SCI CEO

June 15, 2018

SCI CEO

Spring 2018 Newsletter

As I reflect back on 2017, I am pleased to share that we have cared for and supported over 1000 Brothers Christopher along their journey to recovery. This achievement is no small feat, as we are in the midst of an unprecedented National substance abuse epidemic which is growing exponentially each day. At SCI we are not daunted by the statistics, rather we are motivated by the reality that with every life saved we are making a difference in turning the tide and reversing the stigma associated with this disease!

Our continued success is due in great part to the Friars of Atonement and the mission of Fr Paul and Mother Lurana which guides us each and every day, you our benefactors for your on-going support and our staff/volunteers who work tirelessly to heal the wounds of this disease by treating not only the body but also the spirit…providing hope and compassionate care to our men each day. Toward that end, over the past 6-months we have made notable inroads in strengthening the quality of care provided by:

Improving Treatment & Outcomes: Introduced a new Family Engagement Project which is precursor to our longstanding existing Family Weekend program. The preliminary results are encouraging because it reflects a notable improvement in our overall completion rates for those clients who have participated to date.
Expanding our Continuum of Care: As of 10/1/17, SCI expanded access to include a 24-bed sober home (San Damiano). This facility affords our clients additional time to heal before transitioning back to their community/home.
Upgrading Facility Safety & Security Measures: Completed a comprehensive assessment of SCI key access points and are actively working to implement recommended controls to better secure facilities and enhance overall safety of our Brothers Christopher, Staff & Friars. Changes will include the installation of: door locks, cameras, intercom system for building access, development of master key plan and related staff training/drills to respond in the event of an emergency.

We are grateful to everyone who have given unselfishly of their time, talent and financial contributions. Please know that we have and continue to be good stewards of your gifts which allows us to better position ourselves for the future.

The nurses are the best part of my day.

The admission process was as fast and painless as it could be.

The medical staff is excellent, they treated me with love and care.

Overall the program and facility at St. Christopher’s Inn is the best, bar none.

Family program is PERFECT please don’t change a thing.

I took part in the GED program and was quite satisfied. I haven’t taken the test yet, but I have very high hopes of passing.

Gained immense knowledge from lectures and treatment plan.

It is very spiritual and I needed the experience.

The care and concern by my counselor and supporting staff shows the love that I didn’t know existed.

Staff is unbelievable, saved my life.

The goals I have reached and the new ones I’ve developed while being here are something of a life changer for me in my future.

I was pleasantly surprised by the existence of the Coffee House. Music is a central and meditative part of my life. The ability to perform for my new brothers here and the staff was unexpected and made this an incredible journey.

I would have nothing if it wasn’t for SCI.

Great people, caring and responsive.

I would like to tell you how thankful I am to you for having this family program available. I want to say thank you for giving me exactly what I needed.

The experience of being here and becoming a member of the Brothers Christopher fraternity has changed my life. Being in the Friars house was a blessing. Their generosity gave me knowledge I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Thank you for the privilege I was given to stay here in your house. God bless you all. I will always keep a piece of St. Christopher’s Inn in my heart.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the hot meals, warm bed and unconditional love you so easily gave to me. I know if it were not for you, I would truly still be a lost soul.

The road to recovery is called Franciscan Way, and the door to happiness lies within the walls of St. Christopher’s Inn.

I never thought someone could care for a drug addict like me. You have shown me that I am worth something. May God bless you a million times.

Thank you for welcoming me in to your home, and granting me a scholarship for treatment. There’s not enough “thank-yous” I could say, so I’m going to show you by staying clean and living a peaceful sober life.

I want to thank you for everything—from my stay here to working in the Thrift Shop. I am so grateful for St. Christopher’s Inn and every staff member that represents this fantastic organization.

I was amazed by the unbelievable generosity of everyone at our Christmas party. A nice scarf and a collared shirt—I have been through hundreds in my life but I have never cared for any of them as I do for these. Thank you for giving me the best Christmas in many, many years.

I love this place. They have given me a place to sleep, food in my stomach, clothes on my back, and a chance at a first-class life. Recovery is here . . . all you have to do is want it!

Today, I am a sober man. I live an honest and simple life. I’m a reliable, employable productive member of society. I have dignity and self-worth and even self-love. All of these things are a direct result of the care and guidance given to me by the Friars and the staff at St. Christopher’s Inn. Some people call it a homeless shelter. I call it home.