Rules

Be Strong Women’s Ministry Rules & Regulations

Personal Growth and Development

It is the Home’s desire that you take responsibility for your personal growth and development. The staff is here to support and guide you through the phases; however, this must be a team effort. For this reason, we operate under a Level System.

The Level System was designed to allow you an opportunity to see the benefits of your positive decisions, your adjustment to the program, and your emotional and spiritual growth.

After your first 30 days, you will have an opportunity, once a month, to conduct a Self Assessment and request to move to a higher level. An Assessment Team, composed of various Be Strong Staff, will review your request, make a decision and provide you with a progress report. If you are not progressing, you may be held at a particular level or dropped to a lower level. You must show consistent improvement and meet all of the requirements outlined by your level to be promoted.

There are four levels (1 — 4). Please note, your level will dictate the amount of time you receive on your monthly pass, if eligible. Therefore, it is important that you are mindful of the following on a daily basis: your attitude with staff and other residents, the effort put forth in assignments, completing your work details adequately and being a leader within the community.

The amount of time given on a pass is as follows. The first and third Saturday of each month,

a. Level 1 — you will receive four passes for 4 hours each.

b. Level 2 — you will receive four passes for 8 hours each.

c. Level 3 — you will receive four passes for 12 hours each.

d. Level 4 — you will receive four passes for 24 hours each.

With Program Director discretion, the described level guidelines may be adjusted based upon the resident’s progress.

Completion of Program

By the end of your stay, it is our desire that you have addressed all of the precipitating issues that brought you to us and that you have grown spiritually. With that said, there are two ways to leave the Be Strong program. You can graduate from the program and leave with the blessing of the staff or be dismissed for program non-compliance.

Graduates of the program have successfully completed all phases of the program and are leaving with the approval of the staff. By this time, you will have grown spiritually and obtained the necessary skills to become a productive member of society.

If you are not an active program participant, violate Be Strong rules/policies or are unwilling to submit to authority you may be dismissed from the program for non-compliance. Severe infractions may warrant an immediate discharge. Please know that Be Strong is committed to working with you during this challenging time in your life, but we can only do this with your cooperation.

Do not attempt to set your own departure date. When you set your own date of departure, you may not be in agreement as to what staff has determined to be a sufficient length of time for your stay. Let go of your agenda and go with God’s plan: He has the better plan.

Note: If you do not have your High School diploma, it is our desire that you get your GED before you exit to Be Strong. We will provide tutoring and instruction in order for you to accomplish this goal.

Measurement of Progress

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Monthly Evaluation Procedures

Throughout the program the staff will keep records of the following information concerning
your progress:
a. Group attendance
b. Tardiness
c. Work completed and participation in classes and activities.
d. Spiritual growth toward Christ centeredness vs. self-centeredness.
At the end of each month, this information will be tallied by the staff and submitted to the Program Director for review with the Assessment Team.
This information will be compiled, along with your progress reports, corrective actions and other pertinent information. The Assessment Team will come together to evaluate and provide feedback on your request: however, the Program Director will make the final determination.
You will not be considered for advancement if you have any outstanding corrective actions, incomplete assignments or if you are on behavioral probation.
The Program Director or designated staff will discuss your growth with you. Then you will be informed of the decision regarding your promotion.
If you are denied promotion, you will be re-evaluated after 30 days, following the same procedure.

Level Evaluation Procedures

The Assessment Team will meet monthly to review the progress of each resident and determine her Level. Remember, levels determine the amount of time given for weekend passes.
Residents must complete the appropriate ‘Request for Level Change’ form and submit it to the Case Manager by 3 pm on the 20th day of each month.
Please see item one, under the phase evaluation, as these items will be reviewed with all requests for level changes.
The Assessment Team will spend time discussing the resident’s attitude, behavior, leadership within the community and work ethic (with respect to assignments and work details) before making a determination.
In conjunction with the review of level requests, the Assessment Team will complete a Progress Report to share positive feedback and areas of opportunities for the requesting resident.
The Assessment Team reserves the right to adjust levels, even if you do not submit a formal request.
The Assessment Team or designated staff will share the team’s decision and review your Progress Report with you.

Group Living and Responsibilities

As a resident of Be Strong, there are agreements by which each resident must live in order for there to be harmony. Tasks and other responsibilities will be assigned. This booklet is designed to help you understand our expectations of you, and likewise, what you can expect from us.

When difficulties arise, residents and staff alike are expected to resolve the difficulties by talking with each other. If two people are unable to resolve their problem, they should involve a staff member.

Respect and Honesty

We ask that you respect the rights and belongings of others. There should be no ‘back talk’ or arguing with staff members and/or other residents. We encourage you not to dwell on your past life, but to concentrate on developing a positive outlook on life and for your future. Please take care of the property and facilities of Be Strong. The Home belongs to God, and we are thankful for what He has given us. When riding in the van, you should be courteous and respectful to others. We ask that you be courteous to guests who come to the Home.

Honesty is of utmost importance. Please be open and honest with staff, even if you did something wrong. Grace and mercy is given for honesty and a repentant heart.

Discipline

For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, But the one
who sows to the spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal like. Gal. 6:8

Discipline while you are in the program has two dimensions: (1) To maintain an environment conducive to the achievement of Be Strong goals and (2) to instill and encourage a Godly understanding of self control, boundaries, correction and consequences; while teaching you how to become a virtuous woman of God.

Discipline is a biblical concept and when used in love can bring forth proper behavior in a person’s life and lead one down the path of righteousness. The very definition of discipline is “training that corrects, molds or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.” Discipline should not be resisted but embraced — as it is the very exercise or training, which strengthens us to perform, as we should. One aspect (a minor one actually) of discipline is the imposition of a penalty for a fault, offense, or violation. A corrective action will be given for disobedience and
wrong attitudes. Extra work details, restriction from privileges, essays and even dismissal may be used if you refuse to change the behavior.

If you know of another person who is violating the rules, you are obligated to tell staff. If you choose not to tell staff, you are as guilty as the offender.

We want you to succeed, but you have to choose to succeed.

Probation & Dismissal

Residents who become a discipline problem and disruptive to the functioning of the program may be placed on probation. Residents on a probationary status will have an opportunity to prove that they truly desire further help for their problems, and must conduct themselves in a manner that does not disrupt other residents. A resident on probation is not eligible for promotion to the next level or phase. In addition, certain privileges will be removed while on probation.

A resident may be released from the program if it is believed that she is not willing to receive help from this ministry and/or is a continual problem in the area of discipline. A resident sent to Be Strong in lieu of incarceration, or on probation/parole with the state of Ohio, will be released just as quickly as those who are here without legal restrictions. Your special legal situation does not in any way protect you from possible discharge. To those residents who are bound here by law, know that God’s mercy and grace has already been extended to you as you have been granted the privilege to come to Be Strong and seek treatment.

A resident may be subject to dismissal for the following behavior:

Using drugs or alcohol or having them in her possession.
Leaving the property without permission.
Being continuously uncooperative.
Not showing a sincere desire for help.
Physical abuse.
Sexual misconduct of any kind.
Other behavior(s) deemed inappropriate by the Program Director.

Residents who leave the Home due to early discharge or AWOL can re-apply in 30 days. Note: Applications to re-enter the home’s program are not guaranteed acceptance.

Church Attendance

Be Strong is a faith based residential facility. We attend Church services on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights and on Wednesday evenings, unless otherwise notified. Occasionally, you will attend activities at other ministry groups. Prior to any service, go to the bathroom to avoid unnecessary interruptions during services. All residents and supervisory staff are required to sit together at church. Please be respectful in church and refrain from other distracting behaviors during services. Residents will leave and return together under the supervision of the staff.

Reporting Abuse

The Home is a mandated reporter. Therefore, we are required to report any threats of harm to you, if you threaten to harm someone else, or if you threaten to harm yourself. This is the only circumstance in which you will break confidentiality with an outside organization, not assigned to work with your care.

Finances and Resident Accounts

Residents are not permitted to have money/bank cards in their possession or in their belongings at any time (unless approved by staff) on Be Strong grounds. All money will be held in an account for your personal use. You are responsible to inform the Program Director of any changes in your income. Failure to do so may lead to your dismissal.

Residents will take a monthly ’needs shopping’ trip and will be required to fill out a ’needs shopping’ request to include the items needed and amount needed up to $50. All merchandise that is purchased has to be checked in by staff and a receipt given to staff upon arrival to the home. The request should be given to the House Manager/ Intake Coordinator. All requested funds are left with the direct care staff on duty prior to the identified activity. Money in the resident’s account is kept in the safe and will not be available for staff other than the appropriate
staff to retrieve.

Any unauthorized materials such as drugs, alcohol, knives, etc. that is brought onto Be Strong’s property at the time of intake or any other time shall be confiscated and disposed of. Contraband items as described SHALL NOT be held, but will be destroyed. This also includes: pornography, sexually oriented materials or photos.
Activities — everyone participates in all activities unless given special permission to be excused by the staff member on duty. You are to stay with the group and under the supervision of a staff member during activities.
Appointments — you are to notify the staff if you need a doctor, dental or other type of appointment. Arrangements will be made in accordance with the availability of staff, unless there is an emergency. These appointments can be made as needed according to necessity. Program Director permission is required. Appointments are made for Monday and Tuesdays.
Automobiles —Residents are not allowed to have vehicles on Be Strong grounds. However, at the discretion of the Program Director, residents may be allowed to have a vehicle to accommodate employment. No resident is permitted to drive without insurance. Residents working on level 4 will be permitted to drive to passes and program activities as needed by staff. All driving is subject to Program Director approval.
Bathroom Courtesy — please show respect to the residents with whom you share a bathroom. There is a posted shower schedule, with a twenty-minute time limit for each person. Please be ready when it is your turn. When entering and exiting the shower, please be properly clothed. Nudity is not tolerated. Please use appropriate cleaner on the bathtub and sink AFTER each use. Put away all your personal belongings in their designated place. (This includes curling irons, lotions, hairsprays, etc.) Sanitary napkins and tampons are to be wrapped in toilet paper and placed in the wastebasket. These are NOT to be flushed down the toilet. This causes serious plumbing problems. Remember: Flush the toilet and wash your hands before leaving the bathroom.
Beds — Beds are to be made before breakfast every day. Sheets must be washed once a week during your laundry times.
Bedrooms – Residents are NEVER permitted in a bedroom other than their own. All bedroom doors must be open during the day. Residents must be in their rooms at 10 pm nightly, with lights out at 10:00 pm or the time designated. All personal belongings must be kept in residents’ rooms and not in common areas. Closets must be neatly kept.
Blessing Closet — We have a blessing closet for residents, which consists of new and gently used clothing. A staff member must be present when you are choosing items from the closet. For those items, you need to make a list with a description of each item. Turn the list into the Supervising staff.
Borrowing — Borrowing clothes, personal items, jewelry or shoes is not permitted without staff approval. If you are in need of these items, please see the staff.
Check In — when you arrive, you will meet with the Program Director. After that, the direct care staff will give you a blessing basket (towels, wash cloths, personal hygiene items, etc.) and show you to your room. All of your belongings will be checked in by a staff member and recorded for your protection. Any time you receive or discard clothing, shoes or other personal items, you must fill out an additional clothing form and leave it with the staff. We want to make sure you leave with everything that belongs to you.
Contraband — Residents are not permitted to store any of the following items in their room or on their person: Food of any kind or drinks. If any of these items are found in a resident’s room without prior consent by a staff member, they will be disposed of and the resident will be subject to disciplinary action.
Court or Legal Proceedings — complete information regarding court cases, of any kind, and charges must be given to the Program Director at intake. This includes dates of hearings, trials and/or other court appearances, details of the situation(s), and names, addresses and telephone numbers of parole and/or probation officers. A staff member will accompany the resident to the hearings and/or trials. Be Strong is not responsible for providing transportation to and from court appearances. Residents need to speak with the Program Director to make the
necessary arrangements, which may include the support of family members, friends or other such persons.
Decorating — Requests to make changes to your room’s décor must be submitted to the Program Director for approval. You are not allowed to put tacks, staples or tape on wall surfaces under any circumstances. Please feel free to display a few (2-3) pictures on the dresser and nightstand.
Duties — you will be assigned and responsible for household chores. You are to begin your work details as soon as possible. Details must be completed at the designated time.
Entertainment & Recreation — Special outings and other activities will be scheduled for your enjoyment. The Home has a TV Room upstairs. Wholesome movies, (videos, DVD’s or TV) and other special programs will be allowed and must be approved. Television viewing times will be posted and the staff will approve the programming options during the allotted viewing times. Residents are not allowed to operate the televisions, DVD player or other such equipment without the express consent of the staff, or during designated TV times.
Fire Alarm Procedures — In case of fire, notify a staff member immediately. Walk; do not run, to the nearest exit. If able, close all doors and windows and turn off lights in your location. You are to go to the area indicated on the floor plan and remain there until otherwise instructed. If a fire occurs at night, shoes and robes should be worn. A towel should be taken to protect your mouth and nose from smoke. A blanket may be substituted for these items, if necessary. A copy of the floor plan with marked emergency exits will be posted in the hallways and other
conspicuous places throughout the building. The staff will conduct periodic building evacuation drills to ensure your safety.
Hygiene — everyone must shower daily, during her designated shower time. Oral hygiene should be practiced twice a day, if possible — before breakfast and before lights out. Residents should wear clean clothes daily and look presentable at all times. Residents must comb their hair daily. Modest jewelry will be allowed.
Laundry — Residents are assigned one laundry times per week. You must do your own laundry. You need to be considerate in removing your clothes as soon as you are finished, so the next person on the schedule can begin their laundry. House laundry is to be folded and neatly stacked in its designated place. House laundry is done every day unless noted on the weekly schedule. When leaving the program, each resident is responsible to wash, dry, fold and return everything in her bundle to the staff. Please wipe out the bathroom and dresser drawer
for the residents who will come behind you.
Lost and Stolen Personal Property — Be Strong Ministries is not responsible for lost or stolen items. However, Be Strong Ministries will do everything within their power to protect your belongings and will address all issues of theft swiftly. Residents who willfully damage Be Strong Ministries property will be assessed damage fees. All fees must be paid prior to personal funds being released to the resident.
Medicine and Medical Treatment — all medicine is kept in the office. Staff on duty will ensure that all medication, including prescription and over-the-counter meds are taken properly. Residents must supply their personal over-the-counter medication and are given the medication, once a medical assessment has been completed and deemed necessary by staff. Residents are encouraged to bring their injury or illness to the attention of the on duty staff person at the onset of the occurrence. The attending staff will assess the injury or illness and apply basic first aid. If treatment is beyond the staff person’s scope of ability or if doubt exists as to the severity of the injury or illness, either the Fort Hamilton Hospital, Atrium Medical Center, Southview Hospital, Urgent Care or Poison Control Center will be contacted for an evaluation of the situation. The resident will be transported upon recommendation of the medical professional. All findings and recommendations will be documented in the resident’s medical record. Family members of residents living within a 50-mile radius may be asked to assist with non-routine medical appointments. Residents may not be prescribed narcotics while at the Home. The Home’s staff is not trained to medically evaluate serious side effects/symptoms. See Policy #6111 — Discontinuance of Medication.
Meals — Wash your hands before handling food in any way. Please use good hygiene when dealing with food. For example, do not use the spoon that you are cooking with to taste. Individuals on food prep are responsible for laying out frozen foods for future meals. You may not fast meals without prior consent of the Program Director. After meals, please discard leftover food in the appropriate place, rinse your dishes and place them into the dishwashers. Do not put grease of any kind in the sinks. All grease should be cooled and taken to the dumpster for proper disposal. No food is allowed outside of the kitchen and dining room areas. Write your
name on any food items that are yours personally.
Music — Christian music is the only type of music allowed. You are not allowed to listen to secular music while in the program. Be Strong does not believe all secular music is wrong, however, we are simply attempting to create a spiritual atmosphere that is conducive to your growth. You are able to bring a CD player.
Room Checks/Changes — Room checks will be done daily for cleanliness. If a resident’s room is not clean, a chore warning will be given, which outlines areas that require attention. All chore warnings must be completed by the day issued and signed off by staff. Be Strong reserves the right to conduct random room and personal searches at their discretion. Staff can search your room, your person and belongings. These searches may be done individually or as a group and will not be announced ahead of time. This may be done while you are on the
grounds or while you are away from the grounds. Additionally, the Home for Life does not guarantee approval for room change requests.
Shopping Days — you will have an opportunity to go to department and discount stores with supervisory staff or volunteers on designated days. Staff or volunteers will instruct you on the particulars of the shopping trip — i.e. whether you will shop in a group, pairs or individually. You are not allowed to secular music, ungodly T-shirts or other ungodly merchandise. We ask that you not go into any music stores, non-Christian bookstores or stores that promote New Age items. Residents are not allowed to loan or borrow money from other residents without staff approval. Do not buy items for other residents or vice versa without staff permission. Money will be distributed by the staff/volunteer. Once you have paid for your items, all moneys and receipts need to be turned in. If your money and receipts do not equal the amount of money originally given, you may lose your shopping privileges.
Shoes — Residents must wear shoes at all times. The only instances, in which bare feet are acceptable, are in the shower and in bed. Otherwise, residents need to wear shoes with a rubber sole, to prevent accidents. We ask that you be properly clothed with shoes during the day. Flip-Flops are acceptable feet attire during the daytime.
Wake up Procedures — Residents must wake up at 7:00am meds at 7:15-7:30am and breakfast daily. Everyone must report for chapel/worship at 8:00am and be in education room, with all morning work details completed by 9:00am.
The following is a list of things not permitted at Be Strong Ministries
· Personal Televisions
· Video Games
· Mouthwash, containing alcohol
· Rubbing Alcohol (supply kept in staff office)
· Eye Drops (supply kept in staff office)
· Reading secular material — unless approved by Program Director
· Altering any facility mechanics without express permission.
· Laying on the couches or any furniture, except your bed
· Feet on tables and chairs
· Rough Play (Punching slapping, wrestling, pushing)
· Running in the building
· Lying on the bed outside of approved hours. Sitting on the bed is acceptable.
· Unlatch, or open Bedroom windows
· Sleeping in a bed that is not assigned to you
· Leaning on the back legs of a chair

Sick Day

If you feel sick, you should see the staff on duty to be given a medical assessment. Sickness occurring during the day should be handled by reporting first to the staff in charge of your class or activity.
When a resident is granted a sick day, she will remain in her room, and in bed until Exam the next morning. Use this time to heal quietly in bed. You may write, read and do your studies, if able. However, this is not a time to be socializing!
Use the bathroom freely and as necessary — including the shower. Be courteous and clean up behind yourself.
At meal times, a food tray will be provided for you to eat your meals in your room.
Excessive sick days beyond those stated will lead to dismissal from the program.

Quiet Time/ Personal Time

Study Hall/Personal study time, is a quiet time and talking is not permitted except to ask the staff questions related to your studies. Specific permission must be obtained from the staff on duty to leave the class area. Study Hall/Personal study time is for reading or doing homework. Letters may be written during this time, if you are currently on your homework. Any other activity is not permitted.

Personal Time, per Daily Schedule — is to be spent inside your room. It is designed to allow you personal time to shower, read, write, study, prepare for the next day, or go to bed early. You may move about your room, but not in another bedroom.

Offices

When you need to talk to a staff person, you need to submit a resident request form and put it in the appropriate staff person’s folder. The staff will be glad to talk with you about anything, as time permits. If a staff member can’t speak to you immediately, they will set up an appointment to meet with you at a more convenient time. If an office door is closed, then the staff is unable to talk. All offices are off limits, except by invitation. Therefore, you need to knock and wait to be invited in, prior to entering any office area.

If you are not currently married you are not allowed to develop romances or date during your stay here. We are a Christian family and all relationships shared are to be as Christian brothers and sisters. You are also encouraged to associate with everyone in the program. Do not pair up in cliques or exclusive groups. We understand that you will relate better with some residents than others, however, it is imperative that no one feels excluded because of your friendship with another resident.

Dress Code

Resident’s clothing must be clean and modest at all times. Shorts must be no shorter than 3-inches above the knee. Low cut or spaghetti strapped shirts are NOT to be worn without another shirt or sweater over top. Some type of clothing, in addition to underclothes, must be worn at all times, including to and from the bathroom. A bra must be worn at all times. You are responsible for your own hygiene. Neatness and cleanliness are required. You must shower daily. No pajamas, house shoes or nightclothes may be worn during the day. Please dress for the day. Residents are not allowed to sleep in the nude or underwear. You must be covered in appropriate bed attire.

Dress code for church and other church related activities is as follows:

No jeans may be worn with holes — either by design or worn out without staff approval.
You must wear a T-Shirt underneath or a sweater/jacket over all Spaghetti strap shirts or Baby back dresses to church.
Tank tops (including “Wife beaters”) must be two inches wide to cover most of the shoulder. Shirts should not be low enough to show breast/cleavage.
Sweat pants must not be dragging on the ground.
High heel shoes cannot be higher than 2.5 inches. Residents can’t wear stiletto (extremely thin) heels.
Residents may wear flip-flops, if other shoes no longer fit. Other residents may wear flipflops during the appropriate seasons or weather.
Sandals may be worn.
Skirts/dresses can’t be more than 2 inches above the knee. Dresses/skirts with high slits in the front, back or sides are not permitted.
You are not allowed to wear pants that are too tight.
T-Shirts may be worn if they are clean, neat and do not have inappropriate writing or pictures on them.
Blouses must be properly buttoned, as to not show breast/cleavage. Low cut shirts are not allowed, unless a tank top covering your breast/cleavage is worn.

Resident Privileges

It is important that residents understand the explanation of privileges with respect to phone time, mail (incoming/outgoing), visits and passes.

Immediate family members and pastors (only) are approved to be placed on your list for visits, phone, mail, and pass privileges. Be Strong retains the right to deny access to any persons deemed detrimental to the residents well being and progress. To make modifications to this list, please submit a request to the Direct Care Coordinator.

Receiving and sending mail

Residents will be permitted to send/receive mail from approved family members after two weeks. The P. Director has the discretion to hold all mail until a new resident has shown positive adjustment at the Home — 30 days. All mail is read by staff to assure healthy communication. Mail may also be held if a resident receives corrective action for unacceptable behavior.

Residents are allowed to send and receive mail up to two times per week. The staff wants you to get all that you can from your stay and trust you will stay focused. Residents must supply themselves with cards and stamps.

Telephone Calls

Phone time will be honored during the week designated hours. You will receive two-fifteen minute calls per week. Calls can be made to all approved persons on your phone restriction form that was established at intake. Staff can end calls prematurely, if your conversation is inappropriate or offensive.

RESIDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO RECEIVE INCOMING CALLS UNLESS NECESSARY FOR MEDICAL, SOCIAL SERVICES, EMPLOYMENT, ETC.!

Please note you will not be eligible to make or receive calls during your first 30 days of the program. Residents can make calls to children only after 2 weeks.

Residents waive Saturday phone time if there is a scheduled visit or pass the same day.

Pass Guidelines

Passes will be honored for all residents who are working the program and are not on probation. The amount of time out will be based on your level. The P. Director has the right to refuse or alter pass privileges if deemed necessary.

You are expected to abide by all of Be Strong’s rules while you are on your pass and you must conduct yourself in a respectable, Christ-like manner. This is your opportunity.

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. I John 5:4

Pass Guidelines

Passes will be honored on the first and third Saturday of each month.
You are required to remain with those approved individuals, with whom your pass was intended.
Passes are considered a privilege. Discipline problems or incidents may result in the forfeiture of your pass.
Your pass time will not be altered or extended to compensate for activities which start early or finish later than your pass time.
Passes are not necessarily designated to allow a resident sufficient time to go home or accomplish a certain desired activity but rather to allow a resident a chance to spend time away from Be Strong. Pass requests are to be turned in at the designated time. Failure to submit a Pass Request form on time may result in the loss of the pass. Pass Requests must be fully completed with all requested information. Passes will be given for only approved family members.
Requests for money from personal accounts for a pass must be turned in a “Resident Request” form, signed by the resident submitted to the Direct Care Staff, no later than Thursday at lunch time. Requests turned in late will not be granted.
Passes cannot be saved. You use it or lose it for that week/month.
You can lose your pass, as a disciplinary measure.
Returning from a pass late or leaving the grounds without a pass — will result in disciplinary action, which may include dismissal. You are held responsible for getting back on time.
Returning from a pass under the influence may result in disciplinary measures, which can include dismissal.
Prior to leaving the Home on a pass and upon your return, you must sign in and out. A resident is not considered to have returned from her pass until she signs back in.

A resident is considered absent without leave (AWOL) when she fails to return from a pass at the time prescribed or leaves the Be Strong or designated area without authorization. Returning tardy from your pass may result in disciplinary action, loss of privileges or dismissal.

Visitors

Be Strong recognizes that it is important for you to stay connected with your family and support network. Therefore, visitors are welcome once a resident has completed their adjustment period of 30 days or 2 weeks for children, if positive progress is shown. Only those individuals on the resident’s approved visitation list are permitted to visit during visitation times.

Residents with children are eligible for a visit, transported by one adult, after two weeks. All other residents will observe the 30-day rule. Visitors must contact Be Strong by 9pm on Thursday’s to make arrangements to visit. Unscheduled visitors will be asked to leave and schedule an appointment. Visits are conducted on Sundays: 2-4 pm, every other week.
Exceptions for visits: children (no age limit) are approved for weekly visits on Sundays. Visits
are up to two hours in length.

Guests of residents may not bring food or drinks to the home unless approved by staff. If money is accepted it must be immediately turned in to the staff on duty. Any personal items must also be turned in to the staff on duty, and will be returned if allowed on Be Strong property. Exceptions to the visitation days and length of time must be approved by the Program Director. Ministers from other churches have permission to visit weekly. All visitors must stay in the dining room or other designated areas. Visitors are not allowed in bedrooms. We ask that you maintain
modest physical contact. Please make sure your visitor(s) honor all of Be Strong’s rules, while on the grounds – i.e. cussing etc. Residents must say their goodbyes inside the building. They are not permitted to walk to family members’ cars or around the property. Any violation of, or deviation from, the visitation guidelines may result in discipline and/or the visitor may not be permitted to return.

Welfare Assistance

Residents, who are eligible for welfare benefits, will be taken to the department of Human Services to apply. Residents must notify Be Strong of their approved benefits. Residents must agree and understand that food stamps may be used for the benefit of the community. Any financial assistance received will be held in an account for your personal needs/fines.

AIDS and Medical Statements

Be Strong does not discriminate against those who are HIV positive, in its admission procedures. Knowing that the HIV virus has infected a large number of IV Drug Users, at any given time there may be one or more residents in the program that is HIV positive. This facility does not require residents to notify other residents in the program of their HIV status. Be Strong asks that you be honest and notify the Program Director, if you know that you have contracted the virus or have participated in high-risk behaviors.

The Home for Life is not a medical care facility and is unable to provide 24-hour onsite medical attention. Therefore, all residents entering the program must be in good health and able to participate in all activities in the program. If a resident’s health deteriorates to the point where she is no longer able to participate in the daily activities of the program, her medical condition requires onsite medical supervision or frequent medical appointments, that person should leave the Be Strong Women’s Ministry for Life. Be Strong will attempt to provide an appropriate referral.

II you have any questions or concerns about material in this handbook, please see the Program Director or staff with questions. We pray your stay with us is a time of healing, restoration and growth.