THE SOJOURN
HOUSE STORY

I'm proud to be a co-founder and serve as the Board Of Directors President.  I'm an educator, a veteran foster parent, and a (retired) American Sign Language interpreter. My family has fostered youth who have experienced sex trafficking and all types of physical and emotional abuse.  Through extensive training in trauma-informed care and care of youth exiting trafficking, we faced the world of sex trafficking and decided not to look away. I am passionate about breaking the cycle of family trauma. 

 I co-founded and serve on the Board of Directors for Sojourn House. As Director of Community Health for IU Health and an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University, I bring 28 years of experience in healthcare to my work. I'm passionate about supporting women facing challenges, particularly in areas like substance use disorder and housing insecurity. Witnessing women's growth and self-discovery is the most rewarding part of my journey.

As a wife and mother of four, I'm passionate about ending human trafficking. I co-founded and serve as treasurer of Sojourn House, where we empower women in our community. My journey began with supporting larger organizations, but I felt a strong need to address this issue locally.

As a Peer Recovery Specialist with lived experience in addiction and trauma, I offer empathy and support to women on their healing journey. My personal recovery has equipped me with the wisdom to guide others toward lasting freedom. At Sojourn House, I support our residential, outreach and incarceration education programs by creating  a safe space for women to share, heal, and build a fulfilling life.

Driven by a passion for women's healing and a fascination with their stories, I'm dedicated to supporting their journey toward freedom and well-being. At Sojourn House, I'm proud to be part of an organization that prioritizes deep-level solutions and addresses the root causes of challenges faced by women.

For the past eight years, I've worked as a math specialist and paraprofessional in Monroe County. My husband and I have been blessed to raise our three children here for the past nineteen years. As an active member of my church, I've had the privilege of serving in various roles, and currently, I'm deeply involved in our children's ministry. I'm passionate about supporting Sojourn House and, alongside my husband, joined the board in 2023.

Sarah Ross, a member of the BOD, is currently a public school teacher and associate pastor. Sarah has a background in not-for-profit administration, both in the States and abroad, and it was in those roles that she saw the depravity of human trafficking. She is passionate about mentoring and building sustainable organizations that meet the needs of those living on the margins of society.

I love empowering women to overcome challenges. In our Residential & Outreach programs, I assist with legal issues, connecting women to community resources, and guide them in navigating government assistance. I also help them explore education and career options, develop budgets, and plan for their future. My goal is to equip these women with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.

As Marketing Coordinator and a Resident at Sojourn House, I've experienced firsthand the transformative power of our programs. This unique perspective fuels my passion for sharing our mission and supporting other survivors. I also work in recovery, as a Case Manager at a local substance abuse treatment facility.