Vocational Services

At St. Christopher’s Inn, recovery is approached in a holistic way by supporting the healing of body, mind and spirit. Alongside clinical treatment, counseling and therapeutic programming, Brothers Christopher are invited to participate in vocational opportunities that bring structure, purpose and dignity to daily life at the Inn. These experiences allow men to contribute to recovery for everyone while also developing practical skills, strengthening relationships and rediscovering confidence in their abilities.

In several of these areas, Brothers Christopher have the opportunity to earn vocational certificates that recognize their training and accomplishments. These certificates help each man translate his experience into marketable skills that can lead to employment after treatment and contributes to their long-term stability.

San Damiano Farm
Located on the grounds of Graymoor, San Damiano Farm offers Brothers Christopher the opportunity to spend time outdoors. With more than 240 raised beds, along with a hoop house and greenhouse that operates year-round, residents participate in planting vegetables and flowers, caring for seedlings, harvesting fresh produce, and preparing baskets of plants and floral arrangements. Time on the farm encourages patience and mindfulness while helping the men gain hands-on horticultural and agricultural skills.

Franciscan Hospitality in the Dining Room
Meals at the Inn are an important moment of connection and recovery. Through this vocation, Brothers Christopher participate in welcoming residents into the dining room for meals while learning the importance of food safety and preparation.

Care for the Holy Mountain
Inspired by the Franciscan Friars’ deep appreciation for the nature and the outdoors, some Brothers Christopher participate in caring for the grounds at Graymoor. This includes maintaining outdoor spaces and preserving the beauty of the Holy Mountain throughout the changing seasons. These experiences foster responsibility and stewardship while building transferable skills for future employment opportunities.

Proven benefits of our vocation program:

• Builds accountability and daily structure through routine and responsibility
• Strengthens interpersonal skills through cooperation, communication, and mutual respect
• Develops confidence and renews a sense of dignity through meaningful contribution
• Provides opportunities to earn vocational certificates that support employment after discharge
• Increases a man’s sense of belonging to a supportive recovery community

Explore Our Vocational Services Guide

For more information about Vocational Services at St. Christopher’s Inn, download our PDF guide:

Vocational Services

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.