Join Us for BE THE BRIDGE: Walk for Recovery – October 1, 2023

Rob G

September 6, 2019

In October 1991l I was brought to St.Christophers by 5 men who knew I needed help. I had been working on Wall St., as a fixed-income bond analyst. I had a wonderful job. I lost it all to drugs. The men bought me a cup of coffee and a hamburger and got me into the car and brought me up. Brother Benny was at the reception center. He took my clothing and threw them away as I had been in the street for weeks addicted to crack cocaine. I was a mess. I had lost my job, my family, everything. I was completely lost and afraid. I remember that first night sleeping on a cot wondering if this was the first step out of my personal hell. It turned out to be. I spent 3 months at St.Christophers inn learning from Bro.Gregory and others. I delved into the 12 steps, I took solace in the chapel regularly, I participated and did whatever I was asked to do. I was then offered a scholarship to St.Joe’s in Saranac lake NY. I took advantage of that and 8 weeks later went to a half-way house in Poughkeepsie NY. Sadly I relapsed soon after but immediately went back into getting clean and sober again. I started my life over working at a truck stop cleaning showers and toilets. I went to 12 step meetings twice daily. I put one day at a time to work. Today I have been totally clean and sober since 1995. I owe St.Christophers so much. Saved my life. Today I am a Crisis Counselor at the Veterans Administrations National Suicide/Crisis line helping my brother and sister Veterans. I live in the Finger lakes with my horses, dogs, cats and a beautiful wife. Today I am rich in spirit. I love the Friars and Sisters of the Atonement.

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.