Fessenden House Policies

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Br. Bernard Fessenden House provides supportive housing to men in recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction. The House accommodates nine men in recovery and two live-in staff. Fessenden House (the "House") is a program of Fessenden Supportive Housing, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation in the State of New York, and the Board of Directors of Fessenden Supportive Housing, Inc. oversees the administration of the House. The Board appoints staff as necessary in consultation with the Executive Director of Fessenden Supportive Housing, Inc. The Board of Directors also appoints an Advisory Team made up of treatment professionals and religious advisors to assist the staff on an as-needed basis and as outlined in these policies. A list of the current members of the Advisory Team is available at any time from the Executive Director.

However, Fessenden House is not just a group of individual men who happen to live under the same roof. It is not a shelter or rooming House. It is not a temporary place to stay "until something better comes along." It is a home in the fullest sense of the word. We are a community of men supporting one another in our recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction in both tangible and intangible ways. The tangible aspects of community living are outlined in these policies. The intangible aspects are less obvious but in many ways more important. They are encompassed by the mutual love, respect and support the residents and staff give to each other through living and working together in a sober and disciplined environment. One reason this works is that we are not all sick at the same time. But in order for it to work, the Fessenden House community must be the primary community—or "extended family," if you will—for the men who live here.

The staff and residents work hard to foster this sense of community and to welcome new residents into our home. Therefore, while a new resident commits himself only to the initial ninety-day probationary period when he moves in, we do not accept applicants who do not intend to remain residents of the House for at least six months.

Criteria for Acceptance to the House

Applicants to Fessenden House must be male, 18 years or older, clean and sober from drugs and alcohol (including methadone) for at least thirty (30) days, and committed to pursuing recovery. Applicants must be able and willing to function in a communal living situation and accept their share of responsibility for maintaining a safe, clean and healthy environment. Furthermore, because since none of the bedrooms are on the first floor, applicants must be able to negotiate stairs. Applicants must sign release forms to allow the staff of Fessenden House access to information concerning their substance abuse treatment history, criminal records and parole or probation information (if any), and medical and mental health records - including prescription medications and dosages. Applicants must also give permission to staff members to enter into discussion with members of the Board of Directors, Advisory Team, legal authorities, medical personnel and family members or "significant others" designated by the resident when the well-being of the resident or of Fessenden House as a whole is in question.

The monthly rent for a resident of Fessenden House is $350.00. All checks for rent are payable to FESSENDEN SUPPORTIVE HOUSING, INC. and are due by the fifth day of each month. Residents receiving benefits through the Westchester County Department of Social Services (DSS) shall arrange to have their rent paid directly by DSS. The staff is available to assist any resident with the application form and other paperwork.

The monthly rent of each resident of Fessenden House is used to pay the rent on Fessenden House, 236 Warburton Avenue and major utility bills such as gas and electric, heating oil, etc. The rent does not include the cost of food, cable television, or other incidental expenses. Each resident therefore is strongly encouraged to contribute to the House food budget according to his ability or, in the case of food stamp recipients, to purchase food for the use of the entire Household. Residents are asked to submit receipts to the staff for food they purchase, even when they are donating it, so that the staff and the Board of Directors have an accurate idea of how much money is being spent on food.

Fessenden House is often the recipient of donations of food or of money specially earmarked for the purchase of food. In addition, staff and residents often contribute food or money earmarked for food to the House out of their own resources. The staff coordinates the use of any House food. Whenever possible the staff and residents share dinner every evening. When resources or circumstances do not permit this, the residents will be informed with as much notice as possible so that they may make other arrangements.

Respect for Others

All staff and residents will treat each other with courtesy, dignity and respect. Verbal or physical attacks or threats, racist, sexist or homophobic remarks, and physical or psychological harassment are grounds for discharge from the House and will not be tolerated.

Conflicts between residents or between residents and staff should be resolved through discussion and careful listening to one another. Staff members are available to help mediate conflicts, should that be necessary.

Free local phone service is available to all residents and staff. Residents should be sensitive to the needs of the other residents in the House to make or receive calls and not monopolize the phone. All residents are welcome to install telephones in their bedrooms in their own name and at their own expense. Fessenden House shall not be responsible for the unpaid telephone bills of any resident.

Respect for the privacy of individuals is essential to community living. Therefore, no resident will enter another resident’s bedroom without his explicit permission except in the case of an obvious emergency. Staff may enter a resident’s room as described in the section concerning room checks. Law enforcement authorities may only enter the bedroom of a resident if they have a properly executed search warrant or if a staff member contacts the police because of a suspected dangerous or illegal situation.

A resident may not enter the bedroom of a staff person except to execute repairs or perform general maintenance, such as painting. In such cases, the door to the bedroom must remain fully open while the work is being done.

All residents and staff will respect the confidentiality and privacy of others in the House. No resident or staff person will discuss the personal business of any resident of the House with anyone except as provided for by a resident’s Release of Information form. (See Appendix for standard Release of Information Form.)

Gossip or backbiting is extremely damaging to community living and grounds for discharge from the House. Such behavior will inevitably cause tension and mistrust to build within the community and will not be tolerated.

However, in cases where a resident believes another resident is endangering the welfare of the House, another resident or himself, he is obligated to inform the staff of his concerns. The staff then must receive independent verification from medical, law enforcement, or other qualified personnel before it can act on this information. Residents can help alert staff members to problems or potential problems so that appropriate steps can be taken to address them.

Each resident is responsible for performing his assigned daily chores. Chores are rotated on a week-to-week basis with each resident having full responsibility for a certain area of the House or a particular set of related chores.

In addition to regular chores, residents are encouraged to take on special projects either at their own initiative or at request of the staff according to their interests and abilities and the need. These may include projects such as cooking, painting, gardening and landscaping, etc. Residents who wish to take on a project at their own initiative should consult with the staff first to ensure that the work is needed and desirable and that there are no restrictions placed on the project due to the lease of the building and land or liability concerns.

All residents are required to sign-out when leaving the House with their destination indicated and the approximate time they will return. Any resident who finds he will be more than an hour late is expected to telephone the House and leave a message to that effect.

The House observes a curfew of 11:00 p.m. This curfew may be adjusted for individuals with the express permission of the House Manager or staff person on duty. Typical reasons for extending curfew include:

• participating in "fellowship" after an evening twelve-step meeting

• meeting with a sponsor;

• religious commitments;

• job commitments.

Observance of curfew will be taken very seriously. Repeated abuse of curfew shall be grounds for the discharge of the resident from the House.

Fessenden House staff may grant overnight passes to residents. A resident must put in a request for an overnight pass at least twenty-four hours in advance. Typical reasons for an overnight pass include spending time with family or close friends (for example, during holidays) or attending a recovery conference or retreat. A request for an overnight pass will be denied if a resident will be with people who are known to be drinking or using drugs, even if they are family members. New residents will not be granted overnight passes during their first ninety days in the House except in emergencies.

Any resident who is absent from the House without leave for 72 hours shall no longer be a resident of Fessenden House and will be considered officially discharged. No references will be given.

From time to time the staff may perform unannounced room checks. These room checks may only be performed with the resident of the room present and may not be performed in his absence except in the case of an obvious emergency, such as the smell of smoke or signs of a plumbing or electrical emergency.

Room checks are performed to determine the following:

• A resident’s overall hygiene. Residents who are found to be keeping rotting food, unwashed dishes, or piles of unwashed clothing or bed linens in their rooms, will be given a verbal or written warning, depending on the severity of the offence.

• Use of the room for inappropriate purposes. Residents who are found to be using their bedrooms for electrical or heavy-duty mechanical work, or who are using or storing dangerous chemicals in their bedrooms, such as solvents, heavy-duty grease or oil, etc., will be required to remove the materials immediately and will be issued a written warning.

• Evidence of smoking. Residents who show evidence of smoking in their bedrooms, such as cigarette butts, cigarette ashes, or the strong smell of cigarette smoke will be issued a written warning if it is a first offense. A Resident will be discharged from the House on 72-hours notice if it is the second offense.

• Evidence of alcohol or drug use. Residents who show evidence of alcohol or illicit drug use in their bedrooms will be discharged immediately and without notice. Such evidence may include discarded bottles, drug paraphernalia, or the presence of drugs or alcohol.

The staff has no desire to intrude on the privacy of the residents of the House. Neither are the staff members interested in how neatly the residents keep their rooms (although they do encourage the residents to be neat). However, previous experience has shown that unannounced room checks are necessary to ensure the safety and well being of the entire Household.

All residents are welcome to have a limited number of guests over to the House. However, in order to maintain the security of the House the following policies must be observed:

• Any resident who invites a guest to the House must inform the staff that he is bringing a guest into the House.

• All guests, except children under the age of thirteen, must sign Fessenden House’s standard Statement of Confidentiality when they first visit the House.

• Residents must be present with their guests the entire time they are in the House.

• A staff person must be present in the House when guests are present unless arrangements have been made with the staff ahead of time.

• In order to protect the privacy of the other residents and staff, guests are not permitted on the second floor. In addition, the resident occupying the basement bedroom may not entertain guests in his room. Exceptions may only be made with the permission of the staff. Exceptions will normally be granted for the following reasons:

• A resident is receiving visits from family members or close friends and is too ill to come to the first floor. Such visits are usually arranged with staff.

• A resident who is moving in or moving out requires the assistance of one or more people to help carry boxes, furniture, etc.

In addition, staff members may occasionally need to bring visitors to the second floor. Such visits are normally only conducted for the following reasons:

• The staff is giving a potential new resident a tour of the House as part of the interview process.

• The staff is giving a tour of the House to treatment professionals, potential donors or other professionals who need to see the second floor.

• The House Manager needs to consult privately with a friend or colleague in his office.

Whenever a staff member or resident has a visitor who needs access to the second floor, the staff member or resident must first inform anyone present on the second floor that he is bringing a visitor upstairs. In addition, no visitor will ever be allowed in the main second floor bathroom if someone is using the toilet or shower.

• With the exception of people coming for mass in the morning, non-residents may not be admitted to the building at any time for any reason unless they are with a resident as a guest, or are accompanied by a staff person, or are service people executing repairs, reading meters, etc, in which case they must be accompanied by a staff person or a designated resident.

• All guests must leave by 11:00 p.m. Overnight guests are not permitted.

• A resident may not spend time with a guest in his room with the door closed, even if that guest has permission to be in his bedroom. If a resident needs to spend private time in conversation with a guest, the staff will make space available in one of the first floor offices.

Fessenden House accepts men as residents regardless of their religious tradition and upbringing or their current religious practice. No resident is required to participate in any of the religious activities of the House (although we do ask the courtesy of the residents to permit grace at meals). However, Fessenden House is a religious House, and many religious resources are available to residents who wish to take advantage of them. The Daily Office of the Episcopal Church is prayed daily in the chapel, and all residents are invited to participate. Roman Catholic masses are celebrated in the chapel every weekday and in the neighboring Church of Our Lady of the Rosary on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. Episcopal masses, with laying on of hands and anointing for healing, are celebrated in the chapel at least twice a week. The chapel is available at any time for the use of the residents when not in use for public services.

All residents, regardless of their spiritual or religious tradition, are strongly encouraged to pursue and maintain a spiritual discipline in accordance with the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The brothers on staff are available to talk with any resident informally regarding his spiritual journey and, if desired, refer him to more formal forms of pastoral counseling or spiritual direction and discernment.

A House Business Meeting will be held at least once a month at a time and day established by the staff. All residents are required to attend unless the staff excuses them, and excuses will only be given for a bona fide emergency. Special business meetings may be called to deal with emergencies or pressing business that cannot wait until the next scheduled meeting.

In addition to House Business Meetings, the staff will meet with each resident individually on an as needed basis. This will allow the staff members to voice any issues or concerns they may have with individual residents and will also allow the residents to bring any concerns they may have to the staff.

Fessenden House is first and foremost a House of recovery, and all residents are expected to be thoroughly committed to their recovery and do all in their power to avoid "people, places or things" that may lead to relapse. However, occasionally a resident may relapse with drugs or alcohol. If a resident relapses, it is to his advantage to be honest about it with the staff, his counselor and his sponsor. Dishonesty about a relapse is generally far more damaging to a person’s recovery than the relapse itself. A resident will not be penalized for relapsing provided he inform the staff of his relapse at his earliest opportunity. If it is appropriate, the resident will be permitted to remain at Fessenden House. If it is not appropriate for a resident to remain at Fessenden House because he has developed a pattern of relapse while in residence, the staff will work with him and the persons treating him to find a more suitable living environment. If the resident remains at Fessenden House, he will be expected to inform his sponsor and his counselor at his outpatient program of the relapse and to work out with them a plan for avoiding such relapses in the future. The staff will assist in implementing this plan insofar as it is possible. Such assistance may include: holding a resident’s money with his written permission, being available to receive "check-in" calls, or any other assistance recommended by a resident’s sponsor or counselor that the staff can legally undertake. Staff members are always available to talk informally with a resident regarding the feelings or events that led to the relapse and the difficulties arising from the relapse.

If a resident relapses and does not inform the staff of the relapse, that resident will be dismissed from the House on 72 hours notice upon the receipt of objective proof of drug or alcohol use through a toxicology screening or other medical or legal procedure. Please note: the staff and the other residents are usually aware when an individual has relapsed, whether that individual has told anyone or not.

Residents are prohibited from engaging in sexual activity with other persons on the property. In accordance with the provisions of the lease governing 236 Warburton Avenue, there will be no programs or teachings concerning sexual expression provided on-site. However, the staff is always available to discuss issues of sexuality privately with an individual resident at his request.

If the fire alarm rings, all residents are to leave the House immediately using the closest exit, no matter what time of the day or night. One staff person will check all rooms, beginning with the bedrooms, to make sure that all residents are out. The other staff member, if present, will try to determine the cause of the alarm.

In accordance with a Yonkers city ordinance, fire drills will be held approximately once a month. The fire drill could be held during the day or night.

Admission Process for Applicants to Fessenden House

Applicants are referred to Fessenden House by an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program, treatment professionals working in private practice, or religious professionals. Referrals are normally processed by Fessenden House staff in consultation with members of the Advisory Team as necessary. The person or program referring a potential resident must provide a comprehensive bio-psycho-social evaluation to the House staff prior to the interview. If an evaluation is not available or is not adequate for the needs of Fessenden House, a comprehensive bio-psycho-social evaluation will be performed by a member of the Advisory Team prior to the interview with House staff. In addition, applicants to the House may be required to submit evidence that they have been clean and sober for at least thirty days in the form of urine or blood toxicology reports. If the bio-psycho-social evaluation indicates that the applicant may be an appropriate candidate for admission to the House, Fessenden House staff interviews him at the House, unless this is impractical. (For example, if the applicant is in the hospital or in prison, the staff will interview him off-site.) If the staff members believe that the applicant is suitable for admission to Fessenden House, he is approved for admission on a ninety-day trial basis and a day and time is set for moving in.

New Resident Probation

New residents are accepted to Fessenden House on a probationary basis for a period of ninety days beginning with their first full day in the House (that is, the day after they move in). This is a time of mutual testing and discernment. During this period, new residents will be carefully evaluated for their suitability for Fessenden House and their commitment to their recovery. They should also use this period to evaluate the suitability of the House to their own needs. New residents will meet with the staff within their first week of moving in to go over the House policies and sign a Certificate of Acceptance for the period of their probation, and to sign any and all the necessary disclosure and consent forms. If at any time during the probationary period the staff determines that a new resident is not appropriate for the house, he may be discharged at any time. The new resident will be given at least 72-hours to vacate the premises unless he has violated the house policies that trigger immediate discharge without written notice. (See page 11.)

While on probation, a new resident must attend ninety meetings in ninety days in Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous, and he must have a sponsor or sponsors within one month of moving into Fessenden House. A new resident may only be excused from this requirement due to serious illness or on the advice of treatment professionals.

New residents must also enroll in an outpatient or day-treatment program that includes periodic or random drug and alcohol screenings. Fessenden House is associated with several treatment programs in the area. The staff determines which program is best for a particular resident in consultation with the resident and members of the Advisory Team. If the treatment program in which the resident is enrolled is not the best program for him, he is encouraged to bring his concerns to the House staff and the appropriate people at his program. It is not unusual for a resident to enroll in several different programs before he finds the one that works best for him.

While on probation, a resident will not be granted any overnight passes except for family emergencies.

New residents without financial resources will be given some money when they move into Fessenden House to help pay for toiletries and any other sundry needs they may have. In addition, Fessenden House will cover the costs of transportation to and from the new resident’s treatment program and 12-step meetings as needed.

Not more than two weeks before the end of his probationary period, the staff will meet with the new resident to determine whether he will be given long-term resident status. If the new resident is granted long-term status and he wishes to remain at Fessenden House, he will sign the Certificate of Acceptance of these policies for as long as he lives in the House. If he decides he does not wish to continue living in Fessenden House or the staff does not believe he is suitable for long-term status, the staff will set up a discharge date in consultation with the new resident but no longer than one month after the end of the probationary period. The provisions of these House policies will remain in permanent force and effect until the new resident moves out.

Long Term Resident Status (After 90 Day Probation)

Being classified as a "long-term resident" does not necessarily mean a man will live here forever. Fessenden House was founded to serve men who do not qualify for other kinds of supportive housing either for physical reasons (endocrine diseases, other diseases) or emotional reasons (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.) or both. Consequently, some men who enter Fessenden House may have the potential to eventually move out on their own, while others may remain residents of Fessenden House on a more-or-less permanent basis. Both of these alternatives are options for men living at Fessenden House, depending on their individual issues. For this reason, there is no set time limit for living in Fessenden House. Being classified as a "long-term resident" means that a man has taken on all the rights and responsibilities of being a member of the Fessenden House community for the foreseeable future. He has decided to make Fessenden House his home.

A long-term resident is required to attend at least three meetings a week in Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous, and be working the steps with his sponsor or sponsors. He is required to be enrolled in an out-patient or day-treatment program that includes random or periodic drug and alcohol screenings, and to remain in treatment until he completes the program or as long as required by the Courts or the Departments of Probation or Parole, whichever is longer. In addition, the House staff may require a resident to attend other support groups or programs, depending on his particular circumstances. For example, a resident who is HIV-positive may be required to participate in an HIV support group. A resident with a psychiatric disorder may be required to participate in a program for persons who are mentally ill and chemically addicted. A resident dealing with serious emotional issues may be required to see a therapist on a one-on-one basis, if his program does not provide a therapist for him.

Discharge with Cause

A resident may be discharged with cause for violation of the House policies or for any actions that threatens the well being of the other residents of the House or the staff. All discharges "with cause" must be enacted according to the due process outlined in these policies.

A resident may be discharged from Fessenden House immediately and without notice for any behavior that requires the intervention of law enforcement authorities. Behavior that might lead to such action may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Assault of any sort against a member of the staff or another resident.

• Threatening a member of the staff or another resident with physical harm.

• Possessing, brandishing, or using any weapon or object that could be used as a weapon on the House or on the grounds.

• Possession, use or dealing of alcohol or illicit drugs in the House or on the grounds.

• Theft of House property or property belonging to a staff member or resident of the House.

• Violation of the terms of probation or parole.

• Arrest for any crime on or off the premises.

In appropriate cases, law enforcement authorities will be contacted immediately and charges filed as applicable.

A resident may be discharged from Fessenden House upon 72-Hours written notice for any behavior that causes substantial disruption to the well-being of the House, the staff or other residents but which does not require the intervention of law-enforcement authorities. Such behavior may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Proof of drug or alcohol use, if the resident has not already come forward and informed the staff of his relapse.

• Refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol screening or any attempt to falsify a drug or alcohol screening.

• Full or partial revocation of a release of information form from the drug and alcohol treatment program in which the resident is enrolled.

• Any action that compromises the recovery of any other resident in the House including: taking another resident out on a "run", telling another resident where to purchase illicit drugs, giving another resident money for drugs or alcohol, etc.

• Petty theft of House property or the property of any person in the House (including food).

• Following a written warning for the reasons outlined in the written warning.

A resident may be discharged from Fessenden House following a written warning for repeated infringement or violation of House Policies. A written warning generally will follow one or more verbal warnings and may include a time limit during which the warning is in effect, depending on the seriousness of the offense. Behavior that generates a written warning may include, but is not limited to, the following:

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• Behavior calculated to intimidate a staff member or another resident.

• Continuing harassment of a staff member or another resident.

• Smoking in undesignated areas, such as bedrooms.

• Abuse of curfew.

• Persistent failure to attend the minimum required twelve-step meetings per week without legitimate reason (such as illness).

• Persistent failure to attend outpatient program or to keep appointments with counselors, psychotherapists, psychiatrists or other medical or mental health professionals without legitimate reason.

• Refusal to pay rent.

• Persistent failure to perform or complete assigned chores.

• Persistent failure to maintain personal hygiene or generally accepted standards of cleanliness.

• Gossip or violation of the confidentiality and/or privacy of any resident or staff member.

• Persistent display of racist, sexist or homophobic attitudes through words or actions.

If a resident fails to comply with the terms of a written warning he will either be given seventy-two hours to vacate the premises or, depending upon the seriousness of the offense, a longer period as outlined in the written warning.

If a resident is discharged after a written warning or upon 72-hours notice, he may appeal his discharge to the Advisory Team provided he makes his appeal before he has actually vacated the premises. A resident may make his appeal by informing a staff member that he wishes to appeal his discharge. The staff will generate a written request and have the resident sign the request. The staff will then contact the president of the Board of Directors, who will appoint at least two members of the Advisory Team to serve as an appeals board. While the resident is in the appeals process, all action to remove him from Fessenden House will be suspended until the appeals board has made its decision, unless he engages in behavior that would trigger an immediate discharge. The decision of the appeals board is final and binding on both staff and residents.

An immediate discharge from the House cannot be appealed.

No resident discharged with cause will be permitted to store any of his personal property at Fessenden House after his discharge. Any personal possessions belonging to a resident discharged with cause will be disposed of 24 hours after the resident’s discharge. The discharged resident, or a person appointed by him, may claim his possessions during that period, provided at least one staff person is present and provided the discharged resident has not threatened violence or committed any violence against a staff member or another resident.

Discharge in Good Standing

Fessenden House provides supportive housing for men who are alcohol and/or drug addicted. Not all alcohol and/or drug addicted men need supportive housing, or they only need it for a relatively short period of time. This section describes the reasons for making a move to non-supportive housing and the manner in which it takes place.

A resident is discharged in good standing when he leaves Fessenden House by his own choice, rather than for a violation of the House policies. A resident may leave the House at any time, although we do ask the courtesy of at least thirty-days notice. In addition, Fessenden House cannot refund any rent already paid if a resident leaves before the end of the month.

Although a resident may leave at any time, we strongly encourage all residents to work with the staff and with the persons treating them to carefully draw up a discharge plan, rather than leave on short notice. This is best both for the individual leaving the House and for the other residents and the Fessenden House community as a whole. This enables the resident leaving to plan a smooth transition to independent housing. It also helps him and the other residents and staff members to obtain closure with the resident leaving. While the staff of Fessenden House will draft the discharge plan, it will be commented upon by those who bear therapeutic responsibility for the resident in both the areas of physical well being and psychosocial well-being.

The House staff may also initiate the discharge planning process with a resident if the House Manager and Executive Director believe that a resident is ready to go out on his own. Whenever a resident develops an outside relationship, activity or interest that takes precedence over his relationship with the community at Fessenden House, he is indicating that he is getting ready to move on, whether he realizes it or not.

The staff looks for three signs that singly or together indicate that a man is developing an outside attachment that takes precedence over the Fessenden House community and, therefore, that he is beginning the process of leaving the community:

• a resident develops a relationship with an individual that overshadows his responsibilities to the Fessenden House community, such as: doing chores, attending House meetings, attending AA or NA meetings, spending social time with the community, etc.,
• a resident obtains a job that takes precedence over responsibilities to the House;
• a resident attends school or another educational program full-time and that responsibility takes precedence over his responsibilities to the House.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with any or all of these things happening in the life of a resident. It simply means that he has chosen to do something that will lead to his eventual discharge from Fessenden House. For those who are capable of living outside of this environment, this is a great success.

Whenever the staff becomes aware that any one of the above listed three events is taking place in the life of a resident, the staff members will speak with the resident privately and inform him that it is time to sit down and draw up a discharge plan in cooperation with any counselors or therapists who are involved with his case. The discharge process may take weeks or even months. Simply having entered the process of discharge planning does not mean that an individual resident is in danger of immanent discharge. Presuming that a resident maintains his responsibilities to the House while he is preparing himself to leave the community, the staff will do everything it can to help him find appropriate housing, including providing letters of recommendation, making contacts, etc.

A resident discharged in good standing may, with the consent of the House Manager, leave some possessions in storage at Fessenden House for up to thirty days. However, this is dependant on the availability of storage space, so we cannot guarantee that this is possible. A resident in the discharge planning process should let the House Manager know as soon as possible if he needs to store any personal belongings.

Criteria for Discharge Without Prejudice

Occasionally a resident may need to be discharged from Fessenden House due to circumstances beyond his control. In such cases, the resident is discharged "without prejudice." Circumstances that may lead to such a discharge include, but are not limited to, the following:

• A resident develops a serious contagious disease that is communicable by casual contact, such as tuberculosis.

• A resident develops a disease or condition that makes him unable to maintain his Activities of Daily Living (ADL) skills such as washing himself, using the toilet, dressing himself, etc. without professional assistance.

• A resident with a psychiatric disorder requires more intensive and qualified supervision than can be offered at Fessenden House.

When a resident is discharged without prejudice, the staff will work with the resident and treatment professionals to identify appropriate housing.

Additional House Policies and Rules

Fessenden House staff may implement additional Rules of Conduct as circumstances warrant. New Policies and Rules will be announced at House Business Meetings and posted on the House bulletin board. Residents will be given an opportunity to ask questions and respond to the policy change. Residents will sign a Certificate of Acceptance of the new policies. Any new policies and rules are binding on all staff and residents.

The Executive Director and the House Manager interpret the House policies, and they may, for good cause, set aside one or more of the provisions of these policies in individual cases when circumstances warrant it. Such decisions are never made lightly and almost always take into account confidential information about an individual resident that cannot be shared with others.

PROBATIONARY CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE

Br. Bernard Fessenden House

Yonkers, New York

A Program of Fessenden Supportive Housing, Inc.

House Policies

Revised November 2002

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THESE POLICIES HAVE BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED WITH ME AND I UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THESE HOUSE POLICIES AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THEM DURING MY PROBATIONARY PERIOD, WHICH BEGAN ON ___________, 200_ AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON ____________, 200_, AND FOR ANY PERIOD BEYOND THE INITIAL PROBATIONARY PERIOD DURING WHICH I REMAIN A RESIDENT OF FESSENDEN HOUSE. I ALSO FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT I MAY BE DISCHARGED FROM FESSENDEN HOUSE AT ANY TIME DURING THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD ON AT LEAST 72-HOURS NOTICE, UNLESS I HAVE VIOLATED THE HOUSE POLICIES THAT TRIGGER IMMEDIATE DISCHARGE WITHOUT WRITTEN NOTICE.

RESIDENT________________________________ DATE____________

HOUSE MANAGER________________________ DATE_____________

WITNESS_________________________________ DATE____________