Critical Concepts

Because we know reading rules and trying to remember them all can be difficult for many who are entering a recovery residence, we wanted to share what we feel are the most important things to know and understand.

The first thing to know is many of us on our team at Mission of Hope are also in recovery and we understand that substance use disorder is a disease. We do not immediately remove a resident for relapse. We will however remove a resident immediately for lying about a relapse or hiding substance use. We put honesty above everything else.

The third thing to know is that respect isn’t optional. You must show respect to your roommates, staff, your treatment team, probation agent, your neighbors and most importantly yourself. Treat yourself like you are someone who is responsible for helping.

Next, you need to know a few hard and fast rules.

The last thing to know is that we believe if you treat someone like a child, they will act like a child. We will assume you are an adult, that you will be truthful and forthright in everything you say and do unless you show us otherwise. We are here to help. These rules, random drug screens and any interventions are not meant to be a stumbling block to you, but rather have been put in place to help you navigate early recovery and to get along well in the recovery ecosystem.

House Guidelines

Program Fees:

The fee to participate in the Resiliency Residence program is $586.00 per month. We accept cashier’s checks and money orders, payable to Mission of Hope House of Wisconsin Inc, for payment of program fees.

Upon being accepted into the program, participants will need to arrange payment of program fees, prorated through the end of the current month. Subsequent program fees are to be paid in full by the 1st of each month thereafter. It is your responsibility to confirm any deviations from this process that have been approved by the Executive or Operations Director. Participants will be informed of any payment made on their behalf by a third party. (IE Department of Corrections, Treatment Court, Family, etc) Payments are to be made, on time, to the Executive Director or Operations Director; or can be mailed, postmarked on or before the first of each month, to Mission of Hope.

On-time payment of program fees is critical to ensuring the continued operation of the Recovery House. It is your sole responsibility to ensure program fees are paid on time. Repetitive late payments will result in losing points; and consistent late payments will be grounds for discharge from the program. 

Confidentiality 

Just as your information will be kept confidential, it is necessary for you to keep information confidential about other residents (current and former) with anyone outside of Mission of Hope. This includes names and descriptions, photos or videos. You may not photograph or record others.

Non-Violence Policy 

Any act of violence, including but not limited to, physical violence such as – hitting, pushing, punching, smacking, biting, spitting, strangling, grabbing forcefully, or harming one’s self – is prohibited. Making threats of bodily harm, joking or not, is prohibited. 

This policy will remain zero tolerance. Violation of this policy will result in immediate discharge from Mission of Hope, and a call placed to the New London police department if needed. As such, NO weapons (as defined by federal, state, or municipal laws or ordinances) are allowed on campus.

Drug/Alcohol Free Facility 

MOH is a drug and alcohol-free facility, the use, sale of, possession of, or the manufacture of any prohibited substance, is forbidden. This includes the use of prescription medications that are not prescribed to you, or abuse of prescriptions that are prescribed to you.  All legal THC alternatives including – Delta, Salvia and K2 (Or anything that will cause a positive UA) is forbidden. We reserve the right to perform a drug and/or alcohol screening at any time to determine sobriety. Failure to submit to a test and/or failure to pass a test will result in your immediate departure. Any prohibited substance found during room checks will also result in your departure.

Any medications prescribed to you, or over the counter, must be registered with the front desk and kept in the appropriate locked area designated to you and will be inventoried.

 

Same applies to medications that are being renewed or resupplied; they must be checked in with staff to be counted. Bring the bag in, unopened, and check it in with staff.

Trading/Bartering/Giving of Items 

Residents are not allowed to trade/give any items such as, but not limited to – food, money, foodshare cards, medicine, or personal items – to any residents or staff.

Employment: Residents must obtain employment within their first month (If not in treatment court) of staying at Mission of Hope, in order to continue your stay (This includes individuals receiving SSI or/and SSDI).

Once employment is obtained, a work schedule will need to be provided to Staff.

Employment must be ongoing throughout their stay once obtained.

Point System

Upon arrival you will be given 10 points. Violations of the rules will result in a loss of corresponding points. You will be given the opportunity to earn back points by doing service work assigned to you by staff. In the event you lose 5 or more points; you will need to meet with the case manager to create and work on a restoration plan at their earliest convenience. 

You can be proactive in earning back points by asking staff what additional service work you could perform during your stay. You are able to earn back one point per day.

Communal Living 

Mission of Hope is a communal living environment. This means that you live in a shared environment with people, of many different backgrounds, and personalities. As such, it is expected that each guest maintains a clean environment, as well as work together. This includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Maintaining quiet hours in your room between 10:30 pm and 6:30 am. ( 1-2 points)
  • All clients must be out of bed by 8:00 am, dressed and ready with beds made by 8:30am                    ( 2-3 points) 
  • Chores must be completed before going about your day, and be signed off by staff when complete.     ( 4 points)
  • Wash all of your bedding and clothing weekly. You must stick to the made schedule to avoid any conflicts. All laundry must be completed by 9pm. (1 point)
  • All towels, sheets, blankets, and hygiene products are given by staff, please ask any staff member.

Failure to ask will result in point deduction.  ( 1-3 point)

  • Dressing appropriately and modestly in common areas of the house, including bedrooms – no bare feet at any time. (1 point)
  • Maintain good hygiene. Shower and change clothes on a daily basis. (1 point)
  • No entering the rooms of other guests or opening their doors. (10 points)
  • Do not open or hold open any exterior door or window for any one at any time. (5 points)
  • Bathroom doors must be closed, latched, and locked at all times while in use. (3-5 points)
  • Do not open windows. They are locked and alarmed. Please be aware that the alarms will sound if they are opened. (10 points)
  • No sleeping or smoking in the parking lot or inside of any vehicle. (10 points)
  • All residents are required to attend all provided classes. ( 1-3 point)

(If you are working and can provide your work schedule or have an appointment approved by the staff, you may have a pass from attending class.)

During your stay at MOH, we will offer different life skills classes on a variety of topics. All the classes are designed to help provide you with additional skills, knowledge, and resources to remove barriers. 

No electronic devices are allowed during classes.

Just for Today (Everyday-7:45am)

“Just for Today” reading will be held every morning at 7:45 am on weekdays. Designed to be a great input on how to start your day off right.

Mindful Meditation (Monday-1:30pm)

Mid-day guided meditation class is to begin the week on a positive, peaceful note.  

In House NA Meeting (Tuesday-1:00pm)

Closed NA Meetings held right here at MOH

House Meeting (Wednesday-11:30am)

House meetings are held in the dining room every Wednesday at 11:30am, unless noted otherwise.

The meetings are designed to be a safe and healthy environment where residents/staff can bring up house matters. Talk about key reminders that residents in the house need to be mindful of. If there is anything changing in the center, an important event that is approaching or staff asking for feedback from houseguests this is the perfect time to have a conversation and bring your requests and ideas. House meetings are mandatory for all residents. If you miss more than three house meetings you will be asked to depart.

Jamie from Goodwill (Thursday-11:30am)

Jamie holds a class every other Thursday in the group room to build and improve skills that will be useful in your everyday, personal and work life

Step Working Guide (Thursday-1:00)

An introduction to working the 12 steps of NA

Fun Fridays (12:30pm)
Recovery is very serious, but it should also be FUN! We as a group will decide what to do for fun on Friday’s. Crafts, games, etc. 

Food 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are self-serve. Mark leftovers with masking tape and a pen/marker to label the container with the contents inside, name, and add the date it was made. 

Smoking Policy 

There is absolutely no smoking allowed inside MOH, including the use of vapes. All smoking is done behind the building. 

(unless there is inclement weather, then and only then, smoking under the front patio is allowed)

There is no smoking inside vehicles on MOH property. All cigarette butts must be disposed of, in the proper bins – absolutely no cigarette butts are to be tossed on the ground. Anyone under the age of 21 cannot smoke on MOH property.

Respecting Staff

Here are some things to consider when working with client center staff: They are human beings. Just like you, they deserve to be treated with respect. They have feelings and emotions, and they should not be subjected to abuse or harassment. They are often under a lot of pressure. They may be dealing with difficult clients, limited resources, and tight deadlines. They may not have the power to solve all of your problems, but they can still help you find a solution. They are making a difference. Client center workers are helping to improve the lives of people who are in need. They are providing a safe and supportive environment, and they are helping people to get back on their feet. Any amount of disrespect shown to staff may result in immediate departure from the client center.

Visitors 

If you would like to have a visitor at MOH, you must first pass their name and DOB onto Staff so that we can ensure the potential guest does not pose any danger to other residents of the house. If approved, your visitor may come between the hours of 8 AM – 8 PM and limit their stay to two hours. In order to maintain confidentiality of the other guests, please only visit in the front two rooms (Classroom or Community Room). Visitors are subject to having their personal belongings searched.

The Phase Structure

Mission of Hope has implemented a phase structure. Our housing model is based on incentives for progression through recovery related tasks and personal progress. Each phase brings new privileges as you develop your personalized recovery journey. (Clients who are in treatment court may not work for the first 60 days unless authorized by the treatment court team) Clients not enrolled in treatment court must secure employment within the first 30 days of their stay at Mission of Hope.

PHASE ONE: 0- 30 days

  1. Complete 10-15 Peer supported hours weekly (10 in initial 10 days)
  2. Attend 3 AA/NA meetings per week if unemployed / 2 if employed and have an activity log signed 
  3. Attend all mandatory house meetings and case management meetings.
  4. Schedule your ASAM Assessment through CORE Treatment
  5. Obtain a Sponsor or peer support specialist / recovery coach.
  6. Follow treatment plan as prescribed and supervision rules
  7. Comply with random drug testing
  8. Curfew is 9:00 PM

Phasing Up: To Phase-Up from Phase 1 to Phase 2. If after 30 days, the resident has accomplished the following, the resident may qualify to meet with the Case Manager, explain the progress they have made, and request approval to move into Phase 2. It is important to remember that moving up in the phases of residency is based upon completing specific recovery and life tasks, and demonstrating the ability to practice the principles of sober and responsible living within the Resiliency Residence.

PHASE TWO: 30 – 60 days

  1. Attend a minimum of 3 AA/NA meetings per week if unemployed or 2 if employed and have an activity log signed off.
  2. Working full time, going to school or performing volunteer work
  3. Complete 10 Peer Supported hours weekly
  4. Begin working the 12 steps with your sponsor
  5. Follow and continue treatment plan as prescribed and supervision rules
  6. Continuous attendance at all House meetings and case management meetings
  7. Displaying role-model behavior
  8. Follow all rules and regulations
  9. Comply with random drug testing
  10. Curfew is 10:00 pm 

Phasing Up:

To Phase up from Phase 2 to Phase 3, If after 60 days, the resident has accomplished the “phase two tasks” outlined above, the resident may qualify to meet with the Case Manager, explain the progress they have made, and request approval to move into Phase 3. It is important to remember that moving up in the phases of residency is based upon completing specific recovery and life tasks and demonstrating the ability to practice the principles of sober and responsible living within the Resiliency Residence.

PHASE THREE: 60-152 days

  1. Begin making outside living arrangements
  2. Completion of the Relapse Prevention Plan and review with Executive Director
  3. Become a mentor/sponsor in the house
  4. Continuous meeting attendance, working the steps with your Sponsor
  5. Display role-model behavior
  6. Complete a minimum of 5 hours of peer support weekly.
  7. Comply with random drug testing
  8. Mail privilege (Meet with Operations Director to approve access for getting mail)
  9. Curfew is 11:00 PM