Sojourner Project’s Programs & Services

Sojourner Shelter, 952.933.7422

     Sojourner Shelter is a secure residence for women who are experiencing abuse, or threats of abuse, by their partners. It is a place where women and their children can be safe while receiving information, resources, legal advocacy and one-to-one support to end the violence in their lives. Children at the shelter receive personalized advocacy, support, and information. Children are assessed for physical, emotional, or other forms of abuse so that the proper services can either be provided or their parents can be referred to appropriate resources. Sojourner welcomes women and children of all backgrounds, cultures, and affectional preference. Sojourner Shelter opened its doors in 1979, and serves more than 250 women and children each year.

Sojourner Shelter Provides:

• Safe, temporary crisis housing
• 24-hour crisis phone line
• Help with legal, medical, housing and (limited) financial needs
• Legal and personal advocacy
• Support groups
• Life Skills groups
• Parenting resources, support and information

Community Intervention Program, 952.935.1004

     Sojourner’s Community Intervention Program seeks to stabilize battered women and their children and also to prevent them from being displaced by domestic violence. Advocates provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment where battered women can learn about domestic violence and explore options that will help them overcome its devastating effects.

Each year, more than 600 battered women from western Hennepin County access services from Sojourner’s Community Intervention Program.

Community and Intervention Services Include:

Supportive listening, advocacy, and information and referral regarding:

• Dynamics of domestic violence
• Safety concerns of battered women and their children
• Immediate survival needs (housing, food, medical care, etc.)
• Options within the criminal justice system
• Crime victim reparations
• Divorce, custody and visitation
• Help with Orders for Protection and Harassment Orders (restraining orders)
• Crisis response for victims following a police response to domestic violence
• Legal advocacy for victims within the criminal justice and civil court systems
• Groups that provide non-judgmental peer support and education about domestic violence
• Training and education for professionals, law enforcement, and community groups on topics pertaining to domestic violence

Domestic Violence Support Groups

Sojourner Project’s Domestic Violence Support Groups are held weekly and provide opportunities for women to share common experiences and explore the issues that surround domestic violence. Support groups help to reduce the isolation that battered women often experience, help women to identify strategies for greater personal safety, and encourage victims of domestic violence to progress towards greater self-sufficiency. Groups are available in the Minnetonka-Hopkins area and the Mound-Westonka area.

Community Education and Training, 952.351.4066

     The goal of Sojourner’s Community Education and Training Program is to present information that enlightens community members about the reality of domestic violence and encourages their assistance in its prevention. Sojourner’s staff is available to provide informational presentations and trainings to schools, businesses, professionals, and civic or religious service groups on a variety of topics.

Potential presentation topics include:

• Domestic Violence 101
• Teen Dating Violence
• Healthy Relationships
• Domestic Violence: What Every Employer Should Know
• Training for Employees of the Criminal Justice System
• Training for Medical Professionals
• Customized Presentations also available

If you would like to schedule a presentation for your group, please contact the Community Education Coordinator at 952.351.4066.

Pictures by michealj photography