About

 

May All Who Enter Here Be Safe

 

Sojourn was founded in October of 1974 as a result of a grassroots effort by concerned citizens in the community after a conference at Sangamon State University. Sharing a passion for women's rights, they envisioned a safe harbor where troubled or abused women and their children could be protected from a crime that was too often hidden, ignored or even condoned.

 

Domestic violence gained a formidable foe when these dedicated women launched a year-long search for a suitable facility, funds and volunteers. Sojourn Women's Shelter opened on November 1, 1975 in a small house at 915 North Seventh. In this place of safety and respite, at any given time, counseling sessions for women in need mixed with poetry readings, feminist consciousness-raising and a series of never-ending potlucks! The house on North Seventh became a gathering place for women who enjoyed each other's company and came to read, to talk, to share and to heal.

 

The agency serves a five-county area in Illinois: Sangamon, Logan, Christian, Montgomery and Menard. Victims are not required to reside in one of these counties in order to receive services. The name was changed in 1994 to more accurately reflect the nature of services and mission.

 

In April 1998, the agency moved to a new facility at 1800 Westchester Boulevard. This facility features eight client bedrooms with bathrooms, modern kitchen and living areas, staff offices and counseling rooms, and an enclosed outdoor courtyard.

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Sojourn Shelter & Services, Inc. is a member of the the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and a certified United Way Agency.

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Sojourn is an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) site that offers staff in-house 40-hour training and CEU's.