Nature and Purpose
Sojourner House is a family shelter in Roxbury which opened in October of 1981. The program, set up in a recently remodeled house, is designed to meet the immediate survival needs of displaced families. We shelter two-parent and single-parent families on a 24-hour basis. Families that come to stay here are not required to leave after a limited time. The population consists largely of women and children, and children are the majority of our guests. The goal of Sojourner House is to provide a stable environment for families, while helping them obtain and maintain safe, permanent, affordable housing. Counseling and referrals are provided within the context of a supportive and stable atmosphere.

Tasks
Sojourner House includes a playroom for the children that live in the house. The playroom set-up recognizes the children's need for extra attention during the family crisis, and the parent's need for a respite from childcare or the opportunity to participate in planned activities. We are looking for a maximum of five volunteers from PULSE to work in teams of three running the children's program. Two orientation and training sessions are mandatory before the work of the playroom and resource area may be taken on. Dates and times of these sessions will be announced at the Town Meeting.

Time Requirements
The five PULSE students will work in teams. Each team will come two or three days per week. Days will be negotiated. Each student must work a minimum of 9 hours per week. Each shift will be 4 to 5 hours long, starting at 3:30 PM. Students may be asked to assist with weekend activities. Attendance on the weekend will not be mandatory unless minimum weekly hours are not being met.

Supervision
PULSE students will have weekly meetings with their Sojourner House supervisor, as well as the support of staff on duty during the students' shift.

Supervisor
Ruby Brown, Family Life Advocate

Address
Sojourner House
85 Rockland Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
442-0590

Council Member
Lindsay Barnett

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