CODE OF CONDUCT…

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Saint Christopher’s Recovery
SCSL
527-529 Lake Ave
Manchester, NH 03103

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Our mission: Saint Christopher’s provides housing for men in recovery seeking the traditional 12-step spiritual solution to overcome addiction, improve the quality of life, and build recovery capital.

As a resident at Saint Christopher’s, you are agreeing to adhere to the program guidelines and resident code of conduct- both at home and when out in public. Residents are held to a high standard of behavior as you are representing Saint Christopher’s in the community. At all times SCSL residents should strive to set an example which others can look up to and hope to emulate.

Being a resident requires a certain level of commitment to sobriety, recovery, meeting responsibilities, and expected behaviors. The code of conduct has been created to help you succeed in your efforts at Saint Christopher’s Sober Living, and to provide you with as much information as possible about what is expected of you. As a resident, you will be expected to become immersed in the 12 steps as a way of life.

BEDROOMS

At all times your room should be clean, neat, and orderly. Sponsors and visitors are not allowed in bedrooms. Beds must be made and rooms must be clean, organized and maintained throughout the day. Each roommate is as responsible for their room as the other. If the room is a mess, you will both be held accountable. We encourage you to work together on keeping up with bedroom expectations. A resident cannot change rooms without permission given by the house manager.

● If you are not in bed, it must be made, and be clear of clothes, books, etc.…
● Clothes must be on hangers, in drawers, or in the hamper. No exceptions.
● Food, dishes, cups, glasses and bottles are not allowed in bedrooms.
● Cash or valuables are not to be left out on dressers, nightstands, etc.
● Keep music at a low volume

CELLPHONES

If you do not already own a cell phone, you are encouraged to obtain one. Cell phones are an ideal tool for keeping the House Leader and your community informed of your activities and being useful in case there is an emergency. Please provide the House Leader with your cell phone number; likewise, be sure to make note of all important phone numbers. Cell phones are to be put away and silenced during all house meetings.

CHORES

Chores are directed and checked by the House Leader. Residents will be assigned a chore each week on the Chore Board which will be posted in the common areas of the house. As a resident you are responsible for completing your assigned chore daily, and marking the time that you completed the task on the chore board. Every Wednesday there will be a mandatory deep clean prior to the in-house meeting.

CONTRABAND

Residents are prohibited from possessing any of the following:

● Alcohol in any form
● Illicit drugs
● Pornography
● Weapons of any kind
● Pictures exhibiting party scenes / alcohol / drug use / sexual or implied sexual content.
● Unapproved medication, prescribed and over the counter
● Tattoo/piercing devices

All medications, prescribed and over the counter, must be used as directed and may not be shared with other residents.
Curfew House curfew is 10:00pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday. If you are already out for the evening and find that you are going to be late, it is your responsibility to call the House Leader and discuss your anticipated return time. It is your obligation and responsibility to be in the house prior to curfew. Missing curfew will result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge. The only exception is being excused by the House Leader.

 

HOUSE AMENITIES

Saint Christopher’s Recovery will provide the following:

• House cleaning supplies
• Bedding and 1 pillow
• Utilities
• Paper products (toilet paper & paper towels)

 

RESIDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Residents are responsible for their own toiletries, food, towels, clothing, and any extra linen or pillows.

 

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Disciplinary action may take the form of verbal or written “contracts” regarding specific behaviors by residents that are unacceptable or in conflict with established Program Guidelines and/or the Code of Conduct. Residents must provide the House Leader with their cellphone number in case of an emergency. All other electrical appliances are to be turned off when not in use.

This includes, but is not limited to:

● Lights
● Fans
● Televisions
● Stoves
● Coffee makers
● Computers

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDUERS

Fire Alarm: When there is any emergency alarm that goes off you are to stop what you are doing and exit the house. Do not try to get anything from inside; your life is far more important. If you at any time feel that there is an unsafe or emergency situation, seek an appropriate person and inform them.

Emergency Issue: In the event of an emergency or perceived dangerous situation (i.e., fire, stranger on property, power outage, severe weather) the House Leader should be notified immediately as to secure the environment.

 

FIRE SAFETY

For fire safety reasons, certain materials are prohibited. Unauthorized materials include, but are not limited to:

● Candles, lanterns, or any device utilizing a flame
● Incense of any kind
● Fireworks
● Matches

 

GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY

While you are a resident at Saint Christopher’s Sober Living it is important that you are a representative of our program. It is important that at all times residents conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. All residents of SCSL are expected to lead by example. Smoke in the designated area. Do not congregate in the front yard, walkway, or sidewalk. Keep an appropriate volume when outside the house at all times. Quiet time is from 10:00pm-7:00am.

 

CRANKY NEIGHBOR POLICY

If you encounter a cranky neighbor – Do not engage in negativity, report to leadership, and remain polite regardless of circumstances.

 

GOSSIP

There is no gossiping at any time. If a resident has a concern regarding another resident, talk to that resident and/or follow the Chain of Command. Gossip destroys trust and divides a community. Unity is an integral part of recovery. Failure to abide by this can lead to discharge.

 

GUESTS

All visitors must be approved by the House Leader prior to their arrival each time. Only sponsors and family will be considered for approval as guests; friends and significant others will not be allowed on property. All guests must be sober while visiting. While visitors are welcome at Saint Christopher’s, they are not allowed to enter the residential sleeping quarters. Guests must remain in the common areas of the house, and must be off property before quiet time begins (10:00pm). If a resident has an unapproved guest in the house without permission from staff or the House Leader, they can be subject to discharge.

 

HOMEGROUP/SERVICE POSITION

All residents must secure a homegroup and a service position within the first two weeks of their stay. Residents will be expected to continue to honor these commitments. A homegroup is a weekly meeting that should be attended on a consistent basis. It is not required for you to have a service position specifically within your homegroup, though it is encouraged.

 

MANDATORY HOUSE MEETINGS

Before each house meeting there will be a 30 minute deep clean. Residents are held responsible to work together as a community to make sure the house gets cleaned properly. During this time, the TV will be turned off and cell phones will be put away. There will be mandatory house meeting every week. All residents must attend and may not work during this time. For the house meeting, all residents will be required to bring their meeting list and their daily 11th step evening reviews. All residents will be expected to hold other residents accountable. Mandatory house meetings: Wednesday 6:00 PM, Sunday Big Book 7:00PM.

 

STEP WORK

Saint Christopher’s approach to developing a foundation for recovery is grounded in the 12-step tradition. Residents at Saint Christopher’s are required to find a 12-step sponsor and be actively working on their 12 step writing assignments, and progress through the action steps, under the guidance of their sponsor. Saint Christopher’s leadership is available to provide additional support to residents in their work. Residents are also required to complete daily 11th step nightly review. Residents are encouraged to provide peer support and encouragement in this work. Residents are expected to bring their step work writing assignments to the Wednesday evening house meeting to support accountability to their commitment to their 12-step work.

 

HYGIENE

Residents are expected to maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands after using the restroom. Shower daily. Look presentable at all times. Use deodorant. Brush your teeth. Launder your clothes. Launder your bedding.

 

IMMEDIATE DISCHARGE

Disruptive behavior is grounds for immediate dismissal and is defined as, but not limited to:

● Violence or threats of physical violence
● Abusive verbal behavior / loud arguments
● Physical violence
● A “chronic” bad attitude towards peers and program
● Gambling
● Destruction of house property
● Theft
● Arson
● Breaking confidentiality
● Violation of resident code of conduct
● Use of drugs or alcohol (on or off property)
● Refusal to provide a urine sample and or alcohol test
● Not informing management when you know that a resident is using drugs or alcohol
● Possession or use of weapons of any kind will result in immediate discharge.
● Falling behind on housing fee may lead to being asked to leave the home.

 

KITCHEN

The kitchen is to be kept neat and orderly at all times. If you make a mess, clean it up. Dirty dishes in the sink will not be tolerated. The kitchen is to be kept completely clean and presentable at all times. There are NO exceptions. Beverages other than water are not to leave the kitchen or dining room area.

 

MAINTENANCE

All maintenance needs are to be brought to the House Leader immediately. Residents are not to make repairs, or attempt to make repairs. Maintenance requiring immediate attention, like running water or safety hazards, should be reported to leadership as soon as possible.

 

MEALS

Meals can be eaten in between responsibilities or on the resident’s free time.

● If you make a mess, you are responsible for cleaning it up.
● The table must be wiped.
● Chairs are to be pushed in.
● The dishes must be washed and put away.

 

MEDICAL PROBLEMS OR ILLNESS

If a resident feels ill, or if a resident is experiencing a non-emergency medical or dental problem, the resident will need to notify the House Leader. All residents are encouraged to have a Primary Care Provider. If a resident is experiencing an emergency, the House Leader must be notified immediately.

 

OUTSIDE MEETINGS

Saint Christopher’s residents must attend 3 outside AA meetings per week, not including the Wednesday night in-house meeting. Each resident will be provided a meeting signature sheet, on which they will document the meetings they have attended. These must be signed by the secretary at the end of each meeting. Residents will be expected to present their meeting signature sheets at each weekly accountability meeting.

 

PERSONAL CONDUCT

Residents are required to respect all Saint Christopher’s property and personal property of others. Residents are expected to clean up after themselves and to keep all areas neat and orderly at all times. Personal items may not be left in common areas but are to be stored in designated places. Newspapers and magazines are to remain in common areas of the houses and be stored neatly when not in use. Residents should not be blaring music or other throughout the house from their personal devices, whether in their rooms or in common areas. Residents are expected to maintain good hygiene. Residents are not to create or post any signs or remove any posted signs.

 

RESPECT

Saint Christopher’s residents should maintain an attitude of mutual respect at all times. Each resident is responsible for his own behavior, including maintaining the safety, cleanliness, and peace of the house. Quiet time is at 10:00pm every day of the week. While inside the house residents should:

● Be aware of others’ need for peace and quiet
● Take responsibility for immediately cleaning up your own mess
● Working for the entire time during chore time and completing all assigned chores
● Residents shall not vandalize or intentionally damage / modify Saint Christopher’s property, nor rearrange any furniture.
● Avoid horseplay or disruptive behavior including but not limited to running inside the house, shouting, gossiping, making inflammatory, or insulting comments, wrestling, or playing outdoor sports inside the house.
● Saint Christopher’s has a zero-tolerance policy towards any racist or discriminatory language.

 

RESTRICTION

Restriction is a form of disciplinary action. Restriction is typically a 24-hour period but can be extended if circumstances warrant. Restriction includes, but is not limited to, loss of cell phone privileges, loss of car privileges, cannot leave the house except for work/meetings/appointments.

 

SERVICE WORK

Service work within the community is encouraged. At times SCSL will be involved with community service activities including but not limited to: 12 step service work, lending a helping hand at a food pantry or homeless shelter, etc. This is an opportunity to practice humility. “The spirit of service is humility.”

 

FURNITURE

Saint Christopher Sober Living must adhere to strict fire safety requirements in order to maintain clear pathways for emergency exiting of the house. Do not re-arrange furniture in any room, including your bedroom.

 

OVERNIGHTS

Residents will be eligible to request an overnight after 30 days at Saint Christopher’s. The overnight request form must be filled out properly and given to leadership 3 days prior before the requested leave date. If approved, residents will be eligible to request an overnight once a week. The below mentioned will be taken into consideration when reviewing overnight requests.

• Has the resident been keeping up on their housing fee?
• Has the resident been making the meeting requirements?
• Has the resident been doing their evening reviews and advancing in their step work?
• Have they found employment if eligible to work?
• Have they missed curfew?

 

URINALYSIS/BREATHALYZER

Residents of SCSL will be subject to random drug testing/ breathalyzer throughout the week. Failure or refusal to adhere to these tests will be grounds for discharge.

 

RECURRENCE POLICY

Saint Christopher’s has a zero-tolerance policy for the use of alcohol or drugs of any kind. In the events of a relapse, house leader will inform the leadership team of the circumstances and all reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate a transition to a supportive environment such as a referral to treatment, alternative sober living arrangements, 2-1-1 and community resources, and in the event of an emergency 9-1-1 will be called or the resident will be taken to the ER. Resident will be involved in the planning. If the level of intoxication leads to hostility or aggressive behavior the resident will be asked to leave the property immediately and emergency services may be called to keep the residents safe.

 

SEARCHES

To support the philosophy and mission of SCSL and ensure the safety of all residents, the House Leader reserves the right to perform random resident searches. “Resident Searches” can include personal searches, and searches of the property or sleeping quarters of the resident. Resident searches will only be conducted to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents, House Leader, or facility. Searches will be conducted in a professional manner that maintains respect and dignity for the resident. Routine searches of possessions may be performed when a resident returns to the facility from an off-property outing.

 

PARKING

Saint Christopher’s has Four parking spaces in total on property. One of the parking spaces is designated for house leader, the other 3 are for Saint Christopher’s residents. There is also on street parking if needed.

 

SMOKING POLICY

This is a smoke free home. Smoking/vaping is only allowed in the designated smoking area, which is outback and 10 feet away from the house. Please dispose of your cigarettes in the receptacle.

 

EXTERIOR UPKEEP

The exterior of the home is just as important as the interior. Do not leave trash outside unless it’s in the trash bin. Pick up after yourself. If you bring something outside that doesn’t belong there, don’t leave it there.

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY

In the event that a resident has a recurrence or leaves unexpectedly and leaves behind personal belongings, Saint Christopher’s will store the belongings in the following manner.

• After7 days of no contact regarding the belongings Saint Christopher’s will donate the property to local community resource centers.
• If the resident communicates with leadership accommodations can be made to store the property longer

 

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We look forward to helping you in your path to recovery.

 

 

“At St Christopher’s Recovery, We Give You Our Experience,
Compassion and Commitment”

 

 

Contact us at 1-603-339-4246 to take your next important step!