The Peter and Henry Block Foundation: A Legacy of Love, A Gift of Hope

October 14, 2026

Photo caption: Audrey Warn, Mission Support, with Louisa Bisogno, a member of the family who helps administer the Peter and Henry Block Foundation Grant and Scholarship Program.

St. Christopher’s Inn remains deeply grateful to the Peter and Henry Block Foundation, whose generous support since 2024 has enriched the lives of our residents in countless ways. Through the Foundation’s partnership, the Inn has been able to purchase a dedicated vehicle for transportation to medical and other essential appointments, establish a bakery program, expand creative arts therapy initiatives, and provide musical instruments and equipment for resident performances at events such as the Annual Winter Extravaganza and monthly Coffee House gatherings. The Foundation’s support has also made possible meaningful experiences, including visits to Stepping Stones, the historic home of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, therapeutic horsemanship programs, and many other opportunities that foster growth, confidence, community, and recovery.

The Foundation itself is a lasting tribute to the remarkable bond between brothers Peter and Henry Block. Peter gave his life in service as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Henry went on to serve the people of New York City as a firefighter for nearly four decades, courageously dedicating his life to others while faithfully setting aside a portion of each paycheck. His dream was to create a memorial to his beloved older brother and personal hero, Peter. The Peter and Henry Block Foundation stands today as the enduring fruit of that brotherly love and devotion.

We are profoundly grateful that the Foundation has chosen to invest in the mission of St. Christopher’s Inn. In supporting our work, it helps nurture the same spirit of fraternity, compassion, and selfless love that inspired its founding and continues to transform lives within our community.

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.