Our crisis housing facility for women and children, Sojourner Truth House, is a tribute to “Belle,” a woman born into slavery in 1797. In 1843 she walked onto the pages of history when she became Sojourner - God’s pilgrim. A second name - Truth - came to her “in a voice as true as God’s is.” Sojourner Truth traveled widely, speaking about slavery and women’s rights and the dignity of all people.

WHO WAS SOJOURNER TRUTH?

SPRING 2016

Transforming lives impacted by domestic violence.

Guests guide themselves through the new Crisis Housing space. Caption here xxxx

xxx xxx xxxx xxx

Family Peace Center Grand Opening Our new facility was bursting with visitors

during our Grand Opening Celebration!

Visitors enjoy refreshments in one of the public meeting rooms.

Donna Rongholt-Migan, Executive Director of the Cathedral Center, congratulates Carmen Pitre, Sojourner President & CEO.

Sojourner continues our tradition of celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with personalized cards. Cards are available for purchase and will be mailed to the recipient(s) of your choice. The inside of the card will indicate that a gift has been made in the recipient’s honor and will include a hand-written personal note of your choice.

Celebrate someone special... let us send a card on your behalf.

Our Family Peace Center Grand Opening on February 4 was eagerly anticipated by staff, but never in our wildest dreams did

we expect that nearly 3,000 people would come through the doors during the all-day Open House. Sojourner staff gave countless tours and were exhilarated by the outpouring of community support. Visitors explored our Education Center, Family Peace Center Partner offices, and Sojourner Truth House, our crisis housing for women and children escaping family violence.

The event began with a press conference attended by more than a dozen media outlets, landing the Family Peace Center as the lead story on JSOnline.com throughout the day. The first session of formal remarks was packed with listeners as emcee Cecelia Gore, Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation, welcomed elected officials including District Attorney John Chisholm and Mayor Tom Barrett. As they celebrated with us, they professed their confidence that Sojourner is poised to continue transforming lives in our community.

During the session of evening remarks, visitors absorbed comments from area business leaders such as Peggy Coakley, CEO of Coakley Brothers. Coakley shared her thoughts about the significant investment she made in Sojourner, revealing her deep belief in the human rights of people to live in peace. This belief inspired her to share her time, talent and treasure for several decades, and continues to this day. Coakley also paid tribute to others who keep the Sojourner mission close at heart.

The enthusiasm of the Milwaukee community about Sojourner’s mission and new Center have been truly inspiring and invigorating. We are proud to be the new national model for domestic violence recovery, and we are committed to our work continuing steadfast, Transforming Lives . . . Transforming Milwaukee.

A day of celebration!

Jim Orth, Board member.

is today. Her vision and drive continue to inspire those who had the privilege to work with her,” said Rebecca House, Sojourner Board President.

Stolpman is remembered as a leader in the field of domestic violence in Milwaukee. In addition to overseeing Sojourner Truth House, the first domestic violence crisis housing facility in Milwaukee, she elevated the community’s understating of domestic violence. She was influential in creating partnerships with local government, police and social service agencies, resulting in improved support for survivors of domestic violence throughout Greater Milwaukee.

In 1982 Stolpman was a stay-at-home mom in Brookfield. Her husband, the late Rev. Michael Stolpman, served on the board of Sojourner Truth House. The agency had lost funding and positions. ‘One morning, he

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF KATHIE STOLPMAN, FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND LEADER

FPC Grand Opening SpeakersCounty Executive Chris Abele

District Attorney John Chisholm

Chief Deputy District Attorney Kent Lovern

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barret

District 6 Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs

Assistant Police Chief James Harpole

Cecelia GoreExecutive Director, Brewers Community Foundation

Thelma SiasVice President–Public Affairs, We Energies

Eric ChristophersenPresident, Northwestern Mutual Foundation

Peggy CoakleyChief Executive Officer, Coakley Brothers

Susan LloydExecutive Director, Zilber Family Foundation

Chris GollerPresident and Chief Executive Officer, PNC Bank

Rebecca HouseBoard President, SojournerAssistant General Counsel, Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Peggy TroyChief Executive Officer, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Bob DuncanExecutive Vice President, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Amy HerbstVice President, Child Well-Being, Community Services Division, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Carmen PitrePresident and Chief Executive Officer, Sojourner

Kathie Stolpman

Cards feature original artwork by Dr. Yemonja Smalls from installations in the Family Peace Center.

Father’s DayJune 19, 2016

Card with personal message included, hand written and stamped

Orders must be received by Friday, June 10, 2016

Cards mailed by Friday, June 17, 2016

Mother’s DayMay 8, 2016

Card with personal message included, hand written and stamped

Orders must be received by Friday, April 29, 2016

Cards mailed by Friday, May 6, 2016

Ask anyone who knows the Sojourner organization to describe Kathie Stolpman’s contributions to the agency, and you will hear words like “course altering,”

“monumental” and “inspiring.” Sojourner was fortunate to operate under Kathie’s leadership as executive director from 1984 to 2008. In January 2016, Sojourner staff were saddened to receive news of Kathie’s passing.

“Kathie’s leadership and commitment to helping families laid the foundation for where Sojourner

To purchase cards, visit www.familypeacecenter.org

or call 414- 276-1911

Suggested card donation $40

1942–2016

Become part of the movement of spreading peace and transforming lives in Milwaukee! Sojourner’s new Family Peace Center allows us to serve more families than ever, and we always need help. Volunteer positions are available in our shelter, answering our Sojourner 24-hour domestic violence hotline and assisting residents at the front desk.

Weare also in need of extra hands at our Safe Exchange program, located in West Allis. Our Safe Exchange program allows parents to visit with their children or exchange custody in a safe, supervised environment. Volunteers welcome families, follow up with individuals who have stopped using our service, and assist with office tasks like filing and record keeping.

As a Sojourner volunteer, you will be an essential part of our mission and services, and we work hard to show our appreciation. We offer monthly educational events featuring local professionals working to end domestic violence as well as recognition events and activities throughout the year.

Interested volunteers can get started by accessing current opportunities and the application paperwork on our website. Contact Lily Grant (414-810-1826 or lilyg@familypeacecenter.org) for more information and to reserve a seat.

Spring Wish ListWe always need items that will transform the lives of the families we serve! You are welcome to drop off donations at:

Family Peace Center 619 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53212

Or, you may ship them through our Amazon wish list. Enter Sojourner Family Peace Center into Amazon.com’s wish list search engine, select the items you would like to donate, and purchase them. Amazon will ship them directly to us! Please include your name and address in the notes section so we can properly thank you.

Due to space limitations, we are able to accept only new items.

said could I come and help out temporarily,’ she recalled. Stolpman, who had a degree in social work, agreed to help. “My mantra for some time was, ‘I’m just helping out. I don’t have to stay.’”

Then, she said, the work changed her life. “It became extremely fulfilling. I saw such courage in those that we served and I saw a great deal of compassion demonstrated by those involved in Sojourner Truth House.”

Stolpman reflected on her work as she announced her retirement. “Violence forever changes a life,” she said in her typical quiet, gentle tone. “We have to be especially concerned with the next generation. I feel strongly that the high

incidence of violence in the city today needs more attention. Violence in the family moves not only to the next generation, but into the streets,” she said.

“Kathie was a steadfast champion for the right of families to live free of violence. For decades, she led Sojourner and the Milwaukee community in this effort with concerted focus and integrity. The new Sojourner Center is a legacy of her collaborative vision and humble leadership,” said Kent Lovern, Sojourner Board of Directors.

Kathie embraced her work the way she approached her life—with courage, dignity and grace. “Her legacy will live on in the initiatives she championed and the values she instilled in our work,” said Carmen Pitre, Sojourner President and CEO.

Sojourner opened its new Family Peace Center in February 2016. Kathie was treated to a tour prior to its opening, and had the opportunity to see the reflection room and children’s play yard that were named in her honor.

Lend a hand, change a lifeOUR GREATEST NEEDS• Infant crib sheets• Pack ’n play sheets• Twin extra-long sheets, blankets and mattress pads• New dish sets and silverware

FOR INFANTS• Pull-ups and disposable diapers, size 3, 4, 5• Baby wipes• Infant formula• Baby lotion and shampoo

FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS• School supplies• Sleepwear• Video Games• Make-up• Hoodies• Sports apparel

FOR FAMILIES• Bus tickets and M-Cards• Gift cards for Target, Kohl’s, Walmart, Pick ‘n’ Save• Women’s sleepwear size M-3XL• New small appliances (microwaves, coffee pots, crockpots)

2016

Hosted by Connie and Omar ShaikhApril 7, 20165:30 PMHarley-Davidson Museum®

Mix and mingle with Milwaukee’s most notable business executives and community leaders while getting a sneak peek of Spring’s chicest fashions at Milwaukee’s premier fashion event. Enjoy a cocktail reception including a signature drink, hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions and more before a runway fashion show featuring local personalities

and Milwaukee’s trendiest retailers including Allen Edmonds, Distinctive Designs by Tomira, ETCETERA and J. Hilburn by Lisa Gibb, Luci Boutique and Stephanie Horne Boutique.

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit:www.familypeacecenter.orgor call 414-810-1825.

Glamour, Celebrities, Cocktails, Fashion!

Connie and Omar Shaikh

Thursday, April 7, 2016

What’s ahead...

Sojourner Safe & Healthy 24 is a new 24-hour giving event to garner community support for our programs and services. Just like “Match Day” in years past, on March 18, 2016, your donations will be matched proportionately by our sponsors for 24 hours.

Join us on March 18, 2016Dave Luczak and the WKLH Morning Crew will broadcast LIVE from the Family Peace Center from 5 AM to 10 AM to kick off the effort!Continental breakfast, drawings and giveaways! Come ready to make your gift to Sojourner.

For 24 hours, your gift will be matched by our sponsors.

RSVP to Charlie Bowen, Charlesb@familypeacecenter.org

What is Sojourner Safe & Healthy 24? Friday, March 18, 2016

First pitch: 7:10 PMMilwaukee Brewers vs. New York MetsMiller Park’s Dew Deck Climb the 25-foot high rock climbing wall and network with Milwaukee’s top business professionals on the expansive Dew Deck patio at the Sojourner Tailgate for Peace. Guests enjoy raffle

prizes, silent auction, a premium buffet including grilled sirloin burgers, beverages, BBQ pulled pork and more while cheering on the Brewers!

For more information, visit: www.familypeacecenter.orgor call 414-810-1825.

Sojourner Tailgate for PeaceThursday, June 9, 2016

Presented by:

Donations can be made on March 18:

In personFamily Peace Center 619 W. Walnut Street Milwaukee, WI 53212

By phone414-810-1830 or 414-810-1826

Onlinewww.familypeacecenter.org

2016

This newsletter is supported in part by Victims of Crime Act Subgrant No. 2015-VO-01-11345 awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services under a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime. The opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the grantor agencies.

Visit us at www.familypeacecenter.org

619 W. Walnut StreetMilwaukee, WI 53212

CONNECT ONLINESTAY CONNECTED WITH SOJOURNER FAMILY PEACE CENTER

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMILWAUKEE, WI

PERMIT NO. 5340

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENTRebecca HouseHarley-Davidson Inc.

Tamika BowenBMO Financial Group

Anne BrowerNorthwestern Mutual

Laura FarnhamJohnson Controls, Inc.

Hulyn FarrCommunity Volunteer

Thomas GaleEquity Commercial Real Estate, LLC

Holly HaseleyLaughlin Constable

Geoffrey HurtadoUW-Milwaukee

Vivian KingAurora Health Care

Kent LovernMilwaukee County District Attorney’s Office

Thomas PoellotCudahy Police Department

Lynn Richtman US Bank

Gaurie Rodman Direct Supply

Cindy RooksHarley-Davidson Inc.

Barbara VelezVelez & Associates

Betsy Braun WyattCramer Krasselt

Carianne YerkesMilwaukee Police Department

VICE PRESIDENTKathy Donius Rockwell Automation

TREASURERJim OrthRetired, Everett Smith Group, Ltd

SECRETARYBeth HealyBeth Healy Consulting

If you are in an abusive relationship

and need help, call Sojourner

24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline at

414-933-2722.

Download our app – available

on iPhone and Android

phones.

You are not alone.

Administration/General InformationP: 414-276-1911 F: 414-276-5001

Sojourner 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline P: 414-933-2722 F: 414-934-6079

TTY414-727-2342

We need your help to sustain our essential programming. Please make your gift today. Your contribution ensures that valuable programming continues through the end of the year.

Please make checks payable to: Sojourner Foundation 619 W. Walnut Street Milwaukee, WI 53212Donate online at: www.familypeacecenter.org

Carmen PitrePresident & CEO