Resident Handbook

This handbook outlines the expectations, rules, and phased structure of life at Oasis Recovery. Every resident receives and acknowledges this handbook at intake. Rules may be amended or modified in writing at the weekly house meeting; updated copies are distributed to all residents.

Mission Statement

Our goal is to offer a sober living environment that prioritizes individuals, enabling them to build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety with a sense of purpose. We strive to enhance the lives of those in recovery from addiction, helping them transition into productive members of society.

About Oasis Recovery

Oasis Recovery residences, situated in Southern NJ, offer a drug- and alcohol-free environment for those seeking addiction recovery. We understand that starting a new life in recovery can be challenging, which is why we aim to set our clients up for success in building a foundation in early recovery by creating accountability for long-term recovery. Various 12-Step meetings and outpatient treatment services are available in or about the region.

Our structured environment is designed to introduce residents to a better way of living by implementing the 12 Steps and structure to achieve recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction.

Rent and Payment

Upon moving into Oasis Recovery residences, residents are required to pay rent and a non-refundable incidental fee. Rent is collected weekly thereafter. Rent must be paid every Friday evening by 8:00 PM. If you are unable to pay the full amount by the designated time, you are required to inform the house manager at least 24 hours beforehand.

Payment options include money order, check, or the Anchor resident app, with electronic receipts provided. Checks and money orders should be made payable to Oasis Recovery, LLC.

Intake for New Residents

1. Upon arrival, all resident clothing and linens must be placed directly in the dryer.
2. New residents will be required to take a drug urine screening and alcohol test, unless otherwise directed by the Operations Director.
3. Staff on duty will inspect new resident belongings.
4. New residents will be given a tour of the house, their bedroom, bathroom, and introduced to their chore list.
5. All residents are responsible for their own medications. Lockboxes are available for storage; the resident is the only person with a key.
6. New residents receive a mattress cover and sheets. You are expected to provide your own comforter, blanket, and pillow. Supplies may be available if you cannot obtain these items — discuss with the house manager.
7. New residents complete the Sober Living House Agreement and Application for Residency paperwork.
8. Any contraband found during the intake process will be properly disposed of and the Director of Housing will be notified.

Recovery Support

Attendance at house meetings is mandatory while residing in the house. You must plan your work and activities around these meetings, which are scheduled by the house manager. If you have any issues with the residence, please bring them to the attention of the house manager. You can also contact the Oasis Director of Business Development. Written complaints from friends or family members are accepted. The house manager can assist with making a complaint if needed.

Criteria for Expulsion

The following actions may result in expulsion from the house. This list is not exhaustive.

1. Failure to abide by the housing Agreement signed by the resident.
2. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Random drug and alcohol tests are conducted; refusal to submit to a test is treated as a positive result.
3. Possession of any kind of weapon.
4. Threats of violence, physical or verbal, or any form of fighting.
5. Destruction of property or altering the physical structure of the premises or surrounding neighborhood.
6. Stealing or any other form of criminal activity.
7. Unexplained or discrepancies in time spent off premises.
8. Lying on paperwork or otherwise.
9. Failure to comply with rules or directions given by management.
10. Continued lack of attendance at house meetings or 12-Step meetings.
11. Past-due rent greater than one week.
12. Habitual failure to do assigned chores or abide by your responsibilities in the house.

Criteria for Reduction of Phase

1. Your room must be kept clean, and your bed must always be made. The kitchen area must be cleaned, with no dishes left in the sink. Trash must be disposed of promptly, and any cooking must be cleaned up immediately afterwards.
2. Chores are mandatory. If the house manager addresses lack of completion at a house meeting and the behavior is not corrected by the next house meeting, reduction of phase will occur.
3. No visitors are allowed on the premises without prior approval.
4. No resident is allowed in another resident's room without prior approval from the house manager.
5. Rent not paid on time.

Other House Rules

1. All rooms are subject to inspection and search at any time.
2. All rules and regulations are subject to change at the discretion of the Operations Director, with input from the house manager.
3. Bikes and other forms of transportation must be stored in appropriate locations. Security is at your own cost and risk.
4. Noise should be minimal after 9:00 PM, out of respect for neighbors and other residents. No loud music or TV is allowed.
5. Smoking is not allowed inside the house and should be done only in designated areas. All cigarette butts must be disposed of in a can and emptied when full.
6. Parking at Oasis is determined by management and is based on your phase.
7. Overnight visitors are not allowed at the house, and visitations must be pre-approved.
8. Children and pets are not permitted in the residence.
9. Aftercare recommended by the facility that referred you to Oasis must be completed. You may choose any organization to provide this treatment.

The Phase System

We use a phase system to help residents transition into the community outside of treatment and into a safe, sober living environment. This is here to help you — it is not punitive. It is meant to encourage you to be accountable and responsible. If you are engaged in your recovery and show progress, the house manager will support you through these phases.

Phase 1 — Foundation

Typically 1–2 weeks, depending on the resident's level of engagement in their own recovery. Residents may be moved back to Phase 1 at the discretion of the management team for violation of house rules, unpaid rent, or lack of participation in recovery.

1. You are not allowed out on your own unless permission is obtained from the house manager.
2. Must attend house meetings with the rest of the house.
3. Required to make four self-help meetings per week (NA, AA, CA, SMART Recovery) and provide a signed meeting sheet. The house meeting counts as one. Meeting attendance sheets are presented at house meetings.
4. Room must be tidy, clothes put away, and bed made before leaving the house for any reason.
5. Encouraged to obtain a sponsor and provide the house manager with their contact information.
6. If on probation, must provide the house manager with your probation officer's name and contact information.
7. All daily chores must be completed; the house manager must be informed at time of completion so the chore can be checked.
8. All time off premises must be approved; you must sign out and back in upon return.
9. Curfew is 9:00 PM. If you expect to be late, you must communicate directly with the house manager prior to 9:00 PM. Circumstances will be reviewed for potential extension of curfew or discharge if multiple instances occur.

Phase 2 — Growth

Typically 1–4 weeks, depending on engagement. Residents may be moved back to Phase 1 at the discretion of the management team.

1. Curfew is 10:30 PM on weekdays and weekends. When entering the house, do so quietly out of respect for housemates and neighbors.
2. Must attend house meetings with the rest of the house.
3. When leaving the house, the house manager must have information on where you will be.
4. Room must be tidy, clothes put away, and bed made before leaving the house for any reason.
5. Required to make four self-help meetings per week. The house meeting counts as one. Attendance sheets presented at house meetings.
6. You must provide the house manager with your work schedule; if it changes weekly, provide it on a weekly basis.
7. You are expected to mentor Phase 1 residents — check in with them and help them learn the program.

Phase 3 — Sustained Recovery

For residents who have established a longer-term period of sobriety at our residence. This is the sustainable phase for long-term recovery, lasting from elevation from Phase 2 until the resident moves on from the residence. Residents may be moved back to Phase 1 or 2 at management discretion.

1. There is no curfew on Phase 3. When entering the house, do so quietly out of respect for housemates and neighbors.
2. Must attend house meetings with the rest of the house.
3. When leaving the house, the house manager must have information on where you will be.
4. Room must be tidy, clothes put away, and bed made before leaving the house for any reason.
5. Required to make four self-help meetings per week. The house meeting counts as one. Attendance sheets presented at house meetings.
6. You are expected to mentor Phase 1 and Phase 2 residents — check in with them and help them learn the program.

Acknowledgment

At intake, all residents acknowledge that they agree to follow all the rules and regulations described in this handbook. Residents understand that infractions of these rules may result in a reduction of phase or expulsion from the residence. Residents also agree to pay the rent that is asked of them while staying at the house and understand that all payments are non-refundable.

Apply for Residency