Mission and Values

St. Christopher's mission is to serve students and provide their families with quality professional assistance in raising their children. To accomplish this, we bring the best professional services to the process of positive youth development for each student. We also provide the comprehensive learning experience and welcoming environment that enables each student to acquire the academic and social skills needed to be independent and productive members of families, neighborhoods and communities.

Value Principles
Joseph Semidei, the Executive Director of St. Christopher's from 2005-2007 and a leader of exceptional determination and vision, defined five value principles to guide St. Christopher's staff in caring for children and their families. He said we must have...

Compassion It is our first rule of service. Without a caring heart, you will have a difficult time reaching youngsters. Working with children is a very demanding vocation; the demands on your humanity are constantly being tested. We tax our humanity when we really listen to our young people, when we empathize with their personal difficulties, and when we don’t just react but respond to their real needs.

Conviction Having the firm conviction that people can change for the better, no matter what occurred in the past, and is essential in believing we can shape a better future for every person in our care.

Commitment Making a difference in a youngster's life requires constant caring, nurturing, professional knowledge and practice. Through our everyday practice with these youngsters, in a variety of settings, we can create changes that improve their lives and accomplish the mission at St. Christopher's.

Creativity Each of our youngsters has unique personality, and each deserves individual attention and treatment. To fulfill St. Christopher's mission of service, we must look beyond conventional wisdom and think creatively for the sake of the each child. As Albert Einstein said, "Imagination is greater than knowledge."

Courage Improving the lives of our young people requires change and uncertainty, for them and for us. We must be courageous in facing the uncertainty of charting a new direction, since youth best learn by our example. By facing and overcoming obstacles, we build character and inner strength, in ourselves and the youth who look to us as role models.