adams House programs and services are provided in the group areas. Offices and meeting rooms are designed for counseling, group learning, and meetings, and are utilized seven days a week. An enclosed yard gives resident children a safe place to play and provides space for a program of horticultural therapy.
Sojourn is a project of The People Concern, which more broadly addresses the effects of homelessness, poverty, mental and physical illness, abuse and addiction. Their programs serve the most vulnerable among us to improve their quality of life and become active participants in the community.
Active Members
Kathy Adams
Susi Alarab
Tamara Bagnard
Colleen Bellitti
Gina Bettinsoli
Deepthi Brown
Courtney Caverly
Lainie Citron
Kelsey Clark
Shauna Cowett
Helene Dameris
Susan Damico
Mary Deconcini
Joan Douglas
Kirsten Ellis
Pamela Fluor
Lisa Goldman
Kim Gorry
Courtney Johnson
Tina Kenefick
Christina Kretschmer
Monica Lacy
Laura Lee
April Loncar
Cathy Longo
Suzanne Lowe
Kimberly Lutz
Nicole Mack
Lucinda Mariscal
Mara McIlvain
Kerrie Richards
Luisa Romoff
Tracy Rossie
Marcia Rozelle
Merrie Mac Seaman
Ann Marie Siney
Betsy Smith
Torrie Stokdyk
Kristi Temple
Gretchen Valentine
Lizzie Widhelm
Sustaining Members
Melinda Berman
Tracy Bunting
Leslie Clark
Jody Crabtree
Debbie Dempsey
Stacey Henning
Leslie Johnson
Tracy McGeagh
Carolyn Miller
Melissa Muller
Mimi Nagatani
Carolyn Rodeno
Amanda Toland
Eliza Smith