This is a song styled like a Wild West movie! But, at its core, Gunpowder & Lead  by Miranda Lambert is a story of a woman preparing to defend herself from an abusive partner who is being released from jail. The song is written from her perspective as she steels herself for what she believes is an inevitable confrontation. The writer (Lambert) doesn’t romanticize the situation; she presents it with blunt honesty. The narrator isn’t seeking revenge for her own sake — she’s pre

Prim-er ['prīmər] noun 1. a foundational resource designed to introduce the basic concepts of a subject. Healthy relationships are essential for students as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. Understanding what constitutes a healthy relationship is crucial in preventing issues such as emotional manipulation, bullying, and other forms of abuse. Centered around this premise, Sojourn has developed a classroom primer you can utilize for your classes that focuses on t

Kids are a part of domestic violence that is sometimes set aside. "They didn't see it, so it doesn't hurt them" is a sentiment that's common, ignoring the fact that even if they weren't in the room, they still see the signs. This song addresses family disfunction, emotional trauma and a child's desperate plea for a family that's intact and stable. And, because we're in the Holiday season, I thought a song from a child's perspective would be appropriate. Family Portrait  is a

Did you know that in the United States, Giving Tuesday has become a major part of the holiday season? Wait! Did I just start an article with a question? YEP! And, as the charitable counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the day encourages people to shift their focus toward helping others. This consistent annual structure is what confirms the date for 2025 as December 2nd. So , pick your favorite not-for-profit (hopefully us!) and give a little toward their mission. I

Donating to causes you care about has always been a meaningful way to make a difference. Now, a recent change in IRS law makes it easier for more people to benefit from their generosity. If you have not itemized your taxes in the past, this update allows you to claim tax deductions for charitable donations to Sojourn Shelter & Services. This change opens new doors for supporters who want to help but were previously unsure about the tax benefits. This post explains how the new

"Songs that talk about domestic abuse don’t just narrate stories of pain and suffering. They also convey messages of strength, resilience, and hope." That's a great quote about the song “Two Beds and a Coffee Machine” by Savage Garden, from the album "Affirmation". What struck me about this song was that you can tell it wasn't written to be sung along to or as a toe-tapper. It's a heart-breaking missive about a mother cleaning up the mess and then fleeing with her kids from a

Want a way to help someone that would really appreciate being remembered during this holiday season? Our Peace Tree List on Amazon shows items we are needing for shelter or gifts for our clients during the holiday season.  With a click of a button, all items can be sent directly to our facility helping all of our clients in need. We appreciate any efforts made toward our clients. Items are due back to the shelter no later than Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Questions? 217-726-

This year's "Stand-Up for Sojourn!" was the funniest ever! After a brief introduction from Angela Bertoni, Sojourn's CEO, Donnie B. came up to the mic and said a few words about his comedian and his upcoming season. Then, the evening began with Mr. Showtime engaging the audience in shenanigans and hilarity! He topped it off with a medley of hit songs- from the Knack to Taylor Swift to Michael McDonald, changing into the appropriate outfits from clothing he was already wearing

October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, it has been a time to acknowledge domestic...