Sojourners Care Network

Sojourners Care Network, a nonprofit organization rooted in Appalachian Ohio, empowers young people to become healthy, responsible, and productive citizens now and in the future. Our programs leverage grant funding with local resources to address critical issues facing young people experiencing and at risk of homelessness, poverty, illiteracy, and mental health issues. We also provide support to families providing foster and kinship care to children throughout our region, striving to bring normalcy and stability to these vulnerable members of our society.

Family Support:

Sojourners was founded in 1999 as a foster care agency and continues to support young people experiencing foster care with a family environment through our network of over a dozen foster care homes. Care and support provided by these dedicated families help to create stability and begin to help children and adolescents heal from issues related to trauma and abuse.

Young people transitioning out of foster care can enroll in Sojourners’ Bridges program for assistance with housing, utilities, and the cost of living while they are actively employed or taking part in an education or training program. They also receive supportive case management services from Sojourners’ Bridges Liaisons while in the program.

Housing:

Sojourners assists runaway and homeless youth in Southeastern Ohio through our network of emergency shelters and short- and long-term housing programs. Each young person entering our housing receives help with immediate needs followed by case management to help them move from volatile, unsafe living environments to more stable housing.

Our emergency housing shelters are located in these southern Ohio communities: Athens, Chillicothe, Gallipolis, McArthur, and Wellston. Sojourners’ shelter staff can help residents with food, transportation, and other support to get them on their feet.

Job Training and Education:

A key to independent living is being able to find and keep a well-paying job. This can be challenging for many young people today, especially in rural Appalachian Ohio. Sojourners’ YouthBuild of Southeast Ohio provides job readiness training, career exploration, academic assistance, and work experience to help young people to reach education and career goals.