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Sophie’s Sober House - Programming Agreement
Sophie’s Sober House provides a clean, safe, and supportive environment for individuals in early recovery. This programming agreement outlines the structure and expectations for residents during their time at the house. Adherence to these guidelines is essential for maintaining a productive and sober living environment.
House Rules & Expectations
- Clean and Sober Environment: Sophie’s Sober House is a clean and sober facility. The use of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Any violation of this policy will result in immediate discharge. If you become aware that another resident is using substances, you are required to report it to the house manager immediately. Failing to report such behavior is grounds for discharge.
- Sobriety and Drug Testing Requirement: All potential residents must be sober for at least 72 hours prior to admission and provide a clean urine drug screen. This ensures that all residents are starting their journey to recovery in a safe and sober environment.
- Commitment to Residency: A minimum commitment of four months is required to stay at Sophie’s Sober House. Should you choose to vacate the premises, a 30-day notice is required.
- Program Fees: The monthly residency fee is $600. A non-refundable $400 programming deposit is required to secure your bed. Monthly payments are due on the 1st of each month. If payment is not made by the due date, please speak with the house manager to arrange a payment plan.
- Curfew: All residents must adhere to a curfew of 11:00 PM, unless otherwise designated by the house manager.
- Buddy System: During the first 30 days of residency, new residents must have a housemate accompany them whenever leaving the property, except for work-related activities.
- Overnight Passes: After 30 days of residency, residents may request one overnight pass per week, provided they give at least 24 hours' notice to the house manager.
- House Meetings: Attendance at the weekly All-House Meeting is mandatory. These meetings occur every Sunday at 4:00 PM.
- Individual House Meetings: Weekly individual house meetings will be held to discuss any personal concerns or issues with housemates. If a resident's behavior is consistently problematic, the issue should be reported to the leadership team for further resolution.
- Recovery Plan: All residents must maintain an active and documented recovery plan. This includes attending a minimum of 3 recovery meetings per week if not employed, or 2 meetings per week if employed or enrolled in school (over 24 hours per week).
- Meeting Attendance Records: Residents must submit meeting attendance sheets at the All-House Meeting on Sundays. Failure to attend the required meetings may lead to consequences.
- Sponsorship Requirement: All residents must secure a sponsor within 30 days of admission. Each resident is allowed only one sponsor.
- Employment or School Enrollment: All residents are required to be gainfully employed or enrolled in school within two weeks of arriving at Sophie’s Sober House.
- Room Inspections: Sophie’s Sober House reserves the right to conduct random, unannounced room inspections. Discovery of illicit substances or contraband will result in immediate discharge and possible law enforcement involvement.
- Contraband Policy: Contraband items include, but are not limited to, drugs, alcohol, drug paraphernalia, weapons (firearms, knives, etc.), pornography, sexually explicit material, or any other items that are offensive, inappropriate, or disruptive. These items are strictly prohibited.
- Supportive Environment: Sophie’s Sober House is committed to fostering a peaceful, supportive, and safe environment for recovery. Prayer, meditation, or other forms of personal reflection are encouraged as part of the daily routine.
- Disruptive Behavior: Disruptive behavior, including verbal threats, physical violence, sexual harassment, property destruction, or intimidation, will not be tolerated. Such behavior may result in immediate discharge from the house.
- Neighbor Relations: Residents must maintain respectful and positive relationships with neighbors. Do not enter neighbor properties without permission and promptly report any disputes to staff.
- Theft: Theft is not tolerated. Any instance of theft will result in immediate discharge from the house.
- Responsibility for Personal Property: Sophie’s Sober House is not responsible for any lost or stolen property. Residents are advised not to keep valuable items (electronics, jewelry, large sums of money, etc.) on the premises.
- Smoking and Vaping: Smoking and vaping are permitted only in designated outdoor areas. Smoking or vaping indoors is strictly prohibited. Ensure cigarettes and e-cigarettes are not left unattended. Properly dispose of ash and butts. Violation of this rule may result in immediate discharge.
- Personal Items After Discharge: Personal items left by discharged residents will be held for a maximum of 7 days and then donated to a local charity. It is the resident's responsibility to make arrangements to pick up their belongings within this time frame.
- Damaged Household Items: If a resident damages any household items, they are responsible for replacing them. Any repairs to the building’s structure or appliances must be performed by a professional authorized by Sophie’s Sober House, at the resident’s expense.
- Outside Furniture: Outside furniture is not permitted unless prior approval is given by the house manager.
- Visitation Policy:
Guests are not allowed on the premises. If you wish to meet with visitors, please plan to do so off-site in the community.
- Vehicle Policy: Vehicles must be functional, registered, and insured. Residents may only park their vehicles in designated areas. Working on vehicles on the property or street is not permitted.
- Food and Meals: Residents are responsible for purchasing and preparing their own food and snacks. All food and drinks should be clearly labeled with the resident’s name. Do not consume any food or drinks that belong to others.
- Medication Policy: Residents are responsible for storing and managing their own medications. All medications should be kept in their original containers and stored securely, out of sight. Medications are to be kept in the provided lock box. Residents must disclose all medications to management prior to admission. Any new prescriptions must be approved by the house manager.
- Personal Hygiene and Cleanliness: Residents must maintain proper personal hygiene, including daily showers, brushing teeth, and keeping their personal living areas clean and organized. Beds should be made every day, and clothing should be put away. Do not hang anything on doors, furniture, or fixtures. Be considerate of your housemates and shared spaces.
- Daily Chores: Residents must complete daily chores assigned by the house manager. Chores may rotate weekly. If you will be absent, it is your responsibility to arrange for someone else to complete your chore. Failure to complete chores may result in the loss of overnight or off-site privileges.
- Bathroom Cleanliness: Bathrooms must be cleaned daily according to a posted schedule. If a resident fails to complete their assigned cleaning day(s), they may lose overnight or off-site pass privileges.
- Kitchen Cleanliness: The kitchen must be kept clean and tidy at all times. Residents must clean up after themselves immediately, wash, dry, and store dishes, and wipe down all surfaces after use.
- Common Area Cleanliness: Common areas (living room, dining room) should be kept neat and clean. Be respectful of shared spaces.
- Noise Levels: All residents must maintain reasonable noise levels in the house. Excessively loud music, yelling, or disruptive behavior is not permitted. Electronic devices should be turned off one hour after curfew.
- Laundry Policy: Laundry should not be left unattended. Be prompt in removing clothes from washers and dryers. A laundry schedule may be posted as needed.
Acknowledgment of Agreement I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by all the rules and expectations outlined above for residency at Sophie’s Sober House. I understand that my failure to comply with these rules may result in termination from the program and immediate discharge from the premises.
This Agreement ("Agreement") is made between the resident (hereinafter "Resident") and Sophie's Sober House ("House" or "Program"). By signing this Agreement, the Resident acknowledges and agrees to abide by the terms and conditions set forth in this document, as well as the policies, rules, and regulations of Sophie's Sober House.
1. COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW The House is established in compliance with the 2036 Federal Anti-Drug Act of 1988, P.L. 100-690, as amended, which mandates that sober houses must:
- Prohibit the use of alcohol or illegal mind-altering substances by all residents.
- Expel any resident who violates the prohibition of such substances.
- Require residents to share in the household expenses, including monthly program fees, as outlined in the House's financial policy.
- Utilize democratic decision-making within the group, including decisions regarding the inclusion or expulsion of residents.
2. RESIDENT PARTICIPATION The Resident acknowledges and agrees that:
- They are a participant in the sober living program, not a tenant.
- The House is a program intended to provide sober living, and the Resident is not afforded the protections of local landlord/tenant laws.
- The Resident renounces any and all rights they may or may not have under local landlord/tenant laws, including but not limited to eviction protections or requirements.
3. SOUND MIND & CONDITIONS The Resident represents and warrants that:
- They are of sound mind and are not under the influence of any alcohol, drugs, or mind-altering substances at the time of signing this Agreement.
- They agree to maintain sobriety throughout their participation in the program and to immediately notify Sophie's Sober House if they experience any challenges related to substance use.
4. COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULES The Resident agrees to:
- Abide by all rules and regulations of Sophie's Sober House, as provided to the Resident upon entry and as amended from time to time.
- Participate in the required programs, including group activities, meetings, and other requirements as outlined by the House.
- Respect the House's decision-making process and cooperate with other residents in group-related decisions, including inclusion and expulsion decisions.
- Accept that any violation of the House rules, including but not limited to substance use or disruptive behavior, may result in disciplinary action or expulsion from the program.
5. EXPULSION AND FORFEITURE OF FEES The Resident acknowledges and agrees that:
- Violation of the rules and regulations of Sophie's Sober House may result in immediate expulsion from the program.
- In the event of expulsion, the Resident forfeits any sober deposit and prepaid program fees.
- Expulsion decisions are final and not subject to appeal. The House’s decision regarding expulsion is binding.
6. RELEASE OF LIABILITY The Resident hereby releases and holds harmless Sophie's Sober House, its staff, management, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, or lawsuits, whether known or unknown, arising out of or related to the Resident’s participation in the program. This release extends to all claims made by the Resident, their family, heirs, or legal representatives.
7. GOVERNING LAW This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which Sophie's Sober House operates, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
8. ENTIRE AGREEMENT This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral, related to the subject matter hereof. Any amendments or modifications to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both the Resident and an authorized representative of Sophie's Sober House.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE
By signing below, the Resident acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the policies of Sophie's Sober House.