The Sojourner House experience empowers women and families to break out of their dysfunctional life styles, reach their personal goals, and achieve success. Strengthened by the on-going support they receive from Sojourner House, the women go onto earn their GEDs, earn undergraduate and graduate degrees, become employed, receive promotions, and become homeowners while maintaining family stability and their sobriety. At its annual Honors Ceremony, Sojourner House recognizes former residents and their children who reach significant milestones in their lives during the program year and presents its prestigious Epiphany Award to a deserving Sojourner House graduate.

In 2001, a lasting relationship developed between Nazareth College and Sojourner with the establishment of a scholarship and mentoring program for Sojourner House graduates who are ready to take on the challenge and opportunity of higher education. Program assistance includes partial tuition funding, help with financial aid planning, advocacy, mentoring, and encouragement. Access to higher education is a gift that allows Sojourner House women to reach new heights in their personal lives and through their perseverance and achievement, inspire other graduates to pursue their dreams. Since the program’s inception, Andrea Juan Allen, Deborah Chung, Tracy Epps, and Yolanda Mitnaul have earned Bachelor degrees, and Andrea has gone on to earn a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies. In addition, other Sojourner House graduates are currently working toward their bachelor’s degrees.

The prestigious Sojourner House Epiphany Award is given annually to a Sojourner House graduate who has shown lasting determination to reach her goals and succeed over the long run. The honor is bestowed during a moving, candle-light ceremony that is a spiritual celebration of women who have chosen to make lifelong changes, and in doing so, are beacons of hope, light, and inspiration guiding other women to do the same. The ceremony celebrates a distinctive attribute in each woman that helped her stay on her own, unique journey.

2008 Epiphany Award Recipient

On June 27, 2008, Annette Jackson became the eleventh Sojourner House graduate to receive the prestigious Epiphany Award and join a special circle of women. Annette encouraged Sojourner House residents and graduates to “keep your heads up and stay focused; don’t give up.” Since graduating from Sojourner House 7 years ago, Annette has created a stable, thriving life for herself and her children. She has forged a career as a certified home health aide. Certificates commending her excellence in customer service are proudly displayed on her living room walls. She has gone from being homeless to being a proud homeowner.

Epiphany Award Recipients

We celebrate an extraordinary quality in each woman that has helped her stay the course on her unique journey: 2008 Annette Jackson Resilience 2007 Cheryl Ellis Humility 2006 Alicia McCain Resourceful 2005 Susan DiPiazza Fortitude 2004 Yolanda Mitnaul Boldness 2003 Latrelle Mosley Commitment 2002 Deborah Chung Courage 2001 Tracy Epps Perseverance 2000 Esa Lee Harrison Willing 1999 Diane Hay Faith 1998 Andrea Juan Allen Determination

Epiphany Award recipients pictured left to right: Latrelle, Yolanda, Esa, Deborah, Susan, Cheryl, Andrea, Tracy, and Alicia. Missing from photo are Diane Hay and Annette Jackson.