RESIDENT HANDBOOK

Jackie’s House is a six to twelve month residential/transitional program for women who have gone down the wrong path in life because of drugs, alcohol, or other life controlling addictions. Jackie’s House staff is here to help women to begin the process of being restored physically, mentally, and spiritually.

This handbook has been written to assist you in understanding and completing the program. Please read this material carefully. This information has been designed to give you a framework upon which you can build your life. A structured environment is a vital part of the rehabilitation process.

Jackie’s House staff has been carefully and prayerfully selected, not just for his or her skills, but also because of the compassion and concern for your physical and spiritual welfare. This home is filled with love, compassion, forgiveness and discipline that only Jesus Christ can provide. Our objective is to instill a sense of responsibility, dependability and sensitivity which will create women of God who will make a difference in their families, church, communities and the nations. Please take advantage of their experience and counsel and allow God to use this opportunity to change your life.

SERVICES OFFERED

1. Basic Life Skills—Domestic skills may be developed such as meal planning, shopping, and cooking. Specialized skills like gardening and “putting-food by” techniques, quilting, rug hooking and other hand crafts will be offered by instructors and staff.
2. Checkbook management, monthly planning, goal setting and debt reduction classes will be available to help secure a future financial foundation for women in need of financial skills.
3. Mentoring—Each resident will enter into a mentoring relationship with another woman who will provide encouragement and guidance during her stay at Jackie’s House.
4. Medical needs are provided by local health care providers.
5. Educational—A woman’s short and long-term goals help determine a plan for continuing education. An academic counselor helps to assess academic needs and a plan is established that will assist in achieving these goals.
6. Recreational—We recognize that we were created body, soul & spirit and, as such, Jackie’s House encourages each woman to develop a plan for recreation including, exercise, hobbies and other leisure time activities that will help foster emotional balance.
7. Counseling—Assistance will be available with addressing the effects of trauma and grief associated with substance abuse and domestic violence.

PROGRAM PHASES

Each phase of your program has a purpose with a certain goal in mind to help you achieve as you progress. The length of time for each phase is approximate—how you progress depends on your growth and achievements.

ORIENTATION

1. Meeting all staff members.
2. Filling out required paper work.
3. Search all belongings.
4. Tour of the house.
5. Meeting other residents.
6. Assigned to room.

                                                                                                           PHASE ONE

THIRTY-DAY PROBATION

This phase acquaints the resident with the rules and regulations of Jackie’s house. During this probationary period the resident will not have any outside contact whatsoever. Your family may contact us once a week regarding your progress, in which Staff will forward their messages. Every resident is expected to make a sincere commitment to change their lifestyle during this period, continual non-compliance, disobedience and disregard of the program’s rules and regulations will result in dismissal. During this period you will be under twenty-four hour supervision.  There will be provisions for women who have established visitation with their children through DCF or Family Court.

PHASE TWO

1. Upon entering this phase the resident has agreed to a 6 month – one year commitment, realizing this program is Christian based derived from biblical principles.
2. The resident has agreed to participate in all chapel, church services at New Beginnings Christian Church, classes and activities of this program.
3. All residents are encouraged to attend group studies for new Christians, complete homework, like skills management classes and one on one counseling sessions. Failure to attend or complete assignments may affect phase advancement.
4. During this phase the resident begins to maintain a consistent prayer and devotional life. You will learn to keep a daily journal which will be reviewed with a staff member.
5. Residents will be expected to search for a job and be active in all areas of volunteer work.

PHASE THREE

1. Phase three residents are expected to set an example for incoming residents.
2. You will be given more responsibilities and will be held accountable.
3. You will be expected to direct or redirect new residents in the ways of the Lord.
4. You will begin to prepare and plan for your future.
5. Residents who don’t have their high school diploma you can begin to earn your G.E.D. or take accredited courses to earn a college degree.

  PHASE FOUR

1. During this phase the resident will have limited staff privileges and authority.
2. Finalize your plans for the future.
3. Attend ceremony for completion of the program

During all four phases the residents continue to receive spiritual counseling and will be required to participate in support groups.

HOUSE RULES

• Smoking, drugs, and alcohol are grounds for dismissal.
• Witchcraft, astrology, or anything contrary to Christian beliefs is not permitted.
• Physical violence or weapons are grounds for dismissal.
• Absolutely no food or drinks other than water allowed upstairs.
• Turn off lights, fans and water when not in use.
• Keep your bedroom clean and orderly daily.
•  Report any breakage to staff immediately.
• Respect the authority placed in charge.
• No one is allowed to leave cosmetics or other personal items in the shower or bathrooms.
• All residents are required to attend church functions.
• All residents will follow schedule, unless changed by staff.
• If the resident chooses to leave the program, they may at anytime. However, they cannot return for thirty days.

DRESS CODE

• A dress or skirt and blouse or pants (no jeans) are required for all church services unless otherwise specified by the house manager.
• No low cut blouses or dresses. Dresses or skirts must be at knee length or below.
• All clothing should be clean and pressed for church or when at home.
• Staff members will reinforce the dress code to reflect modesty and respect for other people in the house.  NO ONE IS EXEMPT!

DISCIPLINE

• All discipline matters will be submitted by the House Manager to the Program Director and ultimately to the Board of Directors.
• A resident will be placed on discipline when they violate the rules or show inappropriate attitudes. The specific discipline depends on the nature of the offense and the particular circumstances involved.
• Do not be discouraged during discipline: residents will still be able to successfully complete the program by learning from their mistakes and discipline.
• Scripture projects may be given alone in conjunction with the given discipline.
• Discipline can result in loss of privileges for an undetermined time.

RESPECT

Respect the authority at Jackie’s House. If you disagree with what you have been told, be willing to submit anyway. Discuss the matter later with that same staff if you do not understand. Do not go to another staff for a second opinion.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Policy:

Access to documents containing personal, financial or medical information on residents or staff is restricted to those who need the information to carry out their specific job assignments. Unauthorized access to documents or materials and inappropriate use of, discussion of, or dissemination of such information is considered a breach of confidentiality, and as such is grounds for disciplinary action.

Procedure:

1. Residents will be instructed on their obligation to maintain confidentiality of documents, material or information as part of the Jackie’s House orientation.

2. Safeguarding confidentiality of resident, staff, personnel and financial documents, materials or information is the responsibility of all Jackie’s House Staff and residents.

3. Breaches of confidentiality will be reported to the appropriate House Manager for investigation, appropriate follow-up and corrective action.

4. As a condition of residency, all residents are required to read and sign the Jackie’s House confidentiality statement. This statement will be retained in the staffs’ folder.

5. Residents will hear confidential information of other residents and staff. Residents MUST keep all information learned or observed to themselves. 

PRIVILEGES

PRIVILEGES DEPEND ON SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

NO PRIVILEGES DURING PROBATIONARY PERIOD

ALL PRIVILEGES ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY HOUSE MANAGERS

Phone Call:     Phase two residents can earn up to two calls in, or out weekly. Each call in or out will be limited to ten minutes.

Mail:               All residents will open and read their mail with a staff person. All residents will purchase writing materials and stamps for themselves.

Recreation:     All residents are required to attend all recreational activities and should participate.

Walkmans:     Upon approval from house manager, phase two residents may be allowed to have walkmans in their possession. They are only to be used in

                      their rooms and on free time. No radios allowed and Christian music only with walkman.

Television:     All residents are allowed to watch the news from 6-6:30 in the evening unless otherwise notified. T.V. programs or videos are chosen by staff at

                     specified times only.

Visits:            A request form must be submitted prior to the visit. Only those on the contact list are allowed to visit. No exceptions! All visitors must check with

                     staff upon arrival and departure. Only phase two and above are allowed visitors, pending approval.

Passes:          Request for pass must be signed and have pre-approval by staff. Holiday pass is not allowed.  No passes will be issued during probation period.

Married Residents:      We recognize that different needs may arise.  Passes for married residents will be approved on an individual basis.  All husband must 

                                   agree to meetings with staff and advisors before pass is issued.  No passes issued during the probation period.  

HOUSE CONDUCT

It is the policy of Jackie’s House to provide an atmosphere that fosters discipline, order,

productivity, and an atmosphere of mutual respect. Jackie’s House has established this policy against exhibitions or unprofessional, inappropriate and demeaning behavior between residents or a member of the staff at Jackie’s House. Examples of such unprofessional, inappropriate and demeaning behavior follow. Breaches of this guideline and policy will result in disciplinary action being taken, up to and including dismissal. Because it is impossible to list guidelines to cover every situation of unprofessional or inappropriate workplace conduct, the absence of an illustration from this list will not be the basis for avoiding disciplinary action when Jackie’s House believes such action is warranted. Activity prohibited by Jackie’s House includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Disorderly conduct, including fighting and horseplay.

• Acting in an obscene manner or using obscene, abusive or threatening language.

• Any conduct that violates Jackie’s House policy against harassment, including sexual harassment.

• Any use of profane language toward another member of the staff or in the presence of staff members.

• Speaking to a member of Jackie’s House staff in an inappropriate manner, such as screaming, shouting, or accompanied by threatening gestures.

• Any action whatsoever that tends to destroy good relations between members of the Jackie’s House staff.

These examples of misconduct violate the Jackie’s House policy as to appropriate workplace conduct. The guidelines are fundamental in character and are designed for the convenience and protection of everyone.

Any violation of this policy should be reported to the Director at Jackie’s House.

DISCIPLINES

Discipline is given in the form of restrictions, writing assignments or extra work hours when a student violates the rules or manifests an inappropriate attitude in any given situation. These rules are the practical results of our experience. They are intended to aid you in the development of self-control and self-discipline. These rules should pose very few problems to those who conform to the spirit of Galatians 6:4-5, “Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.” Be aware that some disciplines can be given for what seems to be a simple oversight. This is not to crush your spirit, but to lead you into diligence in your responsibilities. In many circumstances you will receive a warning before you receive a discipline.

Types of Disciplines:

1.      Essay/reading assignment

2.      Hours of work detail to be worked off during free time.

3.      Loss of phone privileges

4.      Loss of mail privileges

5.      Loss of pass

6.      Possible disciplines are:

·        Saturday of work for:

Direct disobedience

Disrespect towards staff

Violating a rule or restriction

Threatening to leave causing disruption

·        Writing a particular rule 50 times when the excuse “I didn’t know” is used for a rule clearly written out.

·        Hours of extra work for:

Not completing duties completely

Violating a general rule for church etc.

·        Probation for chronic attitude problems.

·        Disciplines can be given singularly or in any combination. Length of the discipline is based on the severity of the rule or rules broken and will be determined by staff on an individual basis.

·        No is not the correct response to a staff’s directive. Okay is a much better response.

Reasons for Dismissal:

1.      Making any life threatening acts or comments towards staff, other residents or oneself. Striking a staff member or resident.

2.      Using or having possession of Drugs, Alcohol, or Cigarettes.

3.      Stealing

4.      Continued direct disobedience to staff

5.      Having contact with or having relations with a single male.

6.      Being constantly uncooperative.  Making no effort to participate or change.

7.    Leaving our property without the permission of staff

8.      Damaging property or furnishings.

Termination:

1.      If a resident is either terminated or drops out of the program, she will no longer be allowed to communicate with the remaining residents.

2.      Possessions left behind will become the property of Jackie’s House upon departure from the home after one week.