Guidelines & Expectations

Our philosophy is based on the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) definition of recovery:

“Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”

Our mission is to create caring communities where people seeking mental health find hope, compassion, and excellent clinical care. It is our belief that every person can live a valued and meaningful life.

Our staff bring their interests and experience, which creates a unique and dynamic atmosphere.

By providing treatment opportunities, support, and a nurturing environment, staff will work together with residents to successfully integrate into the larger community. We strive to empower all individuals to grow, thrive, and heal.

We offer shared living arrangements with one to two persons to a room. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. Common areas include a living room, dining room, dayroom, and lobby.

It is expected that all community members (residents, guests, peer supports, and staff) treat themselves and each other with respect.

Violence is prohibited here. All members of the community are expected to participate in maintaining a safe environment. If you need help controlling violent urges, please reach out to staff. We are here to help.

Alcohol and illicit drugs are prohibited here. Tobacco use is not allowed inside the home. There is a designated smoking area outside which is the only place residents may smoke. Residents are expected to dispose of cigarette butts in the ashtrays available.

Clothing worn in the common areas and amongst the grounds should be appropriate in coverage and have no offensive language or drug or alcohol references. We encourage residents to wear suitable footwear in common areas while respecting cultural diversity.

• Choices for television programs, movies, and video games must be non-offensive to all residents and agreed upon by those present. A sign-up system may be in place to accommodate everyone.
• Furniture is adequate for all residents and must be shared. Food is not allowed in the living room. Residents may have drinks in the living room if the container has a lid.

• Meals are times when the whole community can share company and good food. We encourage all members of our community to partake.
• Mealtimes are as follows:
  • Hot breakfast: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8am to 9pm
  • Lunch: daily from 12pm to 1pm
  • Dinner: daily from 4:30pm to 5pm
• If you will be away from home during a meal you may ask that a plate be saved for you. If you miss a meal, snacks and sandwich ingredients are available.
• Coffee and tea are available in the dining room until 11:30am. You may purchase your own coffee and tea for use at other times.
  • If caffeine use is a concern for you we may reflect that in your treatment plan and
    assist you in reducing your consumption.
• A couple of notes about food:
  • The dining room is the only area of the home where food may be eaten.
  • If you purchase groceries, they should be clearly labeled with your name and the
    date they were purchased. You may use resident storage units in the dining room
    along with the resident refrigerator for storage – no food or beverages should be
    stored in bedrooms.

• The hours of operation for the day room at from 7am to 10pm.
• Therapy appointments and other resident meetings will be prioritized – you may be asked to step out for the duration of scheduled activities.
• Furniture is adequate for all residents and must be shared. Food is not allowed in the therapy room. Residents may have drinks in the living room if the container has a lid.
• The television in the therapy room shall be kept off unless somebody has signed up to use it. Otherwise, this room is intended as a quiet space.

• There is a separate telephone line for residents. The number is (802) 433-5982. Please ask family and friends to use this number when calling you.
• Calls that need to be made regarding your recovery plan may be made through your case manager.

• You may send and receive mail at Second Spring. Each resident is assigned their own mailbox located inside the central office.
• You will be responsible for purchasing your own stamps and envelopes for personal use.
• Packages will be opened in front of a staff member.
• Treatment related mail can be sent and received by your case manager.

Internet Access

• There is a computer with internet access available for your use. This computer has limited internet access with some sites being blocked.
• You may use our guest Wi-Fi to access the internet on personal devices.

Each bedroom is scheduled to be cleaned once a week. The housekeeper and recovery support staff will assist you. Clean bed linens will be provided. Staff will also conduct a visual inspection of your room to ensure that any maintenance issues are addressed. Some things we are looking for include:

• Damage to walls, floors, windows, doors, or furniture
• Light bulbs needing replacement
• Smoke detectors and sprinklers
• A clear path through the room for fire exit
• Any sources of open flame (candles, incense, etc., which are prohibited)
• Evidence of smoking in the room (which is prohibited)
• Open packages of food

Personal laundry must be done on the day assigned to your room. There is a list of assigned laundry days located on each laundry room door. Staff will assist by providing laundry detergent and helping you to use the machines.

You may decorate your room with personal items. No glass in frames may be used. Anything hung on the walls must be installed by our maintenance personnel.

Note that bedrooms have minimal storage – please bring only those items you will need during your stay.

We recognize that pets are important to our residents, however due to licensing regulations privately owned pets may not reside in our facilities. We ask that all visits by pets be pre-approved by the Program Director. A copy of the current vaccination record must be presented upon the initial visit. An unapproved pet visit may result in a request that the pet be removed.

It is possible that a resident who is living here may be fearful of dogs or other pets. In this case, we would ask that pets not be brought to the property.

Please remember that pet visits are a privilege. The person who brought the pet is responsible for its behaviors and actions and cleaning up any messes.

Resident finances are often handled by a previously appointed representative payee. If you manage your own finances and wish to have assistance with this, please fill out and sign the financial agreement form. When requested, we can help you manage your personal finances. We will keep a written record of your transactions which you can see at any time. We will provide you with a quarterly accounting of your transactions.

• Self-Direction: Individuals determine their own path of recovery with autonomy, independence, and control of their resources.
• Individualized and Person-Centered: There are multiple pathways to recovery based on an individual’s unique strengths as well as his or her needs, preferences, experiences, and cultural background.
• Empowerment: Individuals have the authority to participate in all decisions that will affect their lives, and they are educated and supported in this process.
• Holistic: Recovery encompasses an individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit, and community. Recovery embraces all aspects of life, including housing, social networks, employment, education, mental health and health care treatment, and family supports.
• Non-Linear: Recovery is not a step-by step process but one based on continual growth, occasional setbacks, and learning from experience.
• Strengths-Based: Recovery focuses on valuing and building on the multiple capacities, resiliencies, talents, coping abilities, and inherent worth of individuals. The process of recovery moves forward through interaction with others in supportive, trust-based relationships.
• Peer Support: Mutual support plays an invaluable role in recovery. Individuals encourage and engage others in recovery and provide each other with a sense of belonging.
• Respect: Eliminating discrimination and stigma are crucial in achieving recovery. Self-acceptance and regaining belief in oneself are particularly vital.
• Responsibility: Individuals have a personal responsibility for their own self-care and journeys of recovery. Individuals identify coping strategies and healing processes to promote their own wellness.
• Hope: Hope is the catalyst of the recovery process and provides the essential and motivating message of a positive future. Peers, families, friends, providers, and others can help foster hope.

Your Recovery Plan

You will work with your case manager to develop a recovery plan within two weeks of admission. You will identify goals and barriers to those goals. With the help of your recovery team, you will take steps forward in your recovery.

We offer several therapeutic groups and activities during the week along with individual therapy. You will be encouraged to attend at least 3 groups each week in addition to individual therapy. Taking all medications as prescribed and abstaining from alcohol and other drugs is part of every recovery plan and expected of every resident.

Your Team

Every employee of Collaborative Solutions Corporation and Second Spring is committed to your recovery. You will work with an assigned team who will begin supporting you as soon as you walk through the door. Your team will include a case manager, four recovery partners (Recovery Support Specialists who will work closely with you on your goals), nursing, clinicians, the Clinical Director, and the Program Director. If you have community-based providers, they may be invited to be a part of your team as appropriate. Your team will help you identify and overcome barriers to your goals as you develop your recovery plan.