Benefits   Requirements   Expectations   Evaluation   Termination

Benefits of Residency

• Full support in the registration and class selection process at a public four year university or two year college that are part of the university system of GA.
• Live-in house manager.
• 12-Step recovery support with suggestions for quality local meetings.
• Opportunities to attend national and regional conferences on leadership and health education, geared toward college students.
• Weekly programs and lectures on various life-skill topics.
• Leads toward finding part-time employment.
• Assistance in finding all available support systems at your original university.
• Regular coaching sessions with a staff member.
• Assistance in finding additional support systems such as doctors, therapists, dentists, etc.
• Paid expenses with the exception of food, school expenses, and long-distance phone calls. (Residents can purchase calling cards or use their cell phone for long distance calls.)
• Yoga class once a month, discount to local gym, and an eight week program for those who enter the program mid-semester and are unable to begin school.

Benefits   Requirements   Expectations   Evaluation   Termination

Requirements for Admission

• At least 30 days of sobriety at the time of admission to the house.
• Current or recent enrollment in a college or university.
• Completion of an inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment program. (We will need signed consent to speak with primary therapist from treatment program.)
• A strong desire to remain sober.
• A strong desire to complete a college education.
• Willingness to become part of our community and follow community guidelines.

Benefits   Requirements   Expectations   Evaluation   Termination

Expectations of Residents

• Remain alcohol and drug free.
• Sign up for one or two classes (maximum) per semester. Attendance to all classes is mandatory.
• Work part time, 10-20 hours per week if in school, and 20-32 hours per week if school registration cut-off date occurs prior to admission to the house. Some or all earnings must go toward paying for expenses. Parents should not be the sole providers of financial support.
• Attend a minimum of four 12-Step meetings per week and have a sponsor or temporary sponsor within two weeks of residency.
• Actively work the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
• Willingly submit to random drug screens. Urine screens are included in the monthly fee. Residents who challenge a positive test will be responsible for the cost of a blood or hair follicle test.
• Follow ALL house rules.
• Sign up for and complete all chores. Residents will be assigned weekly chores such as mowing the lawn, raking leaves, cleaning the kitchen, bathrooms, and other house areas.
• Attend weekly house meetings.
• Perform community-service projects with other house members.

Benefits   Requirements   Expectations   Evaluation   Termination

Evaluation

At one month of residency residents will be evaluated to make sure they fit well into the culture of HERO House, and, just as importantly, that the house is a good fit for them. Discussions will take place between house staff, resident, and resident’s family and support network (sponsor, house mates, etc.) to determine whether or not continued residence is in the best interest of the resident and the community. If not, referrals will be made for more appropriate treatment or residency in another program. Keep in mind that the staff at HERO House makes every effort to help guide residents to a successful recovery, but no program is right for everyone.

Benefits   Requirements   Expectations   Evaluation   Termination

Reasons for Immediate Termination of Residency

• If you use alcohol or other drugs of any kind (except for prescription and approved over-the-counter medications).
• If you engage in criminal activity or bring weapons into the house.
• If you physically or verbally threaten another resident or house staff.