The Sojourney Foundation Launches Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Sojourney Foundation Launches to Put “Hope in Action” Through Education, Advocacy, and Global Service
Covington, GA — October 6, 2025
The Sojourney Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sojourney Travel, officially launches today with a mission to transform communities through compassion, empowerment, and service. Founded by Lori Stephens, CEO of Sojourney Travel, along side Jackie Hardy (Advisor and Non-Profit Advocate) and Ruth Ann Horst (Executive Assistant and Giveback Expert) the Foundation was born out of the company’s deep commitment to helping others and its proven track record of humanitarian outreach following the 2024 Western North Carolina floods.
Harnessing Hope and Love to Ignite Transformative Change
Guided by its tagline “Hope in Action,” The Sojourney Foundation exists to harness hope and love to ignite transformative change in communities—touching hearts and uplifting lives. Its mission is to create sustainable impact by strengthening communities, empowering individuals, and fostering unity and purpose for future generations.
“When we saw the devastation of last year’s floods, our team didn’t wait—we acted,” said Lori Stephens, Founder of The Sojourney Foundation. “Raising over $27,000 in cash donations and at least $10,000 in tangible goods reminded us what’s possible when compassion meets action. The Sojourney Foundation is our way of continuing that spirit of hope—faster, smarter, and with lasting impact.”
Sojourney Foundation: Three Pillars of Impact
1. Education & AdvocacyThe Sojourney Foundation raises awareness and drives education on critical social issues including poverty, hunger, human trafficking, and the foster care crisis and needs. Through partnerships with local and national organizations, the Foundation will support advocacy programs and will provide resources for vulnerable populations.
2. BenevolenceRooted in compassion, the Foundation responds to catastrophic events by working alongside established organizations already serving “on the ground.” Beyond disaster relief, it aims to provide ongoing aid for catastrophic, life-altering situations for families, impoverished children, foster families, orphans, and survivors of human trafficking, just to start…with the goal of meeting needs with empathy and action.
3. Global ImpactThe Sojourney Foundation partners with like-minded global organizations to extend its reach worldwide. Initiatives include funding clean-water wells, investing in education where schooling is a luxury, and promoting Sojourney Travel’s “Pack for a Purpose” initiative—encouraging travelers to bring needed supplies to partner destinations. These efforts create a ripple effect of positive change across borders.
Continuing a Legacy of Service
What began as an emergency response during the 2024 floods has evolved into a movement of sustainable compassion. With new projects such as aiding a Victory Garden program in Western North Carolina, which installs closed-loop permaculture systems in Western North Carolina to restore food access after the floods, the Foundation continues to transform communities through tangible, lasting solutions.
Join the Movement
Individuals, organizations, and travelers are invited to join The Sojourney Foundation in turning hope into action. Donations, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities are available at SojourneyFoundation.net and through our social media outlets on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
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About The Sojourney FoundationThe Sojourney Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Covington, Georgia. Its vision is to harness hope and love to ignite transformative change in communities worldwide. Through education, advocacy, benevolence, and global partnership, the Foundation empowers people to lead improved lives and fosters unity and purpose for generations to come.
Media Contact:Lori StephensFounder & CEO | The Sojourney Foundation📧 moc.levartyenruojos%40noitadnuof 🌐 www.sojourneyfoundation.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sojourney Travel Announces Agency and Owner, Lori Stephens, as Signature Travel Elevates 2025 Award Recipient FinalistCovington, GA (October 7, 2025 ) – Sojourney Travel is proud and excited to announce that Lori Stephen and the Sojourney Travel AgencyTeam has been named a Travel Elevates finalist for the 2025 Signature Travel Advisor Recognition Awards.
The Travel Elevates Agency Award recognizes an agency that leverages its global travel partnerships to promote sustainability and enrich communities through education and economic empowerment.
In response to the devastating 2024 floods in Western North Carolina, Sojourney Travel mobilized clients, partners, and community members to support immediate recovery. Together, we raised more than $27,000 in cash donations and coordinated at least $10,000 in tangible goods—from cleaning supplies and clothing to temporary housing essentials. This effort sparked the launch of The Sojourney Foundation, a registered nonprofit created to turn moments of crisis into sustained action by delivering hope and spreading love to people facing hard situations.
“Those floods hit close to home for our team, our clients, and for me personally. I called the North Georgia Mountains—Appalachia—home for many years. We saw families who needed help now, not later, so we went to work,” said Lori Stephens, Founder & CEO of Sojourney Travel. “Raising over $27,000 in cash and at least $10,000 in essential goods showed us what’s possible when a community rallies. That momentum inspired us to establish The Sojourney Foundation—so we can keep showing up faster, smarter, and with lasting impact for people who find themselves in tough seasons.”
“Signature is thrilled to recognize Sojourney Travel (and Lori Stephens) on their nomination and being selected as a finalist for the 2025 Travel Elevates Award” said Karryn Christopher, President, Signature Travel Network.
“The annual Signature Advisor Awards highlight the expertise and exceptional service that Signature advisors provide for their clients. It is our great pleasure and privilege to celebrate the finalists at the annual Signature Conference,” said Shannon Garrett, Vice President, Member Engagement.
The recipients will be announced during the Signature Travel Network Conference in Las Vegas, November 10th- 13th.
About Travel CompanyFor more information about Sojourney Travel, visit www.sojourneytravel.comSojourney Travel is a broad-spectrum, global-focused travel agency dedicated to curating luxury travel experiences. Sojourney Travel specializes in crafting personalized itineraries, ensuring clients embark on unforgettable journeys tailored to their unique preferences. Sojourney Travel’s dedicated team of travel advisors cater to a diverse range of travel interests, offering personalized experiences for individuals, families, and groups – no matter the destination.
Press Contact:Lori Stephens – moc.levartyenruojos%40snehpets.iroL – 470-327-8344
About the Foundation:For more information about the Sojourney Foundation, visit www.sojourneyfoundation.orgThe Sojourney Foundation is a nonprofit established in 2025 by the team behind Sojourney Travel. Born from grassroots relief efforts after the 2024 Western North Carolina floods, the Foundation’s mission is The Sojourney Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering hope and love to create transformative change in communities. The focus of the foundation is on education, advocacy, and benevolence to uplift lives.
Press Contact:Lori Stephens – moc.levartyenruojos%40snehpets.iroL – 470-327-8344