I support Sojourn Chaplaincy because they are such an important presence at the city’s only public hospital and trauma center. All people deserve to have high quality spiritual and emotional support when they are facing some of life’s greatest challenges. Sojourn is leading the field of chaplaincy forward through their innovative programming.
Sojourn Chaplaincy supports patients and staff in a gentle, respectful, life-changing way. We rely on them to step in whenever our hospital staff or patients are struggling with loss or challenge, guiding us with their wisdom and humor, leading our way and serving as a bedrock for us all.
I have been associated with Sojourn Chaplaincy for the last sixteen years in a variety of capacities from chaplain volunteer, to staff chaplain serving in outpatient palliative care, to per-diem staff offering general hospital chaplaincy. I have always been inspired to donate financially as well. Once you get to know the community that is served here and the staff serving them, there is nothing you wouldn't do to promote the cause!
This organization has grown tremendously over these years in its ongoing mission to offer more and more comprehensive care for the patients and staff at San Francisco General Hospital. Sojourn's integrity, its drive towards best practices and professionalism is only increasing and the importance of Sojourn as a resource and asset to the hospital it serves cannot be overestimated.
With utmost admiration and support,
Shelley Chesley MD
I have been fortunate to be on the Sojourn board for the past 11 years. During that time I’ve watched Sojourn grow and mature into the service organization that it is today. Sojourn ministers to persons from all walks of life that come through ZSFGH. It also provides spiritual support for staff during times of stress. The staff’s gratitude for this has been expressed to me on several occasions.
I’ve also been the recipient of Sojourn’s ministry. In December of 2021 I was struck from behind by a car. This resulted in severe substantial injuries. I was visited by a chaplain the night of the event while in the ER and the next morning a chaplain assisted me in getting clean clothes prior to my dismissal. Their support was compassionate and timely. I’ll always be grateful for their assistance
I became involved with Sojourn in 2021 while it pivoted to give support during the peak of the pandemic. The compassionate care provided by the chaplains and volunteers is deeply moving.
I have been a board member at Sojourn for eight years. I was there as the organization created desperately needed Transgender Spiritual Care education (Trans Spiritual Care Initiative) for ourselves and other spiritual care departments to provide services to an extremely under served population. I got to support as the organization very quickly adjusted, and pivoted in order to make sure to continue to serve patients, staff, and families during the worst of the COVID pandemic. I am witness to them continuing to adjust and grow in order to better provide services to a facility that serves the most marginalized and most in need of this city. I am so proud to be associated with Sojourn Chaplaincy, and to continue to support them as we make a difference in real people's lives everyday. I am so grateful that I get to continue to support a program that does so much to make it slightly easier for people in what is often the worst moments of their lives.
Sincerely,
Rev. Daigan Gaither
In 2021 I was diagnosed and treated for cancer. I have very few memories of my time in the hospital. One of the only real distinct memories I have is drifting in and out of consciousness and watching a beautiful chaplain provide care for my mother who was sitting my bedside. I did not have capacity to hold conversation, but as I drifted off I saw my mother being able to pray and and receive care as they watched their child suffer and for that I am abundantly grateful for the heart, training and services the chaplain provided.
I've been connected with Sojourn Chaplaincy for a number of years. Good people doing the necessary work of ensuring people feel safe, loved and supported in some of their most challenging times. Especially grateful for their eye toward inclusion and equity, where all are truly welcomed at "the table." I applaud Sojourn Chaplaincy for continuing to be at the forefront of the movement that sees the most marginalized among us treated with respect and dignity. Kudos!
Sojourn Chaplaincy provides emotional support and spiritual comfort to both our patients and our staff here at San Francisco General. Our patients receive loving, compassionate care from the Sojourn Chaplains. It helps to heal their spiritual and emotional wounds. Like many of us, they may not have received compassionate listening and understanding within their own religious communities. Sojourn is here to hold space with them and let them know that God is with them during this time of suffering. Sojourn is also here for our team, week after week. They bring us poetry, words of support, a listening ear, and have helped guide us and advocate for us during times of crisis. This hospital would not be the same without the Sojourn Chaplaincy.