History of a Cause

Sojourner Center was founded in 1977 as an emergency program for women who had recently been released from prison. A passionate group of 12 visionaries recognized that women who were leaving the criminal justice system rarely had the skills or support to be successful in the outside world. Sojourner Center provided a temporary home as well as programs that taught self-sufficiency, empowerment, and family skills, which helped the women rebuild their lives and re-enter society.

During the first four years, the staff and Board of Directors found that the dominant issue affecting the women at Sojourner Center was domestic violence. In an effort to better meet the needs of the women staying at the shelter, the Board changed the mission to focus exclusively on serving victims of domestic violence.

Since then, the facility has grown from a house with only 28 emergency beds to three campuses with the capacity of 280 beds and 32 transitional apartments. Twenty- nine of the apartments are located at Sojourner Center's Transitional Family Living Campus. This facility also has a community clubhouse, as well as an education center, and a donation and resource facility which are currently under construction.

Sojourner Center is the largest domestic violence shelter the United States. As a direct result of its capacity, Sojourner Center is able to serve over 2,900 women and children annually.

The Woman Behind the Mission

Sojourner Truth was an activist and abolitionist during the time of the American Civil War. Given the name Isabella Baumfree, she was born into slavery circa 1797. Following her emancipation in 1827 she became an abolitionist, women's rights activist and preacher, traveling throughout the nation with her messages of non-violence and reform.  In 1843 she changed her name to Sojourner Truth, believing herself to be on a journey, or sojourn, to only speak the truth to all she had the privilege to meet. Sojourner Truth has become a national symbol of the strength and courage needed to create change, and Sojourner Center is honored to take its name from such a powerful and honorable figure in American history.