On June 14th I had the honor to attend the Fourteenth Annual St. Christopher’s Inn Board of Directors Fundraising Dinner. This was my first event and I am pleased to share it was a resounding success – exceeding our budgeted attendance and revenue goals. Credit for our success was due to the efforts of countless individuals but in great part to our evening’s honoree Mr. David McWilliams, CEO JRM Construction.
I had the pleasure of meeting David and his wife (Mary Ellen) a few weeks prior to the event. During our time together we learned that while JRM had a reputation for supporting not-for-profit organizations they were also extremely selective in identifying charities to lend their support because their commitment was not fleeting but rather as a long-term partner. In turn, we shared that SCI has been at the forefront of fighting the addiction battle. For more than 50 years, we have been successful in saving lives because we have known that addiction thrives in the dark. However, when we place it in the light and see it for what it is, “a disease rooted in shame and unworthiness” we can begin the process of reversing the stigma and start the cycle of hope, healing and recovery. Throughout our time together, our Brothers Christopher shared their personal stories and provided testimonials of support. David spoke with our team of exceptional caregivers, spent time with our Friars and learned of our rich history of service in support of our mission. When our time together came to an end, David shared that JRM has decided to embrace SCI as one of a few select charities that would benefit from their generosity.
My thanks to JRM Construction and David McWilliams for their support and to all of our donors. It is only because of your generosity and the spiritual direction of the Friars and Sisters of Atonement that we can continue in our mission to care for those most in need, “healing wounds, uniting what has fallen apart and bringing home those who have lost their way”.
Please know that we keep you and your families in our prayers and that we have and will continue to be good stewards of your gifts. Wishing you a wonderful summer!
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.
