Principles Of Our Work

Program Rules, Responsibilities & Life Standards

Mission: To provide safe, structured housing and life development support that empowers young adults aging out of foster care to become responsible, independent, and successful members of society.

Program Motto: “Structure Builds Strength. Discipline Builds Destiny.” Residents are expected to live by this principle daily.

Core Values:

  1. Accountability
  2. Respect
  3. Responsibility
  4. Integrity

SECTION 1: RESIDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Maintain respectful behavior toward staff and housemates.
  • Follow house schedule and curfew.
  • Keep personal and shared spaces clean.
  • Participate in required life skills programming.
  • Communicate openly with staff regarding needs or concerns.
  • Follow all state and program guidelines.

SECTION 2: EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Education is mandatory unless otherwise approved.
  • Be enrolled in high school, GED program, trade school, college, or certification program.
  • Attend all scheduled classes consistently.
  • Maintain passing grades.
  • Provide proof of enrollment and attendance monthly.
  • Participate in tutoring if academic performance declines.
  • If a resident does not have a high school diploma, enrollment in a GED program is required within 30 days of placement.

SECTION 3: EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • Residents must be actively working toward employment independence.
  • Secure part-time or full-time employment within 30-45 days of placement (unless enrolled full-time in school).
  • Maintain consistent employment attendance.
  • Participate in workforce development training.
  • Contribute a percentage of income toward savings (minimum 20%).
  • Learn budgeting and financial literacy skills.
  • Failure to maintain employment without valid reason will result in corrective action.

SECTION 4: CURFEW & HOUSE EXPECTATIONS

  • Curfew:
    • Sunday-Thursday: 9:30 PM
    • Friday-Saturday: 11:00 PM
  • Sign in and out when leaving.
  • Notify staff of work or school schedule changes.
  • Not allow unauthorized visitors.
  • No overnight guests.

SECTION 5: BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

Zero Tolerance For:

  • Drugs or alcohol use on property
  • Violence or threats
  • Theft
  • Weapons
  • Criminal activity

Residents must:

  • Speak respectfully
  • Resolve conflict appropriately
  • Follow staff instructions
  • Maintain emotional regulation
  • Conflict resolution sessions will be required when needed.

SECTION 6: MORAL & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Our program promotes:

  • Honesty
  • Personal integrity
  • Respect for authority
  • Respect for self and others
  • Accountability for actions
  • Community involvement

Residents will participate in:

  • Weekly life skills workshops
  • Character development sessions
  • Goal-setting meetings
  • Personal growth mentoring

SECTION 7: FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Residents must:

  • Open and maintain a bank account
  • Participate in budgeting classes
  • Build a savings account
  • Avoid unnecessary debt
  • Learn credit-building strategies

Savings Goal: Minimum $1,000 saved before transition to independent living (unless otherwise approved).

SECTION 8: LIFE SKILLS TRAINING

Mandatory participation in:

  • Cooking & nutrition education
  • Cleaning & home maintenance
  • Transportation planning
  • Time management
  • Interview skills
  • Conflict resolution
  • Independent living planning

SECTION 9: PERSONAL GROWTH PLAN

Within 14 days of placement, each resident must develop:

  • A 6-month goal plan
  • A 12-month independence plan
  • Education & employment goals
  • Financial goals
  • Housing transition plan

Progress reviewed monthly.

SECTION 10: DISCIPLINARY ACTION

If rules are violated:

  1. Verbal Warning
  2. Written Warning
  3. Behavioral Contract
  4. Program Review Meeting
  5. Possible Discharge (if safety or compliance risks occur)

Our Commitment to Youth

  • Providing structure without judgment
  • Teaching independence, not dependence
  • Offering accountability with compassion
  • Preparing each resident for real-world success

Daily Affirmation Residents Will Follow

“I am responsible for my future. I will work hard. I will respect myself and others. I will build my life with discipline and purpose.”