Requirements of Residency

Moving In - What's Expected of You

When you come into the house the first time, you will be tested for drugs and alcohol and given some papers to fill out.

You will meet your resident house manager and fellow housemates in recovery. Another resident, probably the senior resident, will acquaint with your new home and the way it works.

You go to AA or NA meetings daily, including at least one step meeting a week. On Tuesday evenings, you will meet with the entire house group. This is where you will really begin to see and understand what the house is about. Residents talk about their week, bring up any issues they may have and you will hear another resident's story. Perhaps you will learn about how a sponsor works in this meeting, or other valuable life habits you will need to renew or develop. Eventually, you too will be able to share your story.

The house meetings are strictly for the residents and everything that takes place and everything that is said stays right there in the room, not to be shared with anyone else.

Other happenings during your stay:

• Check in with Case Manager in first few weeks
• Get a sponsor within ten days and use the sponsor
• Attend the 10-12 week Life Skills Group provided by Vineyard House
  
• Meet with the House Management Committee to review your progress and get support to carry on your sober life. This is done when you have been in the house for one month, three months and then every three months after that.
  

Transitioning Out

When you begin to think of leaving, you will talk with your resident house manager and meet with the House Management Committee to help you plan a safe transition from the supportive Vineyard House program to living sober and serene in a place of your own or shared with other sober family and friends.

Together you and the house management team come up with the best avenue for you. Sometimes that will mean staying on in Vineyard House longer, sometimes it will be moving on. The important part of your transition is to carry what you have learned with you and create for yourself a safety net to help you continue your sobriety a day at a time in the community.

Vineyard House asks that you take at least 2 to 4 weeks to plan your move out on your own. We recommend that when you leave Vineyard House, you again go to meetings every day for at least 90 days.

Other Resources

After you leave Vineyard House, you are welcome to continue to attend the house meetings and attend the other Vineyard House groups.

Most important for you is to continue to practice your program of recovery on a daily basis, attending meetings and working with your sponsor.

If you ever feel your sobriety is threatened, you are welcome to call Vineyard House for extra support. Our goal is to help you get sober and continue your recovery outside our houses.

FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEW
We at Vineyard House will want to have post-residential interviews with you after 3 months and at 1 year from your planned departure.

OTHER RESOURCES FOR MAINTAINING YOUR SOBRIETY
AA and/or NA Meetings
         AA and NA Hotline (508) 627-7127

The Twelve Steps

Your Sponsor

The Serenity Prayer

Tuesday Night House Meetings

Vineyard House Groups:
Life Skills Groups
Drop In Group

MV Community Services/Island Counseling - group and individual counseling
508 693-7900

Vineyard Health Care Access Program - assistance, advocacy, information, referral for affordable health care for residents of MV.
508 636-0020

Women Empowered (Men, Too) - free individual services in areas, such as living on a budget, balancing a checkbook, job search training, problem solving, coping skills, decision making.
508 696-8880