Sojourner Project Inc

The Community Legal Advocacy Department, which encompasses Intervention and Legal Advocacy services, offers essential advocacy, assistance, and support to residents of Southwest Hennepin County. Sojourner collaborates with nine police departments and serves 17 cities. Advocates provide safety planning, information about court processes and victim rights, and assistance with protection orders. They also facilitate support groups and provide accompaniment for victims of harassment, stalking, elder abuse, and sexual assault in criminal, family, and civil court matters. Clients may also receive trauma-informed therapy upon request. In 2024, over 630 therapeutic sessions were provided, along with 47 online support group sessions. The department supported 729 unduplicated adults, impacting the safety of 288 children, and delivered more than 6,000 hours of direct advocacy.

The Outreach, Education, and Training Department organizes presentations and trainings in schools and within the community to raise awareness and enhance understanding of domestic and sexual violence. They also provide information on dating violence and elder abuse. Each training and presentation is customized to meet the specific needs and requests of the audience. A pilot Youth Advisory Board was established to amplify youth voices and incorporate their perspectives into our SafeU and outreach content.In 2024, Community Educators delivered 141 youth presentations, 45 awareness presentations, and participated in 37 network events and 19 tabling events, reaching over 12,000 people. They also conducted 12 trainings, reaching 180 attendees. To further increase awareness, the department utilizes digital platforms such as social media, a monthly e-newsletter, and a blog. (Continued on Sch O)Community Involvement, part of the Outreach, Education, and Training Depar