Beauty for Ashes Women s Homes 1305 16 th Ave. W. Bradenton, FL 34205 www.b4ashes.com info@b4ashes.com WELCOME We are happy to provide you with affordable housing at the Beauty for Ashes (BFA) Home. Our goal is to create a bridge to enable you to go from Dependence, back into the community through Biblical discipleship. Our desire is to serve and to help you grow in your walk with the Lord. The length of stay for court ordered individuals is usually 12 months or more. The court will determine the exact required length of stay. For non-court ordered individuals, this is a voluntary program and how long you are here is up to you, but we recommend 12-18 months with your sincere desire to change your life. Our expectations for you during your stay at the BFA Home include the following: 1. You will work towards living a Christian life style, becoming firmly grounded in God s Word. 2. You will become established in a local Church of your choice, where, through fellowship with other Christians, you learn to live a victorious Christian life. 3. You will prepare to move into the community as a responsible, gainfully employed, selfsufficient person. We take the truths and the principles of the Bible very seriously. Its doctrine contains the principles for our daily lives and provides the foundation for our program. We are committed to prayer for wisdom, guidance and strength as we try to apply these principles in every situation or circumstance. You are joining us as a part of our family. We realize that everyone s behavior as a Resident affects the others in the family. Therefore, with God s help, you will be responsible for following our house rules to the best of your ability. As with all families, problems and difficulties will arise and mistakes will be made. However, within the BFA Home s family setting, you will hopefully experience the blessing of learning to deal with these situations in a loving and caring atmosphere. Honesty and Accountability are extremely important to life at the BFA Home. Each of us is, first and foremost, accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ. Second, Residents are accountable to the Ministry, staff and all of the other Residents. This accountability to Christ and to others will guide you in the Christ centered lifestyle you are choosing by joining our program. As a Resident, you are expected to comply with ALL House Rules. Any infractions shall be referred to the BFA Home Director for appropriate action. Any serious infraction may result in immediate discharge from the program. BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 1
BEAUTY FOR ASHES HOUSE RULES You are responsible for reading and understanding this HANDBOOK within 24 hours upon your arrival. This is a FAITH-BASED Recovery Program. It is required that you participate in all functions pertaining to the program, as well as adhering to the rules in this HANDBOOK. If you are unable and/or unwilling to do so, there are many other options for you elsewhere. If you would like to be our guest/family here, please read and sign the Resident Contract and return it to a staff member. The House Rules, Guidelines, Code of Conduct and HANDBOOK FOR RESIDENTS are the same for everyone across the board; however, since everyone is an individual, there will be times when exceptions need to be made. Please understand that we will enforce the rules as we see fit and if it does not apply to you, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. ACCOUNTABILITY Always sign in and out when arriving or leaving the premises. Fill in all required information. Never sign in or out for another Resident. Each Resident must be accountable to staff and to one another. Accountability also includes being responsible to report any inappropriate behavior by other Residents. Failure to do so could result in discharge. ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE We have ZERO TOLERANCE for Drug and/or Alcohol use! Random urinalysis will be conducted at any time. Each Resident will consent to random urinalysis during the length of their residency. Refusal is automatic discharge. If at time of testing, Resident is unable to provide sample, Resident will be given 15 minute intervals to provide sample up to 1 hour. If Resident is still unable to provide sample, it will be considered a refusal and Resident will be written up or discharged. If urinalysis is positive and BFA Home Director chooses to give Resident another chance, a $25.00 fee will charged to Resident s account to help offset the charge of testing. BIBLE STUDY We are a CHRISTIAN FAITH BASED Recovery Program. Each Resident knows that before they come here. Attendance at Bible Study is MANDATORY unless specific absence is approved by BFA Home Director or House Leader. CELL PHONES Cell phones are permitted after Phase II. We do provide a house landline phone for limited use after your first month in the program. We do not encourage Residents to buy phones with contracts or prepaid phones as you will not be given money for phone bills. BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 2
CHORES All Residents will have assigned chores that are to be completed before curfew (10pm) daily. There will be times when BFA Home Director or House Leader will assign additional chores to be completed weekly and/or monthly. Chores will be inspected by BFA Home Director or House Leader daily. Failure to complete chores will result in a verbal warning. If Resident refuses to comply, Resident will be given a written warning. If Resident continues in non-compliance, he will be subject to discharge. Each Resident is responsible for making his own bed each morning and keeping her part of the room clean and neat. Each Resident is responsible for cleaning up after himself in the common areas of the house. The house is to be kept neat and clean at all times. Each Resident is responsible for doing her own personal including sheets, towels, washcloths etc. once per week. Bedding MUST be washed once per week. This policy is for the distinct purpose of insuring that proper standards of cleanliness and sanitation are being maintained. At times, the BFA Home will have scheduled tours as well as visitors drop in unannounced. This is one of the many reasons chores need to be maintained at all times!! THIS POLICY WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED! THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS! DO YOUR CHORES! CHURCH All Residents must attend Church. Church attendance on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings is MANDATORY! CLASSES, MEETINGS AND CHURCH All classes, meetings, Church and other scheduled events are MANDATORY unless a specific pass is given by Director or House Leader. Please be on time and dressed appropriately. COMPLAINTS, CRITICISMS, CONCERNS Please consult with the BFA Home Director. Failure to consult the Director on items that cannot be solved in house will only prolong our ability to effectively help you. We cannot fix what we don t know about. CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY All information disclosed during meetings is to be kept strictly confidential. What is said in the house stays in the house. It is not your right to discuss any one else s past or present situation. NO ONE is allowed access inside the BFA House except Residents and staff. All inquiries about the Ministry, BFA House, property, Recovery Program etc. are to be referred to and will be addressed by the Director. All doors and windows are to be locked by curfew. Please respect other Residents rooms by knocking and only entering when invited and NEVER enter an unoccupied bedroom that is not yours. BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 3
CURFEW All Residents must be home for meetings/church. All meetings and Church must be attended unless approved by Director or House Leader. All Residents must be in the house with doors and windows locked by 10 pm every night of the week. DISCHARGE PROCEDURE AND DISCHARGABLE OFFENSES If you are discharged from the program, you may be asked to leave immediately. You will be given sufficient time to pack your belongings to take with you. Resident will be supervised while collecting personal belongings. If all belongings cannot be taken at the time of discharge, Resident will have 24 hours to pick up remaining belongings. Any belongings not removed from the property after 24 hours will be forfeited and considered a donation to Beauty for Ashes Women s Homes, Inc. Resident must make arrangements to pick up any balance in her account at the convenience of our financial department. Discharged Residents arriving under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol will not be given their account balance until they arrive sober. If a Resident is discharged for any reason, she may not re-enter the program for at least 14 days. After 14 days Director will consider re-entry depending on the original reason for discharge and applicable variables. No Resident discharged is permitted access to the property or the house without prior arrangements being made with the Director. Any Resident letting a discharged Resident In the BFA Home without a prior arrangement with the Director will be discharged. Reasons for Discharge: Positive Drug/Alcohol test Possession of Illegal Drugs, Prescription Drugs, Firearms, Pornography etc. Consistent lying, negative attitude, gossiping, foul language, disrespect for staff or other residents, causing problems without probable cause. Any inappropriate physical contact with another resident (Violent or Sexual) Not maintaining employment after Phase I. Not turning in paychecks Stealing, Theft of any kind Any continual violation of HANDBOOK/CODE OF CONDUCT Incompatibility DISCIPLINE Beauty for Ashes Women s Homes, Inc. reserves the right to administer appropriate disciplinary action for all forms of disruptive and/or inappropriate behavior. Each situation will be dealt with on an individual basis. No list of rules can include all instances of conduct that can result in discipline and/or discharge. Different violations may be handled differently depending on the severity, impact of the infraction on others and/or the BFA Home. Beauty for Ashes Women s Homes, Inc. reserves the right to determine the appropriate level of discipline for any inappropriate conduct including but not limited BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 4
to verbal and written warnings, loss of passes and/or furloughs, discharge etc. When necessary, discipline is used to hopefully bring about a change in behavior. We have several methods as follows: 1. Verbal Warning 2. Written Warning (Signed by Resident) 3. Taking away furloughs/passes 4. Discharge Any Resident whose conduct, actions or performance violates or conflicts with BFA Home policies may be discharged immediately and without warning. The following are some more examples of grounds for immediate discharge of a Resident: Breach of trust or dishonesty Criminal involvement and/or activity Willful violation of an established rule and/or policy Falsification of BFA Home s records. Gross negligence Deliberate non-performance of work at the BFA Home Larceny or unauthorized possession of, or the use of, property belonging to any other Residents, Staff, Visitor, etc. Possession of dangerous weapons on the premises Unauthorized posting or removal of notices from bulletin boards Marring, defacing or other willful destruction of any supplies, equipment or BFA Home property or rental property Fighting or serious breach of acceptable behavior Violation of the Alcohol or Drug policy Theft Violation of the BFA Home s conflict of interest and/or Confidentiality policy Gambling, conducting games of chance or possession of such devices on the premises Failure to participate in Church, Bible Studies and/or any other regularly scheduled meetings and/or unauthorized absences Failure to follow curfews Non-payment of BFA Home program fees This list is intended to be representative of the types of activities that may result in disciplinary action and/or discharge. It is not exhaustive and does not represent every situation that may arise. All Residents are expected to meet BFA Home standards, which encompass many factors including attendance, punctuality, personal conduct and general compliance with the BFA Home s policies and procedures. If a Resident does not meet these standards, the BFA Home may, under appropriate circumstances, take corrective action other than immediate discharge. BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 5
DOGS Beauty for Ashes Women s Homes, Inc. reserves the right to inspect any property owned or rented by the corporation, with dogs trained to find drugs. These inspections will be conducted by the program director and may be individual area inspections or entire house inspections. Any attempt to hinder a dog during a search is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. Further deeper searches may be conducted based on a dog s reaction. DRESS CODE Attire is casual but modest. Shorts, tank tops and flip flops are permitted however use your best judgment depending on what you will be doing. We encourage you to always dress your best when out in public, church, meetings etc. No short shorts or cut offs, no wife beaters outside of the house, no colors, no do rags, no clothes with foul language and/or nudity, and please wear your pants on your waist where they belong. Residents will always dress appropriately during house meetings, Bible studies etc. EMPLOYMENT Each Resident is expected to work full time after Phase I. Job search begins immediately upon intake. Residents looking for employment are expected to be out of the house by 8:00am job searching and not return before 1:00pm. At the Directors discretion, Residents may be expected to fill out Employer Prospect Sheets daily and turn them in weekly on Fridays. Residents who are working are still expected to attend all meetings and Church unless excused by BFA Home Director or House Leader. Director/Staff will assist in any way they can but the responsibility to obtain and maintain employment is the Resident s. If unable to find full time employment after Phase I, Resident is expected to show up at Labor Ready for daily work Monday Friday at 5:00am, Saturdays at 6:00am until full time employment is available. ALL CASH/PAYCHECKS are to be turned in UNCASHED on Fridays or throughout the week when obtained. ELECTRIC Each Resident is responsible for turning off lights, TV s, fans etc. in bedrooms when not on BFA Home property. Each Resident is responsible for turning off lights, TV s, fans etc. when not in use in common areas of house. Continuous failure to do so/needless waste of electricity is cause for reprimand and/or discharge. BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 6
ENERGY DRINKS Energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster are not allowed. FINANCES All Residents are responsible for program fees upon entering the program. Program fees are $125.00 per week. These fees will be charged to Resident s account on each Monday for that week. BFA Home requires at least 2 weeks program fees paid in advance unless waived by BFA Home Director. DOC and court ordered clients will not be responsible for advance payment. DOC clients will be loaned a $25 per week draw for the first 4 weeks of residency, which is to be paid back upon securing employment. If gainful employment is not secured within 4 weeks, weekly draws will cease. If after 8 weeks, Resident is not gainfully employed, she may be discharged. All Residents will have an escrow account at Beauty for Ashes Women s Homes, Inc. in which they will deposit their pay. ALL PAYCHECKS are to be turned in UNCASHED immediately. Any other acquired CASH OR CHECKS MUST also be turned in when obtained. Resident may receive a $40 draw per week as long as her escrow account is above 6 weeks, which is $750.00. Resident may receive a $50 draw per week as long as her escrow account is above 8 weeks, which is $1,000.00. If Resident has bills to be paid or financial responsibilities from the past, this needs to be discussed with BFA Home Director. Saving money and financial accountability are a very important part of your recovery and transition. Our goal is for each Resident to save as much money as possible during her time here in order to transition out smoothly. Upon leaving the BFA Home, our goal is for you to be able to secure housing and transportation, if not already achieved during your stay here. ANY RESIDENT FALLING 6 WEEKS BEHIND IN PROGRAM FEES WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCHARGE. FURLOUGHS AND VISITATION Residents are permitted to have visitors/guests outside on BFA Home property. There will be NO VISITORS Monday through Friday unless approved by BFA Home Director, as this time is used for working or job searching, classes, meetings and Church. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE are there to be any visitors/guests allowed in the house unless approved by BFA Home Director. All visits will be documented by the House Lead. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE are there to be any guests/visitors in any bedroom at ANY time. After Phase II, Resident may apply for an overnight furlough. All furloughs must be filled out completely and approved by BFA Director or House Leader. All furloughs are subject to behavior and participation in Program. All furlough requests are to be turned in to the BFA Home Director or House Leader as soon as possible. BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 7
HOUSE LEADER House Leader is to be shown Respect at all times. The House Leader is responsible for holding all Residents accountable at all times. Resident may go to the House Leader with any questions or concerns. Residents are directly accountable to the House Leader. The House Leader is directly accountable to the BFA Home Director. With consent of the Home Director, the House Leader has the authority to reprimand, discipline and/or discharge if necessary. The House Leader will ensure that all chores are being done and rules are being followed. HOUSE PHONE Please respect other Residents who may need to use the phone also. There will be NO phone calls or texting during any scheduled classes/meetings unless it is an emergency. This applies to cell phones as well. There will be NO LONG DISTANCE PHONE CALLS ON THE HOUSE PHONE FOR ANY REASON! If you need to make a long distance call, you may come to the office. HYGIENE Each Resident must keep their personal area sanitary and their keep up personal cleanliness. LEAVING THE PROGRAM Resident must give BFA Home Director at least 2 weeks notice prior to moving out. This will give the financial department ample time to verify that all fees are paid in full. If the Resident exits the program with a positive balance in her account, she will be given her balance in the form of a check. Each Resident, upon departure, will also provide BFA Home Director with a forwarding address if Resident would like mail forwarded. Otherwise, mail will be returned to sender. Upon leaving BFA Home, each Resident will wash and RETURN sheets, pillow case, pillow, comforter/blanket, towels, washcloths, laundry basket and bus pass. If these items are not returned in good condition they will be charged to the Residents account as follows: Sheets and pillow case $20.00, Pillow $10.00, Comforter/blanket $25.00, Towels $10.00, Washcloths $5.00, Laundry Basket $5.00, Bus Pass $40.00. LOCKS There are locks on all exterior doors. These doors will be locked at curfew each night and when there are no residents in the house. With the exception of the office, there will be no other locks in the house not on bedroom doors, bathrooms, storage containers, etc.. MARKETING Beauty for Ashes reserves the right to use photos and videos of all program participants for marketing and fund raising purposes. Your name will not be used with out explicit consent separate from this document. BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 8
MEALS Each Resident will be responsible for her own breakfast and lunch. All Residents are urged to apply for Food Stamps upon arrival, to supplement the food not provided by the BFA Home. Each Resident will be responsible for cleaning up after himself. There will be NO EATING and NO FOOD STORAGE in bedrooms. MEN IN THE HOME No man is permitted in the home at the same time as any Resident, without the House Director or a Beauty for Ashes Board member present. MESSAGES It is vital that all Residents receive incoming messages! Emergencies do arise and people are looking for jobs. Always write down a message for your housemates. I can t stress this enough: if you cannot/will not take a message then DON T ANSWER THE PHONE!! OFF LIMITS AREAS ALL bars and clubs serving alcohol and all known drug areas are completely off limits. OFFICE With the exception of the House Leader, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES is a Resident allowed in the office unless invited and accompanied by the House Director or authorized volunteer. ORIENTATION We understand the difficulties you will face in your recovery. We will do our best to help you to get established. During your 1st week here, we will assist you with your registration with the Sheriff s Office and reporting to Probation/Parole. We will assist you in obtaining any documents or identifications you may need. (Birth Certificate, Florida State ID card, Driver s license, etc.) You will attend Church, Bible Studies and meetings. PAYCHECKS NO RESIDENT IS PERMITTED TO CASH THEIR PAYCHECK. BFA Home policy is to turn in any CASH/PAYCHECKS to BFA Home Director to be deposited in to Resident s escrow account. Resident will receive spending money/draw weekly. Residents that do not follow this procedure will be discharged. BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 9
PERSONAL BELONGINGS Each Resident is responsible for keeping any valuables or personal items put away or locked up, if necessary. Beauty for Ashes Women s Homes, Inc. are not responsible for any lost or stolen items. PROBATION/PAROLE Each Resident is responsible for reporting, complying and communicating with her Probation/Parole Officer. During intake, BFA Home Director will discuss helping with transportation to the initial appointment to register. PROGRAM FEES The program fee at Beauty for Ashes Home is $125 per week or $500 per month if paid monthly. The fee is to be paid in advance. Each Resident will have her own escrow account and will always be aware of her account balance. All money received by Resident is to be turned in for BFA Home Director to deposit into Resident s escrow account. RESPECT Each Resident came here because they wanted to come here. Each Resident was given a HANDBOOK FOR RESIDENTS before they came here and were strongly encouraged to read and understand it. Each Resident has agreed to live by the House Rules, Guidelines, Code of Conduct and HANDBOOK FOR RESIDENTS. Each Resident will RESPECT the House Rules, Guidelines, Code of Conduct and HANDBOOK. Each Resident will show RESPECT for each other and BFA Home staff at all times. If you will not or cannot live by these rules, please help us make room for someone who does want the help. Please be fair with us and let us help somebody..maybe YOU! SERVING Each Resident will have the opportunity to serve the local community through City Life Church. There are many ways to serve and each resident will serve for at least 5 hours per week. SMOKING Only smoking of electronic cigarettes is permitted and this must me outside ONLY in the designated smoking areas. THERE IS NO SMOKING PERMITTED IN THE BFA HOME AT ANY TIME!! SIGN IN/SIGN OUT Each Resident will be responsible for signing out and signing back in every time she leaves the property. In case of emergency, we need to know where you are and how to get in touch with you. If the Resident leaves the property after curfew, she is in danger of discharge. If the Resident is going to BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 10
be late for curfew, she needs to call the House Lead. We understand that things happen. Communication is the key. SEARCHES To safeguard the property of our Employees, Residents and the BFA Home, Beauty for Ashes, Inc. reserves the right to inspect any packages, parcels, purses, handbags, briefcases, lunchboxes, bedrooms or any other possessions or articles brought on to the BFA Home property by Residents and all other persons entering and leaving our premises. Beauty for Ashes Women s Homes, Inc. is not liable for the loss of personal property. Persons entering the premises who refuse to cooperate in the inspection conducted pursuant to this policy will not be permitted to enter the premises. Residents who refuse to cooperate in an inspection and/or Residents who after inspection are believed to be in possession of stolen property, alcohol or illegal drugs will be subject to immediate discharge. TRANSPORTATION Each Resident is responsible for her own transportation to and from; work, appointments, Church etc. Residents will be provided with a Manatee County bus pass throughout their stay at the BFA Home. Sarasota County Bus Passes may be available, if needed and only through approval of BFA Home Director. Residents may walk or use bicycles. Beauty for Ashes will provide bicycles for Residents upon availability. BFA Home Director/Staff will do our best to help with transportation when we can but responsibility is the Resident s. WATER Water use is restricted for in-house use. No car washing or detailing of cars on BFA property unless specific permission is given by BFA Home Director. Needless waste of water is cause for reprimand and/or discharge. WORK DUTIES Each Resident will perform volunteer work duties on the BFA Home property to help maintain a clean, vibrant, safe home. These rules are basic and apply to the type of life outside of the program that we are trying to help you have. These rules are not hard to follow if you just choose to live a good, wholesome, honest lifestyle. If you can learn to live by these rules in the BFA house, then you should have no problem when it s time to move out on your own again. Keep in mind our main objective is to help you succeed. These rules are not put in place to hurt or hinder you. They are to keep you honest, accountable and responsible. No one is perfect. We are simply trying to do what is good and what is right. Help us to help you! Work with us. If something is not working, we will try to fix it or change it. This program is here for you! You can make it whatever you want it to be! BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 11
CLOSING Remember each and every rule has a reason and a principle behind it and all of the rules are designed to benefit the Resident and the program as a whole. Please govern yourself accordingly. YOU AND ONLY YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WAY YOU THINK AND ACT BUT REMEMBER THE WAY YOU THINK AND ACT DOES AFFECT OTHERS! We wish to challenge you to apply God s Word to your life situations and circumstances. We want to thank you for considering our Recovery and Transition Program. We want you to know that as you seek God s direction for your life, He will lead you every step of the way. Hold fast to the promise of Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future RESIDENT CONTRACT I, have read and understand the BEAUTY FOR ASHES HANDBOOK FOR RESIDENTS and I agree to abide by the House Rules, Guidelines and Code of Conduct. I furthermore acknowledge that the purpose of Beauty for Ashes Women s Homes, Inc. is to help me. I am aware that the BFA Home is not a rental, and is not a halfway house - it is a Recovery Program. I will not bring contraband (drugs, alcohol or weapons of any kind) on to the BFA Home property. I understand that I will have to vacate the premises immediately if asked to leave. I understand that I can be discharged from the program for violation of any of the rules at any time or for any reason that Beauty for Ashes Women s Homes Inc. deems necessary. Resident: Date: Staff: Date: BFA_RESIDENT_HANDBOOK_2016 last modified 8/28/16 12