Welcome to Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley
Welcome to Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley ("WHLV"), a non-profit organization providing a safe, supportive, and structured environment for residents as they begin to develop sober living skills. Our house is designed to foster recovery and develop a personal program of recovery. Learning to live a recovering lifestyle without the use of mood-altering chemicals is not an easy task. We want you to view your stay with us as an opportunity to change your life. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive living environment and peer-directed support programs, and we work very closely with Recovery Cove to provide you with comprehensive coaching services, in order to help you sustain the necessary changes for long term recovery.
We ask that you read through this booklet completely and keep it for ongoing reference, utilizing the enclosed guidelines to keep you, as well as the community, safe and in recovery. These guidelines will assist you in developing and maintaining your personal program of recovery. Our collective goal is that ultimately you will be living independently, free from a life-threatening affliction.
The staff of Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley and Recovery Cove welcome the opportunity to assist you. Our approach is unique in that we assist you in developing a personalized and confidential recovery plan. One of the main barriers of recovery is not knowing what you don't know. Our primary goal is to provide you with honest feedback in order to help you see what you have previously overlooked. We know your recovery journey may be challenging, but it is ultimately rewarding. We also recognize that changing old, destructive patterns requires a strong support system. By being here, you have taken the next step toward change.
As a Resident of Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley, you are expected to remain free of ALL mood-altering chemicals (drugs/alcohol) during your stay here or you can be immediately discharged. Knowledge of another residents' use is also cause for dismissal, if not immediately reported to a staff member. Residents must agree to random urine screening and breathalyzers, on demand.
Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley retains the right to change and/or alter facility rules as necessary. All changes will be approved by the Executive Director.
Although staying at Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley starts with you, failure to utilize these guidelines will jeopardize one's ability to remain a resident!
Mission Statement
Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe, secure, and structured residential environment, in which individuals and families will be provided the best opportunity for a successful journey in recovery by addressing individual barriers and offering mutually agreed upon solutions.
Vision
Our vision is to be a leading and innovative provider of the necessary recovery supports needed for addicted individuals and their family to overcome the devastating effects of addiction. We will continue to develop new forms of long term and short-term recovery support to aid in the implementation of a comprehensive recovery plan.
Values
Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley pledges to treat every individual in a manner that utilizes the following principles:
1. Compassion
2. Respect
3. Integrity
4. Love
5. Empathy
6. Confidentiality
7. Dignity
Westminster was created to be a place of learning and not of control. All the guidelines we have are for the safety and well-being of men in early recovery. We consider your residence with us as an opportunity for you to grow in recovery, therefore there is not a focus on punishment but there is a strong focus on accountability. We believe that the structure we provide is necessary for some people to develop recovery habits that will save their lives.
We work from the principle that when someone demonstrates responsibility, they get the freedom that goes with that responsibility. You will be required to practice a recovery program and we will promise to confront any addictive thinking and behaviors.
Residents' Rights & Responsibilities and Program Goals
Residents have the right to:
• A safe and secure facility free from alcohol and other mood-altering chemicals.
• Be treated with dignity, respect & impartial treatment without discrimination.
• Leave Transitions in Recovery at any time.
• Respectfully voice opinions, recommendations, and grievances in relation to residency at WHLV without fear of reprisal. Any grievance will be given immediate attention by the Executive Director within 48 hours.
• A qualified and competent staff that is free from alcohol and other mood-altering chemicals, and who have a code of professional ethics.
• Be protected by federal and state confidentiality laws. Limitations to confidentiality include written consent, threats of harm, and child abuse.
• Participate actively in the development of a personal Recovery Plan.
• Be informed of all guidelines and regulations governing the daily operation of the Program and expectations governing conduct as a resident.
Residents have the responsibility to:
• Keep rooms neat and clean and contribute to the same for common areas.
• Comply with established curfew times.
• Participate with the WHLV staff in developing a Recovery Plan.
• Be honest with WHLV staff about matters that relate to the Program and residency, including whereabouts when off the premises.
• Meet financial obligations to WHLV in a timely manner.
• Know and follow Program guidelines established by WHLV, included in this handbook.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled community meetings and activities.
• Be an active member of the resident community including interacting with, supporting, and sharing concerns with peers.
• Respect the rights, privacy, and confidentiality of other residents and staff.
• Attend at least the minimum number of required recovery meetings
• Be respectful of WHLV property and furnishings.
• Practice an active program of recovery.
• Stay away from people, places, and things associated with drug/alcohol use.
Program Goals
Each resident of WHLV is provided with a personal Recovery Plan based upon their areas of need; however basic Program goals include the following areas:
• Maintain abstinence from mood altering chemicals
• Develop a recovery program and establish healthy support systems
• Identify and pursue educational/vocational opportunities
• Meet financial obligations and (re)establish financial security
• Address physical and mental health issues
• Restore family and other personal relationships
• Develop and refine life skills
• (Re)establish positive social activities
Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley Facility Guidelines
The Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley policy on weapons is as follows: any resident found with a weapon, or instrument that the staff deems is intended for the sole purpose of causing harm to another resident or staff member will be discharged from the facility and any and all appropriate parties will be notified of the discharge. Furthermore, the weapon or instrument will be confiscated and discarded.
You are required to be present at the weekly community dinner and house meeting. Disputes between residents should immediately be brought to the attention of a staff member.
Disrespect of any Staff in any form is unacceptable behavior.
Accommodations
Residents are provided furnished bedrooms. Although TVs are not allowed in the bedrooms, TVs are provided in the common areas. Kitchen, assigned bathroom, and shower facilities are shared by the residents. Residents may only use their assigned bathroom. Laundry facilities are provided free of charge, we ask that items are promptly removed when finished in consideration of fellow residents. Residents are expected to observe appropriate and respectful noise restrictions regarding televisions, music players and general conversations, especially in the evenings when others may be sleeping. Residents are not permitted to smoke, use e-cigs, chew tobacco, burn candles, or incense inside the house. Smoking, e-cigs, and smokeless tobacco use is ONLY allowed in the designated smoking area ("Butt Hut"). Routine cleaning is mandatory. All residents are expected to keep their rooms orderly and clean at all times and to contribute to the cleanliness of common areas. Each resident is assigned a rotating chore and is expected to complete the assigned chore daily. Residents are NOT allowed to touch any of the thermostats. Residents are expected to participate in the House Cleaning and Grocery Shopping and preparation every Wednesday.
Bathrooms
• Showers, toilet bowls, and floors must be cleaned on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
• Sinks and mirrors must be cleaned daily.
• Leave nothing on the sink. If you don't have a toiletry case, one will be provided.
• Do not use other residents' toiletries.
• Limit your showers to ten minutes.
• Leave the shower curtain fully extended and make sure the floor is dry before leaving.
• Do not flush anything but toilet paper. If the toilet becomes clogged, notify staff.
• Empty the trash every morning and replace the toilet paper as needed.
• Hang towels only on towel hooks or racks, not on doors or dresser drawers.
• Do not keep more than one bath towel.
• Respect others who share the bathroom, clean up after yourself, especially the sinks.
• Turn off the faucets, lights, heat, and fan before leaving.
Bedrooms
• Never• enter another resident s room without that resident present. No Exceptions.
• Must be clean and organized throughout the day.
• Must be able to pass inspection through the day and before the resident starts his daily
activity, no later than 8:30am.
• Your bed must be made. and have no clothes or books. etc. on it.
• Sheets are not to he seen hanging below the comforter off the sides of the bed.
• Change sheets and vacuum the carpet weekly, especially under the bed.
• Line shoes up along the edge of the bed or put them neatly in the closet.
• Keep only a few items on the dressers and keep them neatly organized.
• Clothes must be on hangars. in drawers. or in the hamper. No Exceptions. Empty trash every morning.
• Food, cups. glasses. and bottles are not allowed in bedrooms.
• Violations will result in loss of privileges.
• Cash or valuables are not to be left out on dressers, nightstands, etc.
Cell Phones
Upon successful completion of the Blackout Period. residents are permitted to have a cell phone. In certain cases, in order for the cell phone to be released to the resident, the phone number MUST be changed. and all unnecessary phone numbers must be deleted.
Chores & Television
Residents are responsible for the completion of weekly chores. Chores are assigned by staff and are required to be completed daily. You are to sign the chore sheet when you have completed your chore. Work Assignments and Chores are required be completed during the assigned times. If you are not able to complete your chore due to an appointment or illness, you are responsible for making sure that another resident is responsible for completing your chore. Television is permitted after dinner and evening chores are to be completed no later than 10pm.
Computers
Personal laptops are allowed but may only be used in the Multipurpose room during free time. Laptops are not to be used upstairs or in the serenity room. In addition, laptops and tablets should not be used while eating. Computers must be turned in by 11pm and may be taken out after chores are completed in the morning. Gambling, dating, pornography, and torrent file downloading web sites are not allowed. Residents may use the desktop computer during Orientation for short periods of time with staff permission. Violations will result in confiscation of laptop and/or other electronics.
Contraband
Certain items are considered to be contraband and will be confiscated. These items include but are not limited to:
• Lottery tickets and Gambling paraphernalia
• Vaporizers and associated liquids
• Vanilla extract
• Any toiletries containing alcohol (Listerine, Nyquil, etc.)
• K-2 — Bath Salts
• Poppy Seeds- "Everything Bagels"-seasonings containing poppy seeds
• Sudafed products
• Pornography of any kind
• Steroids
• Weapons of any kind
• Any products containing alcohol
• Caffeine pills — small bottles of caffeine "- Hour Energy"
• Pre-Workout supplements-synephrine-any products containing synephrine
• CBD Products of any kind
• THC or CBD Edibles, Candy, Gummies, Vitamins etc
Curfew
The curfew for residents is 10:00pm Sunday — Thursday and 11:00pm Friday and Saturday. Curfew is a very important component to the safety and welfare of our residents; therefore, curfew violations are a very serious matter. All residents are expected to be able to contact Westminster at any time, there is no acceptable excuse not returning by curfew and not calling. Exceptions may be approved by Executive Director on a case-by-case basis for residents working second shift.
Dress
You are required to be dressed, bed made, room neat and downstairs no later than 7:30 am except for Wednesday, residents may stay in bed until 8:30 am. Hats, hoods, sleeveless shirts, or sunglasses cannot be worn during any group function. Certain dress such as hoods, wearing pants extremely low, and some other inappropriate dress is not allowed while staying at WHLV.
Druq Testing/Room & Vehicle Searches
Residents are subject to random drug screens throughout their stay. This may include urinalysis, oral swabs, or breathalyzer type tests. When requested, urine must be provided within 1 hour. The results of such tests will be provided to the resident's parole/probation officer if applicable. Positive test results will result in discharge from the program. A retest of positive results may be requested by the resident and will be at the resident's expense. WHLV also reserves the right to search a resident's room and/or vehicle for the safety and security of WHLV and other residents. In such a case, WHLV will make reasonable efforts to have the resident present during the search as well.
Energy Drinks/Supplements
Energy drinks and coffee drinking are not allowed after 4:00pm. Residents may have a cup of coffee when they attend an evening 12 step meeting, however we do not support this use after 4pm. Protein powder is the ONLY supplement allowed while residing at Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley.
Employment
At WHLV we believe that work can be an integral part of someone's recovery process. Work can also be considered a way to avoid recovery. As with all things in the recovery process you will review your goals and needs with your recovery coach. Your employment goals will be reviewed and steps to achieve those goals will be reviewed on an individual basis.
We also believe that volunteering and giving back needs to be a way of life in recovery, therefore we expect all of our working residents to also give at least two hours of volunteer work per week. Should you not be seeking employment or be employed you need to do at least 4 hours of volunteer work per week. This issue will also be discussed with your recovery coach and goals established based on your goals and needs.
Food
A variety of food and beverages are provided by WHLV to be shared equally by all residents. WHLV will provide nutritional food in reasonable amounts for all residents. The kitchen hours are limited to 6:00 am to 8:00am (Breakfast), 11:30 am till 1:00 pm (Lunch), 5pm (Dinner), and 9pm-10:00pm (Snack). The kitchen is open for light eating ONLY (no cooking) during this time. Residents may also purchase their own food and are responsible for marking it as personal. Residents should not eat other residents' personal food. Residents are responsible for cleaning up, including doing their own dishes, keeping the kitchen area clean, and not leaving food on the stove unattended. With the exception of WATER, NO food or beverages are permitted outside of the dining room.
Home passes
Home passes are for mending family relationships and rebuilding trust, not for rekindling relationships with old friends, girlfriends, or dating. Residents should make AA/NA meetings. Residents are to honor all staff and family rules established for the pass. Residents must call in daily to "check in." Drug testing and breathalyzer is mandatory upon return to Westminster. All home passes must be approved by staff at least 48 hours prior to leaving. No home passes will be approved during the Orientation phase. Resident's meeting requirements in Tier 1 may be permitted an overnight pass. Resident's meeting requirements in Tier 2 may be permitted a weekend pass. In order for home passes to be approved, staff, family, recovery coaches, and others as applicable must be aware of residents' whereabouts during pass. While on home pass you must be reachable at all times. If staff calls the resident, the resident must return the call within 15 minutes.
Medications
All Medication, either over the counter or prescribed, must be reviewed or approved by Westminster staff and kept in a locked closet for safekeeping. Failure to do this can result in discharge. Residents who take prescription medications must immediately notify staff and may be required to provide proof of medical need for the prescription. Residents who have been prescribed medication must continue to take them unless a written order of termination from the treating physician is provided. Residents may not arbitrarily decide to stop taking prescribed medications on their own when doing so may reasonably threaten or destabilize their physical, mental, or emotional state. Residents who stop taking prescribed medications despite such risks may be asked to leave WHLV.
Residents will not be allowed to take certain prescription medications while living at WHLV unless approved in advance by the Executive Director. Prohibited medications include stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall, etc.) narcotics (Codeine, OxyContin, Percocet, Darvocet, Vicodin, etc.) sedatives (Lunesta, Ambien, Sonata, etc.) and benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, etc.). Residents are also prohibited from taking over-the-counter medications that contain alcohol, caffeine, CBD, THC or other mood-altering chemicals. Any protein mixes or over the counter supplements must be approved by the WHLV staff prior to use. The use of any over the counter pills containing caffeine or one-shot energy drinks is prohibited while residing here.
Personal Property
Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley is not responsible for any resident's personal property. All Residents property is subject to be searched. Any and all contraband is subject to seizure by Westminster and will not be returned to the resident. Residents are permitted to have a variety of personal property items in their rooms such as cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, pictures, etc. as long as the use of these items are not interfering with resident's ability or willingness to participate in the WHLV recovery program. Should a resident abuse this privilege staff will rescind the privilege as deemed necessary. WHLV will NOT be liable for any loss, theft or damage to resident's personal property items, including cash. Residents are strongly discouraged from leaving cash or other valuable personal property in their rooms. More than $25 cash should be secured in the staff office. Certain items that are deemed by WHLV to be inconsistent with recovery, in poor taste, or offensive to others will not be permitted. Discharged residents are expected to remove their personal property within 48 hours. WHLV will make reasonable attempts to contact discharged residents but will NOT be responsible for personal property left behind.
Westminster Property
No Westminster Home of the Lehigh Valley property may be borrowed without permission from a staff member. Use of office equipment such as the phone, copy machine and/or fax is only by staff permission. All Residents will be responsible for any replacement costs of any damaged property; this includes but is not limited to writing or sticking push pins in or on furniture or walls.
Outside Activities
All outside activities are required to be approved by staff. When leaving the property, you are to sign out, and upon returning sign in the logbook, located on the table next to the resident entrance. Your sign out must be legible so that staff members know where to find you in cases of emergency. At times it may be mandatory for a staff member to counter sign.
Spending Money
• Cash, credit/debit cards. checkbooks, etc. must be turned over to the office upon arrival.
• A cash account will be created for each resident from which they can withdraw.
• Withdrawal amounts may vary from $30/wk. - $100/wk. according to the resident "s need such as smoking, additional counseling. doctor appointments, and personal items.
• Account deposits are to be sent to our office in the form of a check made payable to the resident. The resident will be asked to endorse the check and that amount will be added to their account.
• When a resident gets a job, all pay will be turned into the office as received.
o Cash pay should come with a note from the employer stating the amount paid.
Transportation
WHLV provides limited local transportation services for residents to and from necessary appointments such as work, counseling, meetings, court, probation & parole, medical and social services. Residents who are able to get to these appointments using public transportation/bus service are encouraged to do so. Residents who can provide proof of a valid driver's license and current insurance coverage may (with prior approval) keep their own personal vehicles at WHLV after successful achievement of Color Block Blue. Personal vehicles are subject to searches and considered a privilege and use may be restricted due to abuse of this privilege or reduction in Color Block level.
While we do our best to meet residents' transportation needs, please be aware that transportation services are limited. Residents are responsible for their own transportation and so last-minute transportation needs will be considered the residents' issue. Residents are strongly encouraged to develop alternative sources of transportation, such as rides with other residents, co-workers, and people in recovery.
Residents who require transportation need to fill out an itinerary sheet by 6pm the day before identifying their requested destination, departure, and pick up times and location. Residents who sign up for transportation are responsible for being ready at the times requested. Residents who need to make changes to times or locations while away from WHLV must contact the office with as much advance notice as possible. Last-minute changes may not be accommodated.
Visitation
Regular visitation hours are between the hours of 12pm and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday for those who have completed their orientation period. Residents may spend the day off premises with family with an approved itinerary. We request that all visitors contact Westminster prior to coming for a visit. Family members and friends will need to be cleared before they can visit. Visitors are not permitted in residents' rooms at any time, for any reason. No visitors are allowed during residents' first 14 days (Blackout period). Residents are only allowed in another's resident's room with the resident present, no exceptions to this rule! This is done in order to protect and respect other people's belongings and their personal space. Visiting with other residents is to be in appropriate common areas, such as lounges and patio. A pet visit is permitted only in special circumstances with prior approval. All items brought by family/friends, or purchased while out, must be checked by staff before they are taken to rooms.
12 Step Meetinq Etiquette
• Residents are expected to be on good behavior.
• Don't be a distraction.
• Get a coffee or use the men's room before the meeting starts or after it's over.
• Don't walk around during meetings.
• The meetings are free, but if you get a coffee, make a contribution.
• Cigarette butts are never to be thrown on meeting property.
• Not allowed at meetings - wearing hoods or hats, chewing tobacco, spitting on sidewalks, foul language, drug glorification, talking with girls, cell phones, or iPods.
• When the meeting is over, help put away chairs and tables before going outside.
• Ask staff if you need clarification on these rules.
Sponsors
• Residents are expected to start working with a sponsor in a local group by his 4th week.
• Sponsor minimum requirements:
o 1 or more years of continuous sobriety, completed his 5'1' step with a sponsor who has worked the steps, has a home group.
• Ask staff any questions regarding the selection of a potential sponsor.
WESTMINSTER COLOR BLOCK SYSTEM
Residence at Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley is not dictated by a time frame. Although we ask for a 90-day commitment many of our residents need to stay longer for a variety of reasons. We have made every attempt to develop a block system to meet the needs of our residents with different responsibilities and freedoms based on the resident's ability to demonstrate personal responsibility and a commitment to recovery. The following is a basic overview of our Color Block system which allows for residents, families, and staff to identify progress being made toward independent living.
Blackout Period
Upon initial residence at Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley, all residents are determined to be in a Blackout Period. The goal of Blackout Period is to acclimatize you to Westminster and you will be assigned a "buddy" to familiarize you with the program. The day is very full. During this period, we need your focus on learning the guidelines and routine, therefore we ask that you only make necessary phone calls with staff permission. This orientation period is done for your safety and takes 14 days, based on your progress. During this period, we want you to associate with Senior Residents and not isolate. During orientation residents will not work, not have driving privileges, and have their use of electronics monitored closely. Advancing to Color Block White is defined by successful adherence to the following requirements as determined by staff:
1. Have documentation of attending (10) approved 12 Step meetings. Documentation requires a staff member or senior resident to verify that you have attended (10) 12 Step meetings without leaving the meeting, going outside to smoke a cigarette, and demonstrating that you were paying attention in the meeting.
2. Residents will demonstrate an understanding of the guidelines and a willingness to follow the guidelines of the facility.
3. Residents will complete a minimum of 4 hours’ volunteer work as approved by the staff.
4. Residents will complete a Peer Evaluation with at least 1/2 the members of the house before moving to Tier One.
5. Cell phone use will be limited. As staff will keep cell phone. Any phone calls will be at Staff discretion during orientation.
6. Computer use will be limited to the house computer.
7. No use of vehicles during this period.
8. Complete all assigned chores.
9. Attend and actively participate in all appointments for coaching and/or counseling as well as completing any assignments given.
10. Attend and actively participate in all house groups and lectures as well as completing any assignments given.
11. Evaluation by staff for individual progress.
12. Adherence to all house guidelines
13. Giving evidence of accountability and responsibility to all house rules and regulations.
14. Complete Drug and Alcohol history.
15. Complete Recovery Plan
COLOR BLOCK WHITE- Resident
Residents who successfully complete the Orientation Phase will be moved into Tier 1. Moving through the Tier system is imperative to completing our program successfully. The duration of Tier 1 will be determined by TIR staff based upon the resident's attitudes, behavior, and successful completion of Tier 1 requirements, which are highlighted below:
• Attendance of 12-Step meetings as agreed upon in Recovery Plan.
• Find a 12-Step Sponsor
a. Resident must obtain a sponsor and demonstrate the use of a sponsor such as calling a sponsor several times per week, attending a meeting with his sponsor, or having his sponsor attend dinner or meeting at house. Sponsor must be willing to allow us to verify these items.
• Select a 12-Step Home Group and become active in that group by taking service commitments, attending business meetings, etc.
• Can seek part time employment with limited hours {approximately 20}.
a. Job hours cannot interfere with attendance of ECRS groups or mandatory house
meetings.
• No use of personal vehicles on this Tier.
• Devote energy to priorities consistent with recovery, such as working on your Recovery Plan, addressing family concerns, developing life skills, education, etc.
a. Resident must be active in group process and completing all recovery work given to him in a timely manner.
• Participate as an active member of the resident community including regularly interacting with, supporting and expressing concerns to peers as well as being open to feedback and concerns from others. Resident must demonstrate active participation in house activities and demonstrate a willingness to confront others about addictive behavior or rule breaking.
• Perform at least 4 hours/week (if unemployed) of community service activities that contribute to the welfare of the local community.
• Attend and participate in all required Program/Community meetings.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with Staff, peers and others.
• Adhere to Program guidelines and expectations.
• Maintain regular contact and cooperate with probation/parole officer when appropriate.
• Maintain employment if appropriate.
• Demonstrate an increasing ability to make good decisions and plans.
• Continued compliance with house rules and chores is required to maintain Color Block White and to be considered for Color Block Blue.
• Color Block White residents are permitted to have access to their cell phones but will turn them in by 11:00 pm unless this privilege is abused.
COLOR BLOCK BLUE — Resident
Following successful completion of Blackout Period & Color Block White residents can move to Color Block Blue. In Color Block Blue residents serve as role models and mentors to others. In addition to maintaining Color Block White requirements, Senior Residents will demonstrate the following requirements:
1. Take an active leadership role within the community to help keep WHLV a safe and supportive environment for newer residents.
2. Support the resident community by maintaining positive examples, attitudes, and accountability to principles of recovery, program rules and expectations.
3. Act as a mentor to newer Residents to help familiarize them with WHLV, the recovery process, and the local community.
4. Use of vehicles limited to meetings and work. During Color Block Blue residents who drive other residents to meetings in a timely fashion will be allowed to use their driving time as volunteer hours.
5. Residents are expected to be actively searching for employment as documented by staff or itinerary. While unemployed residents will provide 4 hours of volunteer work.
6. Residents are expected to demonstrate {as supported by staff observations and documentation} adherence to all house guidelines and actively confront addictive behaviors of other residents.
7. Color Block Blue residents will be punctual to all group and house activities.
8. Color Block Blue residents show respect to all staff and house guidelines.
9. During Color Block Blue residents have increased access to electronics unless they begin to abuse this privilege.
10. Color Block Blue residents are expected to attend and actively participate in all individual, coaching, and group sessions as well as completing any assignments given.
COLOR BLOCK BLACK — Senior Resident
Following successful completion of Orientation, Color Block White, and Color Block Blue, residents can apply for Color Block Black. During this phase, residents continue to serve as role models and mentors to others. The main focus of Color Block Black is the development of independent living skills. This Block is to allow demonstration of personal responsibility for the resident's life and recovery. During this phase of residency, residents will be given more responsibility and therefore more freedom including vehicle use. The resident is expected to be demonstrating the following:
1. Take an active leadership role within the community to help keep WHLV a safe and
supportive environment.
2. Will demonstrate personal responsibility by:
a. waking up at agreed upon times
b. keep room clean and neat without staff intervention
c. will take care of house chore and clean up after self without staff intervention
d. will keep staff informed of whereabouts at all times
e. will utilize time appropriately without staff intervention
f. will develop a sustainable and working budget
g. will attend all appointments
3. Residents on Color Block Black are to be examples of the principles of recovery demonstrating to others Compassion, tolerance, care, and forgiveness.
a. Actively utilizing others for help with their life decisions.
b. Actively working with a sponsor
c. Actively engaging in 12 step meetings & groups
d. Actively utilizing peer support
4. Residents in Color Block Black will be working the necessary hours for their on-going
recovery plan. Should an individual not be working during this phase they will be completing 6 hours of volunteer work. Exceptions would be those who are attending school.
5. Support the resident community by being a positive role model, endorsing program
structure and guidelines, displaying a supportive attitude toward growth, and accountability to principles of recovery, program rules and expectations.
6. Should have a concrete plan for financial self-sufficiency.
7. Should be saving money towards moving out on their own.
8. Develop a sound transition plan with the staff to leave WHLV and continue your
recovery.
9. Color Block Black residents are expected to attend and actively participate in all individual, coaching, and group sessions as well as completing any assignments given.
Successful Completion
Successful completion does not require a specific length of stay, but rather is based on a resident moving through the Block System and maintaining Color Block Black Program requirements, successfully addressing all identified Recovery Plan issues, and demonstrating an overall commitment to practicing a community-based recovery program during their period of residency