"A Day in the Life" of a Vineyard House Resident

Our residents come from all walks of life and backgrounds, and usually vary in age from their early twenties to early forties. One thing that they all have in common is a desire to remain “clean and sober”, and to begin a better life.

One Day at a Time
A resident who has been in the men's house for ninety days describes his day below:

6:00 a.m.	I awake to the sound of my roommate coming back from the shower, where I am headed next.
6:30	After grabbing a quick bowl of cereal, I line up a ride with another resident to the morning AA meeting in Vineyard Haven.
6:45	The “Early Bird” AA meeting, held every day throughout the year
8:00	After a brief conversation with friends outside of the meeting room, I am able to walk to my painting job, which today is nearby in Vineyard Haven.
4:00 p.m	A short walk to State Road where I can catch a bus to take me back to the house.
4:30	Upon approaching the house there are three other residents on the front porch, and I join them in conversation of the days activities.
5:30	We all head into the kitchen for dinner. Most residents prepare their own food, but many times two or more people will work together. Quite often the entire group will prepare and enjoy a meal together.
6:45	Tonight is our weekly house meeting, which is mandatory for all residents. Charlie, the house manager, takes the first few minutes of the meeting to convey whatever information he has for all of the residents. We find out that alcohol and drug screening will be done immediately following this meeting (done randomly several times per week). The remainder of the meeting is run by, and for, the residents.
8:15	I relax in front of the television with several house mates.
9:45	I notice that Charlie is outside getting something from his truck, and I take the opportunity to go out and talk with him about an issue I am having with another resident. Charlie puts down what he is doing, and sits and listens to me. After a little feedback from the manager, I feel I have the situation under control.
10:15	Lights out.

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