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San Damiano House & Farm At Graymoor

San Damiano HouseSan Damiano House & Farm, a new life-giving ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement dedicated to serving men in recovery from addictions, opened at Graymoor in Garrison, New York, on October 1, 2017. This transitional living opportunity offers housing and vocational training, while allowing men who have completed a component of treatment at St. Christopher’s Inn, to remain on the Holy Mountain and continue working towards long-term recovery.

History

Named after San Damiano church located near Assisi, Italy, where St. Francis first received his miraculous calling in 1205, the origins of San Damiano House & Farm can be traced to 1916 when Servant of God Father Paul of Graymoor founded St. Anthony Farm on the site with the intention of making the Society of Atonement self-supporting so that more help could be offered to others. Men from the Inn worked on the farm from its beginning through at least World War II, when it also produced grain for the war effort. In 1949, Friar postulants began cultivating the land and, by 1963, raising sheep. From 1970 until it became the novitiate in 1985, the farm was the original home of New Hope Manor. This substance abuse treatment program for women—the first of its kind in the United States—originated at Graymoor under the guidance of Fr. Dan Egan, SA, who was affectionately known as the “Junkie Priest.” With this rich history, the Friars feel blessed that San Damiano House & Farm is continuing their mission of hope and healing.

Living and Volunteering

There are three phases of participation for the men at San Damiano House, a 18-bed residence. The first phase is more focused on continued growth in long-term recovery. The men may choose to participate in treatment at St. Christopher’s Inn for half the day, through individual and group therapy.

The remainder of the day the men spend volunteering at San Damiano Farm, which produces flowers, organic vegetables, herbs, and other plants. Here, the men gain experience in farming and retail—marketable, vocational skills that will help facilitate their long-term recovery and restore a sense of self-worth.

Growing in Recovery

In the second phase of participation, the men begin to visit with family and friends for an overnight stay, as well as begin their job search. By the third phase, the men work to secure employment, permanent housing, and move towards more community engagement.

There are additional volunteer opportunities for men living in the San Damiano House at Graymoor as well. Some of the men choose to run a weekend program at St. Christopher’s Inn, where they are partnered with men who are newly admitted to treatment. These volunteers show the newcomers around the Graymoor campus, encouraging and mentoring them as they begin their recovery journey.

Farmer’s Market

Some men also volunteer to work at a farmer’s market on Friday afternoons selling the plants and vegetables they harvest on the farm. Proceeds provide funds to purchase supplies for the next season’s planting. During the summer and fall harvest season, check back here to see what organic vegetables, herbs and flowers are available for purchase at the weekly Farmers Market. Click the button below to see the products and pricing for this week’s Farmer’s Market at San Damiano Farm, Graymoor.

FARMER’S MARKET PRICE LIST

San Damiano House & Farm at Graymoor provides men in recovery the opportunity to continue their outpatient treatment at St. Christopher’s Inn as part of their continuum of care, providing Brothers Christopher with vocational programs in a safe and supportive environment filled with abundant spirituality.

The program’s unique structure allows the men to stay for several months in order to become independent, firmly rooted in their recovery with well-developed self-esteem based upon the opportunity to share and give back to those who have helped them.

St. Christopher’s Inn845-335-1000
Addiction Treatment & Recovery Community
21 Franciscan Way P.O. Box 150 Garrison, NY 10524
SCIInfo@AtonementFriars.org
Office of Mission Support888-720-8247
P.O. Box 303 Garrison, NY 10524
St. Christopher's Inn is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. EIN: 13-3668321.