FREEDOM HOUSE, INC.
806 WALNUT STREET
FORT WAYNE, IN 46802
(260) 456-8097

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND REGULATIONS FOR RESIDENTS

PURPOSE:

The primary purpose of Freedom House, Inc. (FHI) is to help the individual start a new way of life without the use of alcohol and/or unauthorized mind-altering chemicals.  We feel the only way this can be accomplished is by regular attendance at 12-Step support group meetings, professional help as needed, and a commitment to learning and applying the 12-Step principles in daily life. By using the 12-Steps and the principles of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program, we feel that you will be able to live a happy and useful life.  We feel that the house itself cannot offer you sobriety, but by regular attendance at closed and open meetings, as well as adhering to the intended atmosphere of the house, you will become a sober, productive citizen.

The Freedom house and its staff is committed to adhering to a Social Model of Recovery as an effective method of dealing with addiction and we strive to maintain a homelike atmosphere where residents feel safe and secure. All staff members are knowledgeable of the ramification of that policy and are committed to adhering to its precepts to the best of their abilities.

FREEDOM HOUSE ETHICS:

As a member of the Indiana Affiliation of Recovery Residences (INARR), the Freedom House Staff is committed to abide by the INARR code of ethics which are signed by all staff members and on file in the office and with the INARR. The Freedom House has an open-door policy and any resident who has a complaint and/or concern is encouraged to discuss the matter with staff. The issue will be reviewed and addressed as applicable. In the event that the resident does not feel that the issue has been resolved in a fair and equitable manner consistent with the INARR code of ethics they have the right to file such grievance with the INARR by visiting their website www.inarr.org. Under the heading standards there is a drop down called file a grievance which may be used for that purpose. In the event that the resident does not receive a response from the INARR they are welcome to bring the issue back to staff and we will investigate the matter further.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

All resident records are stored in the office in a combination of paper and electronic files. All records and documents are confidential and are not shared with outside sources with the exception of residents who are at the Freedom House thru the legal system (e.g. drug court, probation, home detention, etc.). Residents in that category are subject to having their records shared with the appropriate legal entity as necessary for the evaluation of their progress.  Residents have the right to examine their own records as stipulated under the conditions of section 8. in Residents Rights which are included in the resident’s intake packet. Residents are not permitted to be in the office unless a staff member is present and the office is locked during non-business hours or in the case that a staff member has to leave the premises. The computer is turned off at the end of business hours and requires a password to open. Resident records will be kept for a minimum of 5 years after which they may be disposed of at the discretion of staff. At intake all residents shall review and sign a Consent of Release Information under 42 C.F.R Part 2 Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records.

REGULATIONS:

1. A male must be at least 18 years old to be a resident.
2. No man will be admitted unless he has been alcohol/drug free for at least 72 hours. Staff reserves the right to ask the prospective, and any existing, resident to obtain a professional evaluation at any time.
3. A deposit of $20.00 is required from new residents for the issuance of storage, bedding and bath towel/wash cloth. The deposit will be returned to the resident upon their departure only if all items are returned. The resident shall also be responsible for bringing to the attention of staff if any items need to be replaced during their tenure at FHI.
4. In order to get acclimated to the house, new residents shall be on restriction for the first week of their residency. This means that they shall not be allowed to leave except for work, court related activity, medical reasons or an to attend an outside meeting if one is not being held at the house (e.g. Monday and Tuesday evenings.) Short trips to the grocery, drug store or gas station are permitted but must be approved first by staff.
5. Any resident not following the HOUSE RULES or failing to cooperate will be disciplined and may be subject to expulsion for continued violations. Residents caught using alcohol and/or drugs will be terminated from the house immediately and without exception.
6. Additionally, if it is determined that a resident is aware that another resident used drugs and/or alcohol; and fails to inform staff, that individual shall also be terminated.
7. A resident voluntarily moving out of the house may do so any time between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
8. Initial admission shall be approved by staff. Any request for readmission must be approved by the staff, and in certain cases, by the Board of Directors.  In all cases where an individual has lived at FHI two times, the board must decide if they are to be allowed additional opportunities.
9. If admission is refused, petition must be submitted to the Board of Directors. Determination will then be made of refusal or acceptance of admission. If the person is denied re-admission, he shall be informed as to the reason.
10. Any resident who has left the Freedom House either voluntarily or been terminated and wishes to be considered for re-admission shall be required to make arrangements to pay any back rent owed before being allowed to return.
11. In the event that a resident has to leave for an unexpected reason (e.g. family emergency, medical issue, legal issue, etc.) the Freedom house will address those issues on a case-by-case basis to determine the status of the resident’s bed. Note: Residents shall still be responsible for any rent incurred.
12. Each resident must attend one 12-Step support meeting per day for the first 90 days of residency. During the first 90 days, residents are required to attend all AA meetings conducted at the house unless they are working. The CA meetings are optional, but residents must either attend those meetings or find an outside meeting. All residents are to attend any meeting being held if they are on the premises. This includes residents of the main house and all other houses. After 90 days, residents are to attend a minimum of four meetings per week, with the Saturday morning and Sunday evening AA held at the house meetings as mandatory. (Note: Exceptions may be made for special circumstances but must be reviewed and approved by staff.)
13. The Freedom House maintains three separate communications boards: A Recovery Resource Communications Board (Recovery related activities in the community), A Community Resources Communication Board (Job opportunities, training, etc.) and a Staff/Resident Communications Board (Staff to Resident communications.) Additionally meetings are scheduled on Sunday evenings as needed with residents to review issues and resident concerns.)
14. Residents are to get a sponsor to help them work a 12-step recovery program and inform staff as to whom they have chosen by submitting the information on the form provided. Residents must obtain a sponsor within the first 30 days from the date of their admittance, and may ask for assistance if they are unsure as to how to obtain a sponsor. This shall be reviewed after the first two weeks to determine if they need additional assistance. Failure to procure a sponsor within the proscribed period may result in termination. (Note: The Freedom House does not wish to directly intervene in an individuals right to work with sponsors of their own choosing. However, in the best interest of the resident, the staff may advise the resident on the choice of a sponsor. Due to conflicts of interests’ staff members shall not be allowed to serve as sponsors to residents. Likewise, residents may not sponsor one another.
15. Any resident who uses mind-altering chemicals on the premises, or comes onto Freedom House property using mind-altering chemicals from off the premises will be immediately expelled. Additionally, a resident who is aware that another resident has used mind-altering chemicals either on or off premises, and fails to inform staff will be immediately expelled from the House and the premises. (See rules 3 and 4.)
16. Each resident is responsible for the cleanliness of his own living area, bathrooms after use, and other cleaning duties as assigned by Freedom House staff.
17. The rent covers the residents room and board as follows:

• Evening meals from Monday though Friday.
• Food that the resident may prepare for all other meals including weekends.

(Note: Residents may also buy and prepare their own    food for breakfast, lunch and weekend dinners)

• Residents of the other houses will also receive the same meals, but are not to take food from the main house to one of the other houses, unless they are given permission to do so by staff.

18. The Freedom House suggests that residents commit to a minimum stay of six months with the recommended stay of a year to 18 months. Staff shall work with the drug court teams for residents who have been court ordered to live here.
19. Resident’s progress will be reviewed with primary staff to ensure compliance with rules and to monitor recovery process. Regular updates on residents will be provided to the Board of Directors. If the Board feels further review with a resident is necessary, staff will conduct the review with the resident.
20. The Director will attend Board Meetings as well as maintain regular contact with Board Members. He will be responsible for bringing issues needing to be addressed by the Board.
21. All residents are subject to random drug screen tests at the discretion of staff. The Freedom House uses urine screens to perform drug tests which yield either a negative result or a preliminary positive result. A preliminary positive result means that further testing is needed and shall be addressed as follows:
22. If the individual is in the legal system (e.g. drug court or probation), the house shall notify the legal representative of the results. The resident is responsible for contacting their representative immediately and arranging for a definitive test to be performed.
23. If the resident is not involved in the legal system, he shall be given the opportunity to contact an independent testing facility and have a test performed at his expense. If he declines, he shall be terminated.
24. Residents who have been found to be preliminary positive shall not be terminated pending the results from a laboratory.
25. The Freedom House reserves the right to terminate residents who are deemed by their actions to be using drugs and fail the drug test administered by the house.
26. If a resident on drug court misses a drug screen and FHI performs the test, the resident shall pay $20.00 for the administration of the test. The resident is still subject to whatever sanctions the drug court team may deem appropriate.

HOUSE RULES:

Considering the limitations and demands that group living presents to residents, the following rules have been devised so that all may reside in an orderly and manageable manner.  House rules will be explained to all residents upon admission.  You are responsible for learning the rules and requesting help if you are unable to understand them.

Excessive or repetitive rules violations may result in termination from the Freedom House program.  In sobriety, we must learn to change our behaviors and attitudes to meet the conditions around us, rather than expecting our environment to adjust to our personal desires. Our primary purpose is to provide an atmosphere of recovery, respect, and courtesy for all Freedom House residents and our rules are designed to promote this goal.

SEARCH POLICY:

The Freedom House reserves the right to inspect and search all of the residences including resident spaces areas in the main house, the ¾ houses and the safe house in order to ensure that those areas are being kept in accordance with the rules and that no prohibited items (e.g. drugs, alcohol, weapons) are being kept in those areas.

HOUSEKEEPING:

1. Each resident will be responsible for his own room space.
   1. Beds will be made when not in use.
   2. Rooms will be kept neat and orderly at all times. Trash must be emptied regularly. Dirty laundry must be bagged or in a basket/hamper.
   3. Each resident in the main house will be provided with two large plastic totes to store clothing. Additionally, there is closet space to hang clothes. In the event that that is not enough space, the resident must make arrangements to store excess clothing off the premises.
   4. When a resident is moved to a ¾ facility, those places have dressers which the resident is to use for storage. The totes are to be left at the main house.
   5. Bedding will be washed once a week by the resident, at his own cost.
   6. You are responsible for your valuables. It is suggested that anything of value be kept in the Freedom House safe.  Freedom House is not liable for lost or stolen property.
2. All residents will be assigned a specific house chore to be completed in the time frame designated on the Chore List description. Morning chores must be complete before you leave for work or 9:00 a.m. whichever is earlier.  Evening chores must be complete by 6:00 p.m. at the latest.
3. Each chore MUST be done COMPELTELY, as described on the Chore List.
4. Residents must initial the Chore List upon completion of assigned chore.
5. Each resident is ultimately responsible for completion of their assigned chore and will be held accountable if the chore is not completed.
6. Each resident must make sure their chore is covered if they are going to be on pass, at work, or at some other event. This is to be approved by staff.
7. A full evening meal is served at 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. A less formal meal (e.g. soup and sandwich) is served at the same time on Friday. All residents are encouraged to be here for the evening meal, as that is a time not just for eating but to engage in fellowship with your fellow residents. Residents who work, but want an evening meal may do so by putting the initials LP (Late plate) in the sign-in slot. Late plates will be provided only for those residents who cannot be present at the evening meal due to work or some other reason which has been approved by staff.
8. Kitchen closes at 9:00 p.m. with no exceptions. This means you cannot use the stove, microwave, prepare a snack, etc.
9. Non-residents are not permitted to eat dinner at the House unless it’s a House event.
10. You are responsible for cleaning up any mess you make while preparing any food.
11. No cooking or eating within 30 minutes of a 12-Step meeting unless you have received permission from staff.
12. Residents from other houses who request a late plate are to eat that meal at the main house (806 Walnut) and are responsible for cleaning their own dishes after eating.
13. Residents are responsible for cleaning their own laundry.
14. Detergent, softener, bleach, etc…and coin-operated machines are provided for resident use only.
15. Laundry may be done from 8:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. only.
16. Money for House Laundry Chore will be provided by staff.
17. No laundry may be done for, or by, non-residents.
18. Be considerate: remove your laundry quickly from the washer and dryer so other residents may use them.
19. Every time you use the dryer, you must clean the lint catch.

RESIDENT RULES:

1. Each resident must be responsible for their own hygiene, maintaining good habits of cleanliness in all areas.
   1. Residents are to be up and ready for the day by 8:00 a.m. on weekdays (excluding 3^rd shift) and by 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Residents may sleep in on Sundays; however, if they have a morning chore, they must come downstairs and complete it by no later than 9:00 a.m. (Note: During the week Monday thru Friday residents are not to go back upstairs until 4:00 p.m. unless given permission to do so by staff. On weekends residents are permitted to go back upstairs during the day without getting permission from staff.
   2. When downstairs in the common area, residents are not allowed to nap either in chairs or on the sofas or to lay in a prone position on the sofas.
   3. Residents are NEVER PERMITTED in another resident’s room UNLESS an occupant of that room is present.
   4. Residents are responsible for cleaning up after themselves after using the bathrooms.
2. No alcoholic beverages of mind-altering substances are permitted on the premise nor are they to be used by the resident off the premises.
3. No use of tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes or chewing tobacco is allowed inside any of the Freedom House properties including: the main house (806 Walnut), or the ¾ houses (742 Walnut, 740 Walnut, 736 Walnut and 2016 Fox). E-cigarettes are also not allowed. Any resident violating this rule is subject to disciplinary action up to and including eviction. Visitors are also prohibited from using tobacco products inside Freedom House properties. Ashtrays/Smoker stations are provided for the use of tobacco product refuse outside of the properties. Residents are responsible for policing those items and making sure that they are regularly cleaned. Residents are also responsible for policing the grounds and disposing of cigarette butts.
4. No personal pets are allowed.
5. No guests are allowed above the first floor or on the basement level.
6. Residents are to be appropriately dressed at all times on the first floor and basement level. Shoes must be worn at all times and sox must be worn under sandals so that bare feet are not exposed.
7. Sleeveless shirts may be worn, but not athletic type shirts or shirts exposing an excessive amount of bare skin.
8. Hats and caps including dew rags are permissible to be worn in the house; however hooded sweatshirts may not have the hood pulled over the head while inside. No sunglasses are to be worn in the house. Guests, too, are to be appropriately attired.  No food is allowed upstairs in 806.  No weapons of any kind allowed on any FHI property.
9. Electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets and computers are permissible for use provided that residents exercise consideration for their fellow residents when using such devices. (Note: There is a computer designated for resident usage in the common area of the main house.) This usage is a privilege and not a right. Residents are to turn off all such devices while a meeting is in progress, and shall not use the devices for any reason. Residents who are caught using an electronic device during a meeting are subject to disciplinary action and may have the privilege of using it in the house revoked for a duration of time specified by staff.
10. Social media regulations are as follows:
    1. Any resident caught making slanderous or defamatory posts in regard to the Freedom House on any social media platform will be disciplined in a degree proportionate to the nature of the posting.
    2. Residents are not to verify another resident’s residency at the Freedom House on any social media platform. Violation of this requirement is subject to termination.
    3. All staff members are expected to abide by the same social media regulations as residents in regard to social media postings about the house.
11. No gambling is permitted. Residents may play card games such as Hearts, Euchre, Pinochle, Bridge, etc. However, no games which entail betting (e.g. Poker or other games) involving betting will not be allowed. Playing card games during week days is permitted only in the evenings after any 12-Step meeting. On Saturdays, card games are permitted during the day and evening after the 10:00 a.m. AA meeting. On Sundays card games will be allowed during the day until 6:00 p.m. and again after the 7:00 p.m. Sunday AA meeting.
12. Freedom House, Inc. is not responsible for loss of personal property or for personal injury on or off the premises.
13. No properties of the House are to be removed from the premises.
14. Rents are not refundable.
15. Television hours are 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on weekdays, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weeknights and 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on weekends.
16. The television is to be turned off 30 minutes prior to all 12-Step meetings and may not be turned back on until after the meeting has ended.
17. Residents are responsible for turning off all lights and fans in their bedrooms. Failure to turn off fans when the residents are not in the room will result in the fan(s) being removed from the room.
18. Residents of the first house are to be upstairs by 11:00 p.m. on weeknights (Sunday thru Thursday and 2:00 a.m. on weekends (Friday and Saturday nights) All lights must be turned off in the kitchen and living room.
19. Each resident is responsible for signing himself in and out when leaving and returning to the house, stating date, time and destination on the sheet provided.
20. The Freedom House is dedicated to maintaining a good neighbor policy. This entails maintaining our properties in a neat and presentable condition. It also entails that resident conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner to serve as a positive example to each other and our neighbors both inside and outside of the house. Profanity, loudness and pejorative (e.g. racist, sexist, homophobic, etc.) language is not allowed. Any complaints from neighbors can be addressed by calling our office phone (260) 456-8097 or by email: fhi1988@comcast.net the director will then take appropriate action to take care of the situation. If there is a neighborhood association and/or representative, the Freedom House shall furnish our contact information to them.
21. Residents who violate the rules will be given a verbal warning initially. Repeated violations will be documented with written warnings, copies of which will be entered in the resident’s files. Discipline for written infractions will be determined and assigned based upon staff’s review of the violation and its severity. Discipline may include the assignment of essays, restrictions, extra duties, etc. as determined by staff. Resident files will be reviewed regularly by staff. Repeated written warnings may be utilized as grounds for termination.
22. Office personal are the only ones allowed to get the mail any resident caught getting the mail will be subject to disciplinary action up to eviction.
23. Residents are not permitted to have tv’s and/or gaming systems in the main house. Playing games on personal cell phone is permitted on the first floor only, but residents are expected to use discretion so as not to disturb anyone else in the area.

CURFEW:

1. Curfews vary as follows and mean that residents are to be in their own house: New residents:  Mon – Sun = 10:00 p.m. (Note: All residents including those with more than 30 days residency are required to be on the premises by no later than 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and are not permitted to leave the premises until after the 7:00 p.m. Sunday AA meeting.
2. Residents with 30 days or more residency: weeknights = 10 pm, weekends (Friday and Saturday) = 12 am.
3. Violation of curfew may result in immediate termination of residency.
   8097. Each resident is responsible for informing staff if they are going to be late for the weekday evening meal and/or other curfew by calling the staff on the office telephone: (260) 456-8097.
   8098. After office hours, the resident is to call the resident line (260) 456-9711 and inform the house watch person, who shall in turn contact staff for further instructions.
   8099. Each resident must inform staff if any employment schedule, medical, counseling appointment or other emergency problems cause them to be unable to meet curfew times. Notification should be prior to the occurrence.

EMPLOYMENT:

1. Residents who do not have a job upon entry must make a concentrated effort to seek employment as soon as possible following admission. New residents who are unemployed will be given a grace period from the time of their admittance until the following Monday to begin seeking employment, and then have a period of two weeks to find employment. (If you don’t have a job, your full time job is to look for one. This applies to residents who are on Recovery Works as well. That program is meant to be a hand-up, not a hand out.) Resident may not be employed where alcoholic beverages are served unless approved by staff.
2. Residents who are unable to find employment after two weeks will be given the opportunity to enroll in the Blue Jacket program. (Note: New residents will be offered the option to enroll in that program during their initial grace period if they wish.) The Freedom House will cover the initial cost ($10.00) of the Blue Jacket Program. A resident who opts for the Blue Jacket Program must list the Freedom House number as a contact number when they enroll and the house reserves the right to contact Blue Jacket to make sure the resident is in compliance with their guidelines. If a resident is non-compliant or refuses to enroll in Blue Jacket after not finding a job in the initial two-week period, they will be terminated from the Freedom House program.
3. Residents must inform staff of their place of employment, telephone number for emergency use and work schedule.
4. Residents are encouraged to seek employment on 1^st shift jobs. 3^rd shift jobs may be approved on an individual basis, but must first be cleared with staff. Residents in the main house will not be allowed to work a 2^nd Residents of the ¾ (742, 740 and 736 Walnut) and stepping stone house (2016 Fox) may be given permission to work a 2^nd shift job contingent on approval from staff. Residents must get permission from staff prior to accepting a 2^nd shift job. (Note: 2^nd shift employment shall not be used as a criteria for moving a resident from the main house before they are deemed ready.)
5. Any residents given permission to work outside the normal parameters of hours is responsible for meeting required 12-step meeting attendance.
6. Residents who are on disability are expected to either find part time work (within the restrictions of the legal parameters) or find volunteer work. The Freedom House was not designed to be used as a retirement home, and use as such will not be allowed.

WEEKEND PASSES:

1. In order for residents to adjust to the Freedom House program, no weekend passes will be permitted during the first 30 days.
2. Weekend passes are a PRIVILEGE and, therefore, must be EARNED. Passes will be permitted only under the following conditions:
   500. Resident has accepted his responsibility to maintain employment and made a good effort to pay his rent and are not in conflict with the resident’s recovery program. Residents who are $500.00 or more in arrears will not be allowed to take a pass.
   501. Resident has consistently demonstrated a willingness to work on personal goals, including recovery program, emotional, mental and financial stability.
   502. Resident has made definite plans for a weekend pass, which have been pre-approved by staff no later than 5pm on the Thursday evening prior to the desired pass.
   503. Saturday night passes begin after the 10am Saturday AA meeting.
   504. In some cases, passes may be granted on days other than the weekends. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and must be reviewed and approved by staff. This exception will be applicable only to residents of ¾ houses.
   505. Residents must sign out for weekend pass in the designated logbook, listing time, date of departure, destination address and phone number for emergency.
   506. The first pass will be for one night only. After that, residents may take two-night passes.
   507. Residents may not take a pass on concurrent weekends. (Two weekends in a row)
   508. Residents are responsible for ensuring that their chores are covered or must return to do them themselves.
   509. Residents taking a pass on Saturday night are to be back at the Freedom House by no later than 6:00 p.m. on Sunday night. (Note: This includes residents not on pass as well. See item 1. Under curfew section.)
   510. For resident’s who receive Recovery Works, a pass is considered part of the titration process, meaning that you must have the financial capacity to cover the rent for those days. Recovery Works will not cover any pass days, but the resident is still financially liable for them. (Note: Resident who receive Recovery works must remit any rent they are liable for to cover the pass must do so in the week they are taking the pass – 1 day – $20.00 due. 2 days – $35.00 due. The pass will not be approved unless the resident can over the rent up front.)

MEDICATION ILLNESS:

1. All residents must report any illness to staff.
2. Any resident who is too sick to go to work will remain in the House the entire day, and talk with staff to determine if they are too ill to attend meetings. Resident must attend meetings unless determined by staff that they are too ill.
3. MATS AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES: All residents are screened prior to admittance as to whether they are on medication and if those include MATS or other controlled substances (e.g. gabapentin and other controlled pain medications). Any resident who is prescribed any of the aforementioned medications is also to report and remit those items to the office so that they can be recorded and stored as well.
   1. The Freedom House allows the usage of MATS including Suboxone, Methadone and Vivitrol). If the MATS is to be taken on the premises it is listed and stored in a separate container from other medications. When they take the MATS, they are to take the medicine out of the container and put it on a flat surface so that staff can verify they are taking the amount as prescribed and recorded on the medication log.
   2. Likewise controlled substances will be kept in the same container and dispensed in the same manner.
4. All other prescription medication will be kept in the Office and the resident must inform staff that they need to take medication. (Note: Exceptions may be made for insulin or inhalers prescribed for residents with asthma). Non-prescription medicine such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. may be kept in the residents room, but must be reported to staff.
   1. Each resident is responsible for administering his own medication dosage as per the label instructions. (Note: See item 3 for instructions on MATS and other controlled substances.)
   2. Each resident is responsible for reporting any adverse drug reaction to staff.
   3. If resident is working full-time, or leaves on pass, an envelope with name of medication and dosage will be given to resident, who then assumes responsibility for the medication and its proper ingestion.
   4. Any type of prescription medication which is found in a resident’s room can result in immediate dismissal unless prior approval has been received from staff.
   5. Each resident must notify staff in case of a doctor’s appointment and, upon return from doctor, report any diagnosis and prescription ordered.
5. Residents who have a communicable disease are required to report it to staff so that the appropriate measures can be taken to ensure the health and safety of other residents and staff.
6. The Freedom House shall take steps within its power to limit the spread of contagious diseases such as encouraging residents and staff to get vaccines as applicable, furnish and enforce the wearing of PPE, enforce social distancing, and assist residents in finding testing facilities. (Note: The Freedom House does not maintain a designated quarantine area, but will allow a resident who has an alternate place to go for temporary quarantine the opportunity to do so without losing their residency here.)
7. Bodily fluids shall be handled in a safe manner including the use of gloves and any other protective gear to ensure the health and safety of other residents and staff.
8. CBD Oil: Resident must have a valid reason to purchase CBD oil, and it must be the type which contains no THC. (Note: The label ingredients will list THC if it is present in the product). The CBD oil must also be reviewed by staff to make sure it contains no THC and then will be kept in the safe and dispensed like prescription drugs. Residents who purchase CBD oil and do not adhere to these guidelines will be subject to disciplinary measures up to and including termination if CBD oil is found in their possession.
9. In case of sickness, time needed off work, or scheduled day off, resident may request permission from staff to remain in bed later than 8:00 a.m.

TRANSPORTATION:

1. Residents who have a car at Freedom House must provide a valid driver’s license, valid license plates (registration), and provide proof of insurance.
2. If the resident refuses to provide the documents listed above, they may not park their vehicle on any Freedom House property, nor provide transportation to other residents. If they are involved with the legal system, their refusal will be reported to the proper court representative. Furthermore. If they do not provide the aforementioned proof and are caught parking their vehicle on Freedom House Property and/or transporting other residents they will be subject to immediate terminaiton.
3. Residents MAY NOT use the House (806 Walnut) It is for STAFF ONLY and VISITORS ONLY. They may use any of the other driveways to park their vehicle.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

1. Each resident is responsible for making good effort towards payment of rent each week to Freedom House. $140 per week.
2. The Freedom House maintains a transparent accounting system which tracks Recovery Works and how the funds are distributed. Residents who have a question regarding their rent are welcome to take it up with the Director, who shall explain and demonstrate how rent and funds are tracked, recorded and distributed.
3. The rent schedule runs from Sunday thru Saturday and is payable weekly in advance. Rent is due by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Note: Because the banking is done on Tuesdays, as long as the rent is turned in prior to the books being closed (5:00 p.m. Monday evening), the rent can be counted for that week. However, once the books have been closed, the rent can no longer be applied to the current week and will be held until the next week, at which time another $140.00 will be due. Staff reserves the right to impose a late fee of $2.00 per day with a maximum cap of $8.00 per week. Late fees will be imposed if it is determined that the resident is not making a good faith effort to become financially responsible for their rent.
4. The Freedom House’s reason for existence is to provide a safe sober living environment. In order to do that we need to have the financial ability to maintain and meet the various financial obligations that entails, and we rely on the rent from residents to keep our doors open. As stated under the section dealing with passes, a resident who is $500.00 behind on rent shall not be allowed to take a pass. In the event that a resident hits the mark of $500.00 behind in rent, he shall be given 2 weeks to get below that figure including the rent that accrues in those two weeks. Failure to do so will result in termination from the house.
5. Each resident must initiate efforts to become self-sustaining, avoiding borrowing or lending; and paying for services rendered to the best of their ability.
6. Additionally, staff members shall not become involved in a residents’ personal finances including lending and/or borrowing money to or from residents.
7. In the event that the Freedom House would enter into a paid work agreement with a resident, the agreement would be completely dependent upon the resident’s voluntary agreement to do so. They would be compensated at a fair market value which would be recorded via invoice, and paid out of FHI funds. As stated, participation would be strictly voluntary and would have no effect on any other aspect of the resident’s tenure at the facility.
8. It is recommended that residents carry no more than $40. Residents with more than that amount are encouraged to either have a savings/checking account or keep amounts greater than that in the house safe. The house will not assume responsibility if a resident has money and/or other valuables stolen from them.
9. Recovery Works:
   1. Residents who receive Recovery Works shall receive that assistance on a titrated schedule. The first three months will be 100% covered by Recovery Works (Note: Due to the monthly voucher system proscribed by the provider (FSSA/DMHA) the titration period shall start with the first full month after their admission. The 4^th and 5^th month, the resident will be responsible for 1 week (7 days) at the end of each month with Recovery Works picking up the balance of each month. The 6^th and 7^th month, the resident shall be responsible for 2 weeks (14 days) at the end of each month with Recovery Works paying for the balance of those two months. The 8^th and 9^th month, Recovery Works will pay for 1 week (7 days) at the beginning of each month with the resident being responsible for the balance of those months. After that period, the resident shall be fully responsible for his rent.
   2. Due to the fact that recovery Works will not pay for days when the resident is on pass, they shall be responsible for the per diem of any pass days they take. (See item k. under Passes – pass days are payable the week in which they are taken.)
   3. Because of the lag between the billing and receipt of Recovery Works funds, the funds from Recovery Works will be credited to the residents rent in the week in which they are received.

VISITORS:

1. Visitors are welcome at the main house from 9 am until 9 pm. If the house is open earlier, it is up to the staff discretion whether visitors can be present.
2. The house is closed to visitors during the dinner hour (Monday thru Friday from 5:00 p.m. thru 6:00 p.m.) This includes friends and relatives of residents.
3. Visitors are responsible for the supervision of their children.
4. VISITORS ARE ALLOWED ONLY on the main floor of the main house, including family members. Staff has the right to refuse visitation at any time, making sure reason is stated on resident chart. Residents of the ¾ living houses, who have visitors, must receive them at the main house as well. Visitors are not allowed in those residences.
5. Individual visitors may be restricted upon request of a resident or staff for the following reasons:
6. If the visitor appears to be under the influence of, or is strongly suspected of use of any form of drug or alcohol, as determined by staff.
7. If the visitor’s behavior is disruptive to the residence or detrimental to the resident’s recovery program.

HOUSE COURTESY:

Limit all telephone calls to FIVE MINUTES on the resident’s phone (260) 456-9711.  The only EXCEPTIONS to this are talking with a sponsor and professional business, and even this MUST BE APPROVED by staff.

1. Resident’s phone always is answered with “Hello”, NEVER “Freedom House”.
2. Messages must be taken; residents are not allowed to verify another individual’s residency.
3. Residents are responsible for answering resident phone.

AA/NA/CA MEETINGS:

1. New residents are required to attend one meeting each day for the first ninety days of residency.
2. After ninety days residents are required to attend a minimum of four meeting per week.
3. For further clarification of mandatory and/or optional meetings, refer to House meeting schedule.
4. Residents are required to document attendance at meetings by signing off on the meeting attendance sheet. If a resident opts to attend more than one meeting on a given day, they are to record one meeting only.
5. Any resident whether they reside at the main house or one of the other houses is required to attend a meeting if they are on the premises while it is being conducted.
6. Residents are free to attend Zoom meetings if they wish, but they cannot be counted as fulfilling a meeting requirement.

UPON MOVING OUT OF FREEDOM HOUSE, ALL ITEM ISSUED BY STAFF MUST BE RETURNED  (Page 2, item 3) OR THE DEPOPSIT WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

PERSONAL PROPERTIES MUST BE REMOVED. ANY PERSONAL ITEMS REMAINING AFTER THIRTY (30) DAYS WILL BE DISPOSED OF BY THE STAFF.