St. Christopher’s Inn Receives Part 820/Residential Redesign Approval
St. Christopher’s Inn received positive news on Friday, as it pertains to the Inn’s plans to enhance services.
The Inn gained approval of its Part 820/Residential Redesign Certification by the New York State Office of Addiction Support and Services. This certification will widen the scope of services the Inn provides and the length of stay for those in need.
“This redesign will enable us to continue and enhance the lifesaving quality work we have been providing for many years, not only treating persons challenged by chemical and substance use, but instilling in them the sincere belief and the confidence to say, ‘I am a person worthy of love and respect,’” St. Christopher’s Inn Executive Director Dr. James Schiller said.
Corresponding with the Inn’s new electronic health records system, Dr. Schiller added that he looks forward to a smooth transition for those the Inn serves. Initiated by Sandra Iberger, Mary Anne Fielding and the SCI Leadership staff nearly three years ago, Dr. Schiller credited several people who assisted throughout the approval process. Specifically, Iberger, the former Executive Director of the Inn; OASAS Program Manager Raymond Hare; OASAS consultant Steven Rabinowitz; Kevin Douglas, the Inn’s Director of Counseling and Shelter Services; Ellen Grant, Assistant Director of Counseling and Shelter Services; the Inn’s team of dedicated counselors, medical staff, facilities, security and fiscal departments.
The Part 820 regulation is less prescriptive and allows providers more flexibility in operation. It was designed to integrate more seamlessly residential, stabilization and rehabilitation. As such, people whom the Inn are caring for will be provided with a host of services from stabilization, light detox, medically assisted treatment, rehabilitation in-house and assistance with re-entry, while being able to easily transition between services.
Those whom the Inn cares for will also be offered a wider view of recovery services, including vocational training; recreational support; movement between detox and residential in-house services; and HIV and related health education.
The news of the Inn’s approval of its Part 820/Residential Redesign Certification came a day after Dr. Schiller attended the annual White Mass for Healthcare Workers at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Cardinal Timothy Dolan stopped to speak to Dr. Schiller, commending the positive work St. Christopher’s Inn does in providing care for men in recovery.
Saint Christopher’s Inn offers men in crisis physical, emotional and spiritual healing through chemical dependency treatment, primary health care and temporary housing. No one is ever turned away due to race, religion, creed or ability to pay.
When they came to the Holy Mountain in the early 1900s, Servant of God Father Paul Wattson, SA, and Mother Lurana White, SA, encountered homeless, hungry and weary wanderers. Father Paul and Mother Lurana shared generously with them.
In 1909, some of the men built a chicken coup out of fallen trees. While visiting Washington, Father Paul decided upon his return to Graymoor that he would transform the lodge into a house for the “pilgrims of the road.” He named it Saint Christopher’s Inn, after the patron saint of travelers. Mother Lurana White, SA, dubbed the men “Brothers Christopher.”
The Inn then expanded, helping alcoholics and addicts in need of help.