Revised January 2012
HANNAH HOUSE MATERNITY HOME MANUAL
(Applicant Edition)
The Crisis Pregnancy Center is a Christian non-profit organization providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support services to women and families during pregnancy and early childhood. Hannah House Maternity Home operates as an extension of the Crisis Pregnancy Center, providing residential services to women of all ages, regardless of income, who are pregnant, and their newborn infants up to six months of age.
Hannah House is more than just a residential facility; it is a program designed to come alongside you during this difficult time. The Hannah House staff strives to provide residents with a loving environment where you will receive grace and mercy as you grow and mature over these next few months. It is our goal to assist you in setting and achieving personal goals in the five areas of wellness: spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, and vocational. Addressing these five areas will prepare you for the future, and you will be more capable of managing daily problems and longer term needs. Residents may stay at Hannah House until their infant is six months old. By this time, you will have developed the life skills required to be a good mother and to live independently. You are going to be a mother now; regardless of whether you choose to parent or place your baby for adoption, you have new responsibilities, including the health of your baby during your pregnancy. We are here to assist and support you in any way we can. Your past is not important to us. Your future and the decisions you make from this point forward are what are important to us and to you.
The following pages detail our residential program. Please familiarize yourself with our expectations and rules.
Remember, any time a group of people live together, there are certain adjustments needed. Consideration and understanding are both helpful. Hannah House residents are a family and living here will provide you with opportunities to develop strong relationships, but it does take work.
The staff of Hannah House and the Crisis Pregnancy Center is here to help you. We welcome you with open arms as we pray for you daily.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
When applying for admission to Hannah House, a potential resident must submit a completed application and appropriate release forms, then schedule an appointment with the House Director for an assessment interview.
During the interview, the applicant may tour Hannah House, and obtain answers to any questions or concerns she may have. The House Director along with the Assistant Director and the Crisis Pregnancy Center Executive
Director will evaluate the application and will determine admission into the program.
Upon moving into Hannah House, any remaining intake forms must be completed. All applicants must willingly agree to the following program policies and guidelines listed in the Hannah House Maternity Home Manual:
A.
Applicant must want to be in the program and be in agreement with the following policies:
B.
Applicant must agree to abstain from pre-marital sexual activity while in the program.
C.
Applicant may be asked to submit previous psychological, medical, and educational records.
D.
Applicant must be drug and alcohol free. Failure to comply with this could result in immediate expulsion from the program. If there is a history of drug or alcohol use, the applicant will be required to participate in an
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Revised January 2012 intensive out-patient program (IOP) through a local agency, and continue with after care at the conclusion of
IOP. Additionally, applicant will summit to a drug screen within the first 60 days and randomly thereafter.
E.
Applicant must be smoke free upon entry into the Hannah House. If applicant needs assistance to help remain smoke free, applicant can participate in a local smoking cessation program.
F.
When working, the applicant must agree to pay monthly “rent” of 40% of the individual income, when applicable. Of this 40%, half (or 20%) will be kept as savings for the resident to assist with expenses in setting up an apartment when exiting the program.
G.
When entering the program, there will be limited activities, visits and phone calls for the first two weeks. Visits and activities beyond the first two weeks will be subject to the approval of the House Director.
H.
Applicant must abide by policies outlined in the Hannah House Parenting Handbook.
POLICIES
A. All bags, suitcases, packages (including any and all mail), and bedrooms may be opened and inspected by
Hannah House Staff, at any time deemed necessary, without prior notice. This policy is to help ensure
compliance with house policies and the safety of everyone living and working at Hannah House.
B.
Hannah House is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen personal property on the premises. We recommend that items of great expense or sentimental value not be brought to Hannah House if possible.
Residents are encouraged to mark all items with one’s initials upon admission. When a resident moves out, HH is not responsible for any items left behind by resident.
C.
Each resident is expected to follow house rules. When in doubt, it is the responsibility of the resident to ask a staff member for clarification.
D.
Residents are required to complete daily house and bedroom chores, including deep clean chores, cook meals, and other specially assigned tasks.
E.
Residents are required to participate in Hannah House programming and community activities a minimum of 25 hours per week. Residents are required to be employed, volunteering, or in school, during their stay at Hannah
House.
F.
Attendance is required at weekly House Meetings, Bible study, and Case Management meetings, counseling sessions (if applicable), special events, and educational activities such as Parenting Class and Childbirth Class, unless an excused absence has been arranged in advance by the HH Director. (In addition, residents may be required to complete the same Parenting Class, and/or Childbirth Class more than once during her stay at HH.)
G.
Residents may stay at Hannah House for up to six months following delivery.
H.
Residents may not leave the Hannah House property without permission.
I.
If a resident breaks a city, state, or federal law, she is responsible to the proper authorities for the consequences of her action.
J.
If a resident believes that her rights have been violated, she should request an appointment with the HH
Director.
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K.
Residents who have no private insurance will be required to apply for Medicaid/ Hoosier Healthwise.
L.
Hannah House reserves the right to dismiss a resident for failure to comply with stated or written policies after all other avenues have been exhausted.
M.
All residents who are eligible must apply for W.I.C. Vouchers are kept in the office. Items are used toward the house groceries.
N.
For the Safety and Health of our Resident Babies, residents are never permitted to co-sleep with their babies at
Hannah House. This is immediate grounds for dismissal from the Hannah House Program.
PROGRAM SERVICES
A.
MEDICAL
1. A Doula is provided to assist with a birth plan and for childbirth education. Residents will be under the medical supervision of a Bloomington OB/GYN. All deliveries, without exception, will be attended by the
CPC certified Doula or a staff member.
2.
All babies are delivered at Bloomington Hospital or Monroe Hospital. Both mother and baby will stay at the hospital until released by her doctor. Medical expenses incurred by mother or baby, not covered by
Hoosier Healthwise, will be the responsibility of the resident.
3.
If residents would like family, friends, or the baby’s father to visit her in the hospital during or after labor and childbirth, a Visitor Request should submit a request 48 hours in advance. This is to ensure the resident’s safety.
4.
A Staff member will attend all resident doctor appointments, including OB/GYN exams.
5.
No medications of any kind will be kept in a resident’s room. Medications will be kept in the office and logged and dispensed by staff as directed by the resident’s or baby’s doctor.
6.
Residents are responsible for making their medical appointments. Please check with staff first to be sure the appointment time works well on the master HH calendar.
B.
COUNSELING
1.
At the discretion of the House Director, a resident may be assessed by Centerstone (Center for Behavioral
Health) or The Center for Women’s Ministries. Counseling may be required of a resident during her stay at
HH. Referrals to Counselors within the community may also be arranged.
2.
Counselors may, at their discretion, provide family mediation and counseling.
3.
Group counseling will be provided on occasion, to allow individuals the chance to explore, with other residents, the challenges and pressures each woman is facing.
C.
CASE MANAGEMENT
1. Each resident will be paired with a case manager upon entering the program.
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2.
Case managers will meet with residents weekly for approximately 1-2 hours to discuss goals, needs, desires, accomplishments, etc.
3.
Your case manager, along with the Hannah House Director and assistant will ensure that you are accomplishing your personal checklist as well as the house checklist.
4.
Residents are expected to follow the case management guidelines, including the “Timeline and Checklist”
D.
SPIRITUAL
1.
Attendance at weekly House Bible Studies is required and gives residents a chance to explore their faith, learn, have discussion and ask questions.
2. There will be a nightly devotion at dinner time. Daily personal devotions are also encouraged.
3. Residents are encouraged to attend a local church. Transportation to and from selected churches may be
provided as permitted by staff availability. The House is closed and all residents of Hannah House are
required to be out of the house on Sundays between 9am-12:00pm . Any resident not attending church
may have alternative plans approved via an Activity Request submitted 48 hours in advance.
4.
Opportunities are available through Hannah House to attend church programs, Christian concerts and other
Christian events. Some events may be mandatory.
E. EDUCATION / VOCATION / LIFE SKILLS
1.
Residents will be required to attend school (GED Preparation Classes, High School or College) or maintain employment during their stay at Hannah House, if applicable.
2.
Residents are required to participate in Hannah House programming and community activities a minimum
of 25 hours per week. Residents will log and submit their Program Attendance hours every week.
3.
Transportation can be arranged through the HH Director.
4.
Residents are required to attend all Hannah House education classes such as Parenting and
Childbirth/Postpartum Classes, unless an excused absence has been granted in advance from the HH
Director. The times and dates will be posted on the Resident Bulletin Board located in the Laundry Room.
Please check the information there daily so that you will be adequately informed.
5.
Residents are also required to attend the following classes through Bloomington Hospital/PHNA, WIC or the Crisis Pregnancy Center: Baby Care Basics, First Aid, Breastfeeding Basics, CPR, Car Seat Safety,
Childbirth classes
6.
Specific personal goals in the area of education/vocation/life skills will be set upon entrance to the program during a resident’s case management meeting.
7.
Residents are required to participate in the Healthy Families program, or another alternative, such as a weekly Parenting or Mom support Group or Class.
GENERAL RESIDENTIAL GUIDELINES
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These guidelines are necessary to maintain order and a pleasant atmosphere for all residents. Failure to comply could result in corrective measures.
A.
DRESS :
Modest clothing and a neat appearance are expected. Modest clothing is defined as clothing that does not reveal one’s cleavage, stomach or derriere. Bras and underwear should not be visible. Residents may wear nightclothes downstairs in the evening time provided they are appropriately covered. The
House Staff reserves the right to ask any resident to change her clothing, if staff feels she is dressed inappropriately revealing one’s cleavage, stomach or derriere.
Hannah House will not accept responsibility for any damaged items that occur because of borrowing or lending. That is the resident’s choice. Please wear shoes or slippers in the house at all times. We also recommend shower slippers.
Regarding swimsuit attire: in the event of a pool or beach outing: bikini bathing suits are not permitted.
Residents must be fully dressed, including bra and shoes, when at Material Support or the CPC office.
Please do not wear pajamas and slippers outside of Hannah House .
Hygiene is important. Please brush your teeth, wash your hair and bathe daily.
B.
CONVERSATION:
We desire Hannah House to be a positive experience and environment for all our residents. This atmosphere is maintained through the behaviors and attitudes of each resident. If you have a concern about the Hannah House program, policies, staff members, etc., please feel free to discuss this with the
HH Director. We request that residents maintain a respectful demeanor when interacting with all staff and other residents.
Regarding the sensitivity either of a resident’s decision to choose an adoption plan or to parent, discussion of the subject will be done only in an appropriate setting. This is a private and personal matter. Negative criticism of a resident’s choice to place or to parent will not be tolerated. Ephesians
4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen”.
C. CONDUCT:
Physical violence of any type will not be tolerated. Violation of this rule could result in assault charges being filed. This rule extends to staff members also. We will not tolerate disrespectful treatment, threatening behavior, rudeness, verbal abuse, obscene language, deliberate harassment, causing division, or ganging up on any resident or staff. Any of these actions will result in a warning, corrective action or dismissal.
D. ENTERTAINMENT:
In order to provide an appropriate atmosphere for residents of all ages, we have set the following
guidelines:
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Revised January 2012
1.
Violent, sexually explicit, satanic, or pornographic literature, TV or music is not allowed. Please use discretion while choosing entertainment.
2.
A DVD player is provided. A staff member must approve ALL movies. PG-13 and R rated videos are not permitted . Note: Staff understands that there maybe appropriate PG-13 and R rated movies. Exceptions may be made and approved by staff.
3.
Residents may bring a portable radio or CD player. Please keep volumes at an acceptable level.
No laptops or computers are permitted. Personal TVs or portable DVD players are not permitted.
4.
Staff members may ask you at any point to turn the television to a different channel or turn it off completely for any reason, especially if the content is inappropriate.
5.
The Hannah House television is not permitted to be on from the hours of 11am-3pm, Monday-
Friday. If residents are not working, attending school or attending other community programming during this time, then residents are encouraged to spend this time studying, job searching, reading, or working on making progress toward personal goals.
6.
The Hannah House television is required to be turned off for the night, at 12am, Monday-
Sunday.
7.
Only Christian music is permitted in the Hannah House van and community living areas. Music played in bedrooms must not be offensive in content or loudness. Staff at anytime may ask resident to turn music down, turn to a different station, or to turn music off if it is offensive.
E. BEDROOMS:
1.
Please do not trade or move furniture or decorative accessories without the permission of and supervision of the House Director or Assist. Director. Moving furniture can scratch the hardwood floors.
2.
Bedroom chores are expected to be done by 10am M-F. Each resident is expected to maintain the cleanliness of her room: making her bed daily, doing her personal laundry, and keeping her personal belongings organized. (Please see the bedroom chore chart for complete list of chores).
3.
Please do not store or bring food or drinks (other than water) into your bedroom at any time. (If a resident has food/drink that she has purchased with her own money, she may keep this food/drink stored in the HH kitchen, labeled clearly with her name. This helps avoid bugs.
4.
Room and bed assignments may not be changed without permission. It is possible that you could be reassigned to a new room if the HH Director deems it necessary.
5.
Nothing is to be taped to or nailed to the walls or woodwork. Candles are not to be burned in resident’s rooms. Personal plants are to be watered by resident.
6.
Males are not allowed in a resident’s room, except to assist with moving, and only after permission is granted from the staff on duty.
7.
You may enter another resident’s bedroom only with her permission.
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8.
You may sleep only in the bed that is your own. If you desire a bed change, please speak with the
HH Director.
F. HOME MAINTENANCE:
1. Any problems relating to the home upkeep and sanitation should be reported to the staff member
on duty immediately.
2. Residents are responsible for cleaning up after herself.
3. CHORES: Daily House and Bedroom Chores, and Weekly House and Bedroom Deep Cleans:
House Chores will be assigned and rotated each week. Each resident is responsible for her own
Bedroom Chores. Residents are required to complete all chores thoroughly and entirely as
assigned. When the chore is completed; it is the responsibility of the resident to have the on-duty
staff check for completion.
If staff on duty does not feel a resident completed her chore
thoroughly, staff may ask a resident to back and re-visit all or a part of a chore.
4. For sanitation purposes, dirty diapers (either wet or soiled) are not permitted to be left or disposed
of in the house. All dirty and wet diapers must be taken directly by resident to the designated
outside trash can, immediately after changing baby.
5. Also for sanitation purposes, a baby’s diaper is never permitted to be changed in the living room or
dining room or any other common area of the house. Diapers are only permitted to be changed in 2
places: a resident’s bedroom, or the changing table provided in the laundry room.
6. Nail polish and nail polish remover may be used ONLY at the dining room table with a plastic or
vinyl tablecloth protecting the furniture. These items should never be used on other furniture or in
one’s bedroom. There are chemicals in them that deeply stain and destroy furniture and fabric, so
please be very careful with use. Additionally, craft items may not be used such as glue or glitter in
the living room.
G. SMOKING, DRUGS, and ALCOHOL:
Drugs and alcohol are not good for you or your baby and will not be allowed. Confirmation of use will result in an action that could result in dismissal. Random drug screens may be done if deemed necessary by the Hannah House
Director. Violation of this rule may be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.
Applicant must be drug and alcohol free. This means applicant must abstain from alcohol and drugs during their residency at HH. Failure to comply with this could result in immediate expulsion from the program. If there is a history of drug or alcohol use, the applicant will be required to participate in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) through a local agency, and continue with after care at the conclusion of IOP. Additionally, applicant will summit to a drug screen within the first 60 days and randomly thereafter.
Applicant must be smoke free upon entry into the Hannah House. This means the applicant must abstain from smoking completely during their residency at Hannah House. Failure to comply with this could result in immediate expulsion from the program. If applicant needs assistance to abstain from smoking, applicant will participate in a local smoking cessation program.
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Smoking is NOT allowed ON the CPC or Hannah House property which includes: Hannah House, CPC, parking lot, patio and yard area or in front of the facilities. This rule is to be observed by you, all members of your family, and visitors. Violation of this rule may be grounds for immediate dismissal from the HH program.
Smoking is NOT allowed OFF the CPC or Hannah House property. All residents are required and expected to abstain from smoking completely during their residency at Hannah House. This means resident is required to abstain from smoking during the following which includes but may not be limited to: while away from HH and out on activities, when visiting friends and family, when attending community events, while attending meetings such as
IOP, AA, GED class, work, and school. Violation of this rule may be grounds for immediate dismissal from the HH program.
H. TELEPHONE / INTERNET/CELL PHONES:
1.
Telephone calls may be limited during the first two weeks of the resident’s stay.
2.
A time limit of 15 minutes is set for all residents on the resident phone line; this includes time on the Internet. This is to ensure that all residents have a fair turn. The resident phone has call waiting. You are expected to take the beeped-in calls. The only exception would be if you are talking to a doctor’s office, agency, work, or long distance to a parent, even then please be considerate. A resident’s time may not be limited on her personal cell phone, as long as it does not interfere with her progress in the program or with scheduled HH events and classes.
3. All personal calls are to be made and received on the designated resident’s phone line or on a resident’s cell phone. The phone may not be used during scheduled House meetings, House functions, during meal times, or after quiet hours.
4. Phone cards may be available for necessary long distance calls and will be distributed at the
discretion of the HH Director, if available.
5. The resident telephone is not to be taken to the resident’s rooms. If privacy is needed for a call,
the resident may use the prayer room at the back of the house.
6. Residents may use the internet on a designated computer at the CPC during regular office hours.
Subject to 15 min. limit.
8.
PHONE CALLS ARE NOT PERMITTED AFTER CURFEW. ALL PHONES INCLUDING
HOUSE PHONES AND CELL PHONES WILL BE LOCKED IN THE OFFICE AT CURFEW
(SUNDAY-THURSDAY AT 10PM, FRIDAY-SATURDAY AT 11PM) IN CASE OF AN
EMERGENCY, DURING THE OVERNIGHT HOURS, FAMILY MAY CALL (812) 334-
0055 OR 1-(800) 395-HELP AND STAFF WILL BE NOTIFIED.
9.
Cell phones: The term “cell phone” includes iTouch, any small device with internet capabilities, cell phones even if only capable of text, cell phones that do not have minutes, old cell phones. (Laptops and Computers are not permitted at HH.):
I.
VISITORS:
1.
Residents may have limited visitors for the first two weeks of entering the program.
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2.
Residents may arrange for family and friends to visit. A Visitor Request must be submitted 48 hours in advance. Visitor Requests will be reviewed by the House Director or Assistant Director only, M-F, 8am-4pm. (A Visitor Request is required during a residents stay, including times she may be hospitalized, including childbirth. This means anyone she wants to visit her in the hospital must be approved via a Visitor Request 48 hours in advance.)
3.
If visitors arrive unannounced, or unapproved they may be asked to leave. Any visitor may be denied at the discretion of the on-duty staff.
4.
Residents may also have guests in for dinner. A Visitor Request must be submitted 48 hours in advance. Visitor Requests will be reviewed M-F, 8am-4pm by the House Director or Assistant
Director only. It is necessary to have the agreement of the resident who is cooking that meal.
You will be expected to help clean up as well.
5.
Anyone visiting a minor at Hannah House must be listed on her release form.
6.
Male visitors are not allowed upstairs or in resident rooms (see E. Bedrooms, 5). Female visitors are not permitted upstairs without permission from HH staff. This is to protect the privacy and confidentiality of other residents.
7. Public displays of affection with romantic partners are not permitted.
8. Hannah House maintains the right to deny or limit any visits if they are perceived to be causing
emotional or physical harm or distress to a resident or staff.
10.
Visitors may be asked to submit a driver’s license and social security number. For the safety of other HH residents and HH babies, all visitors coming to the Hannah House may be subject to a criminal background check.
11.
Hannah House is not able to provide overnight lodging for guests. Upon request and subject to
Hannah House Director approval, a mother who lives out of town may stay overnight with her daughter after the baby is born. We are sorry that we have no facilities for male relatives.
12.
Visits within the House are as follows:
Monday – Thursday
Friday & Saturday
Sunday
11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Visitors are not permitted during House Meetings. Visitors may attend Bible Study or Parenting
Class as long as they participate and are not disruptive. (An approved visitor request is required to be completed by resident for any person they wish to attend these classes with them.)
Visiting time extensions may be considered upon special request to the House Director or Staff, according to the flexibility available in the House schedule and if all resident responsibilities have been met.
13.
For Safety, Privacy, and Confidentiality, of all residents, visitors are not permitted to visit w/a
resident in her bedroom. Visitors are only permitted to visit w/residents in the common areas of
the house, such as the Living Room, Dining Room, or outside on the HH Porch Area. Visitors
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may, with the permission and discretion of staff on duty) go and take a brief tour of your
bedroom.
Hannah House Residents will not answer the Hannah House door when visitors arrive. Only staff are permitted to answer the door. This is for the safety and privacy of all staff, residents and babies.
Staff members at anytime may ask visitors to show identification and copy identification for Hannah
House records.
J.
LEISURE TIME:
1.
All residents are encouraged to use their leisure time in a constructive manner. Suggested activities include: reading, journaling, taking a walk, exercising, resting, sharing with a friend, staff, or volunteer, etc.
2.
If a resident would like to go on an outing, the resident must submit an Activity Request form 48 hours in advance. Activity Requests will be reviewed by the HH Director or Assistant Director,
M-F, 8am-4pm. An Activity Request must also be submitted for leisure activities that require the Hannah House van for transportation. In addition, up to 5 hour long Activities maximum will be considered for approval on Mondays-Fridays, and up to 8 hour long Activities maximum will be considered for approval on Saturdays and Sundays.
3.
Before the House Director approves any activity request, individuals whom a resident is requesting to go on an activity with, may be asked to submit a driver’s license for proof of identity, and a social security number. All individuals whom a resident goes on an activity with may be subject to a criminal background check. This is to ensure the safety of our resident’s.
4.
Overnight Requests are granted by exception only. A resident may make a request for an overnight activity in person to the Hannah House Director 48 hours in advance.
5.
If a resident desires to take a walk, they must first get approval from the staff on duty. A time for return must be established before the resident leaves. Walks will be permitted if the timing does not interfere with the house schedule or any immediate needs. Any walk over 30 minutes requires an Activity Request submitted 48 hours in advance.
6.
Approval for all activity, visitor and overnight requests, will be determined by assessing the resident’s current needs, attitude, behavior and progress. Leisure activities may be limited if resident has not started working, volunteering, or attending school or if she is not participating in required HH programming.
K.
HANNAH HOUSE OFFICE:
1.
For confidentiality’s sake, please knock before entering. If you know of a meeting taking place in the office, please do not interrupt unless it is urgent.
2.
There must always be a staff member present while a resident is in the office.
3.
Please remember that the office is a place of business and to conduct yourself accordingly.
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4.
Residents are not allowed at or behind the desk, in file cabinets and drawers, in the closet, or in desk drawers. This is to ensure all resident’s confidentiality.
L.
RESIDENT INFORMATION:
1. All resident forms and mailboxes are located in the shelving unit in the laundry room. If you
cannot find a form or copies are needed, please ask a staff member.
2. Please check the bulletin board in the laundry room regularly for new announcements, house
schedule changes, and chore lists. You are responsible for knowing this information.
M.
SICKNESS:
1.
If you believe that you are too ill to attend school, work, or a function of the House, notify the staff on duty. Staff on duty will consult with the resident’s Doctor. They will help determine the severity of your illness, and whether absenteeism or a doctor visit is necessary.
2.
If it is determined that you are too ill to attend, you are required to do only restful activities until you are feeling well enough to get back on schedule. No leisure outings will be approved.
Residents may not spend the day on the living room sofa.
N.
HOUSE SCHEDULE:
1.
Before scheduling any appointments, please check first with HH staff to be sure the appointment time fits the HH schedule. If resident makes an appointment without first checking with HH staff, she may be asked to reschedule her appointment to a more convenient time.
2.
WAKE UP: Each resident is expected to be awake and out of bed by 10am, M-F. The house is closed every Sunday from 9am-12pm. Each resident will be assigned a wake up time at point of intake. The time established will depend on when school begins, when the work schedule begins or when other appointments need to be made.
3.
QUIET TIME: During quiet time, there should be no excessive noise throughout the house.
Residents may continue with quiet activities in the downstairs areas. Quiet time hours are after:
10:00 pm Sunday-Thursday
11:00 pm Friday-Saturday
4.
CURFEW: Each resident is expected to be inside the house by designated hours below. If schedules conflict with curfew, the House Director or Assistant House Director must give prior approval to return home after the designated curfew. Curfew hours are as follows unless a House activity is scheduled:
10:00 pm Sunday-Thursday
11:00 pm Friday-Saturday
5.
QUIET HOURS: The house is expected to be quiet. The TV should be at a low volume and lights should be dim. The atmosphere should set for the night’s sleep, and rest.
6.
GROCERY SHOPPING: Residents will attend the weekly grocery shopping trip for Hannah
House food and supplies, with staff.
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7.
LAUNDRY ROTATION: Residents are responsible for doing their own laundry. Residents may be assigned a day each week that she completes her laundry.
8.
There is an optional in-house “Move Night Friday” each week.
9.
MEAL PREPARATION AND MEAL TIMES:
Residents are responsible for preparing House Meals.
Breakfast and lunch will be on your own. Remember that it is important to eat nutritious meals.
For those attending school, you will need to take responsibility for requesting lunch items on the grocery list and making your own lunch. If residents or staff members have concerns or requests, these will be addressed at house meetings.
The kitchen is open for breakfast meal preparation and eating from: 7-10am, Mon.-
Sun.
The kitchen is open for lunch meal preparation and eating from: 12-2pm, Mon.-Sun
Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. daily unless the time is altered to meet resident schedules. All residents are required to attend unless the House Director or Assistant Director gives prior approval. The House Director or Assistant Director will permit dinner guests certain evenings with 48-hour notice and approval. Request forms are located in the Laundry room.
The kitchen is closed for dinner preparation: 4pm-6pm, Mon.-Sun.
Dinner is served and eaten: 6-6:30pm, Mon.-Sun.
While the kitchen is only open during designated hours for meal preparation and eating meals, it
is open for snacking and drinking at all times of the day and night.
To avoid critters and bugs, and for sanitation purposes, all meals are expected to be eaten at the Dining Room table.
Occasionally lunch will be prepared as the main meal for the day, depending on resident schedules.
**Remember:**
Proper nutrition is vital to your health and your baby’s health!
O.
HOUSE MEETING:
1.
All residents are required to attend the weekly house meeting. The day and time of the meeting may be changed when deemed necessary to accommodate everyone’s schedule. This is the time to talk through and resolve any household problems or conflicts. Remember that individual conflicts are best resolved personally and not in a group setting.
2.
Weekly household chores will be posted on Mondays.
3.
Menu planning and the grocery list will be done with the assistance of a designated staff person at the house meeting. Menus will be planned for a week at a time. Residents should attempt new recipes and not prepare the same meal each week. The grocery list must be prepared by the grocery shopping trip and at least one resident will accompany the staff member to purchase groceries.
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4.
Residents will submit their schedule for the following week at the house meetings.
5.
Absences for House Meeting must be approved in advance by the HH Director.
P.
CHILDCARE:
1.
Residents may ask other non-minor residents to watch their baby for short periods, if both mom and baby remain on the CPC/HH property. For example a resident may watch another resident’s baby while mom takes a shower, or cooks dinner. Otherwise, residents must find volunteers or a local daycare to provide childcare. Minor residents cannot ever provide childcare. (This is a liability issue.)
2.
If a resident is working over a 4-hour shift, an approved volunteer may take the baby to their residence. All childcare arrangements are subject to the approval of the House Director, Assistant or the Executive Director.
Q.
RESIDENT CARS:
1.
Residents are not permitted to have a car until the last month of their stay and with approval of the
Director. In the event that a resident does have her own car, she must abide by the following
guidelines. Minor residents may not ride with another resident. Residents may not park in the lot
while the CPC is open. It is the resident’s responsibility to insure, register and maintain her car.
R.
HOUSE SAFETY and PRIVACY
1.
Residents are never permitted to answer the HH door(s). Only staff will answer HH door(s). Even if it is a resident’s family member, or Healthy Families case worker (for example). If someone comes to the HH door and staff is not available to answer it, residents are required to ignore the door.
2.
The HH doors will remain locked at all times. 24 hours a day/7 days a week for safety.
3.
Residents are required to sign out every time they leave Hannah House. A sign out book is located in the HH foyer.
S.
MATERIAL SUPPORT:
1.
Residents will participate in the Crisis Pregnancy Center Material Support Program to get diapers, baby food, furniture, etc.
2.
Large items cannot be purchased until the third trimester of pregnancy. Continual exchanges of both small and large items are not permitted.
3.
Residents may go to Material Support only during store hours. Please plan for the weekend to be sure you do not run out of diapers and formula. Residents may purchase more than the limit of diapers and formula by speaking to the Client Services Director or Assistant privately.
4.
Please be respectful of the Material Support staff. Sometimes Material Support can be very busy with clients. It may be easier for you to return at a more convenient time.
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Revised January 2012
5.
Residents will earn Baby Bucks through participation in the Hannah House Program and other
Community Events. Every week, residents will receive Baby Bucks by submitting her Program
Attendance Log to the Hannah House Director. (The Programming Attendance Log Forms are located in the laundry room).
T.
MOVE-OUT PROCEDURE
Residents are only permitted to move out of Hannah House while the Hannah House Director or Assistant
Director are on duty. Residents are not permitted to move out during evenings, or on weekends.
When a resident decides she is ready to move out of HH, she should notify the Hannah House Director immediately to inform her of the move out plan, including the date and time. Residents are responsible for notifying the Hannah House Director if she needs any moving assistance from staff such as transportation, boxes, or assistance packing and loading items. Please do not assume staff is available to help. Residents will also complete an exit interview with the Hannah House Director.
U.
MANDATORY EVENTS:
Walk For Life
Hannah Gala
Hannah-a-Thon
National Day of Prayer-
All residents will have proper notice of events
Additional unscheduled events may be announced and mandatory
Residents are required to participate in these events. Each event date and time will be announced. Each event will be explained as they approach.
V. CORRECTIVE ACTION:
The staff of Hannah House strives to uphold a constructive, positive, and most of all, a biblical approach to correction. The Bible instructs us that discipline is needed in our lives in order to know what is good and right.
Without discipline, there is no love. It is our goal to love the residents of Hannah House with the love of God. We further know that God disciplines those He loves. Thus, the staff will seek to not react in our fleshly nature but to instruct, guide, and correct with the love and purposes of our loving Heavenly Father. Failure to comply with the preceding guidelines will be dealt with at the discretion of the Hannah House Director. The goal of the Hannah
House program is to help the residents to become good mothers and contributors to society. We strive to set a godly example and treat each person as Jesus directed in the New Testament. While all the above rules apply to everyone, each resident and situation will be looked at individually in order to bring about the desired attitude and outcome.
Violation of any of the rules may result in loss of privileges. Blatant or repeated violations may result in dismissal from the program.
Please refer to the Hannah House Discipline Policy for more information.
**A Resident Edition of the HH Manual will be given at the time of move-in.
***Note: the contents of the Hannah House Manual, Hannah House Parenting Handbook including all policies are subject to change without approval from or prior notification of residents or clients. HH policy as set forth in the Hannah House Manual and Hannah House
Parenting Handbook will be upheld and enforced at all times.
If a resident feels she needs an exception to any of the policies, it is her responsibility to make her request directly, privately, and in person to the Hannah House Director or Assistant Director. Any deviation or departure by resident from the HH Policies may result in consequences or dismissal from the program.
Please refer to the Hannah House Parenting Handbook for more specific policies regarding Baby Care.
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