St. Christopher’s Inn is fortunate to have a group of seasoned professionals with both corporate and local contacts serving on our Board of Directors. These individuals are committed to promoting and supporting the ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement through their leadership and oversight of St. Christopher’s Inn.
Board Officers
Chair – Mark Goldberg
Vice Chair – Robert Okulski
Secretary – Fr. Charles Sharon, SA
Treasurer – Alan Meckler
Member-at-Large – A. James Forbes, Jr.
Friar Members
Fr. Dennis Polanco, SA
Br. Joe O’Gara, SA
Board Members
Geralyn Fanelli
Dr. Patricia Lennon
Chair, Development Committee – Alan Meckler
Guy Novo
Kevin Verronneau
Members Emeritus
Valerie Mastronardi
Mark Goldberg, Chair
“I am so fortunate to be able to serve on the Board of Directors of St. Christopher’s Inn. It is both uplifting and rewarding for me to be a small part of making a true difference in the lives of men that never thought it possible that they could live better lives. St. Christopher’s Inn saves lives.”
Fr. Charles Sharon, SA
In addition to serving as the Secretary of the SCI Board of Directors, Fr. Charles also serves as the Secretary General and Treasurer for the Friars.
“There are a few reasons why serving on the Board is so important to me as a Friar. This ministry was started by our Founder, Fr. Paul Wattson, SA. His mission, vision and values, have grown into a charism that clearly embodies SCI today. All of the staff at the Inn do not just work for the Friars but they minister with them, and are vital instruments who give quality care and services as they travel with the men during their journey to sobriety. What a gift to the ministry and to the Friars. The Board itself, gifted men and women, reflects good stewardship of the ministry at SCI so it can maximize staff effectiveness and assure financial viability for the continuation of the Mission. I also ministered at the Inn for nine years as counselor and chaplain and social worker. It was a wonderfully blessed time for me as a friar. These are a few reasons which make me proud to serve as a Board Member for SCI and indeed to be a friar. God continue to bless it and us all.”
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.
