What To Expect

Welcome

Welcome to Kaizen Transitional Living! We are zero-tolerance, high-accountability, dignity-based sober living home where you can focus on your recovery and your future. Here at Kaizen House, we believe everyone deserves a second chance and a safe space to recharge and begin a new phase of life with the help of peers and supportive environment. We expect that you are here to grow, learn from others, and are committed to recovery. We know that this is a difficult journey and we are here to help you through it. Below is some information about what to expect at Kaizen House. More detailed information is provided upon move-in in our policy and procedure manual.

What To Expect

Move-in day:

Once your application is approved, we will agree upon a move-in date and time. Move-in dates and times cannot be changed without first talking to a Kaizen House staff member.

When you first arrive: you will be given a UA test. If your UA test is not clean, you cannot move in.
After your successful UA: your belongings will be searched by a staff member before moving them into your room.
Kaizen House space in closets and dressers is limited, and storage is shared with your roommate(s); please be aware of this as you plan what to bring. We recommend no more than two suitcases.

Accountability

Kaizen House is a zero-tolerance, substance-free home.

Days 1-7: Blackout time. You cannot leave the house except for work, church, or grocery shopping. All other requests for leaving the house must be approved by the house lead or house manager.
Day 1-30: No overnights away from Kaizen House.
Day 31-90: Two single overnights, may not be consecutive, must submit a request.
Day 91-180: Two 2-night overnights, may not be consecutive, must submit a request.
Beyond 6 months: Submit a request to the house manager.

Curfew

Curfews are designed to help the house maintain a sense of quiet and routine necessary for recovery. If you have a job that is off-hours, we will work with you to accommodate those hours.

Sun-Thurs: 10:00 pm
Fri-Sat: 11:00 pm
If you anticipate being late you must call/text the house lead or manager.

Residents must adhere to more strict curfews when required (i.e., Parole, Probation, etc.). Failure to return to the house on time can/will result in dismissal.

Length of stay

Residents are encouraged to stay for at least 9 months up to 24 months. Evidence has shown that the longer the stay, the more successful long-term recovery will be. However, this is not required.

Relapses

We understand that this is a marathon and not a sprint and that relapses happen in your recovery journey. However, this house has zero-tolerance policy for the safety of the other residents.

If you have a positive UA test, then you will be asked to either go to detox immediately or leave the house immediately with your belongings. If you choose detox, the bed will be held on a case-by-case basis.

Roommates

All rooms are shared with one or two people. We require you be a considerate roommate and housemate with your peers.

UA testing

All residents will be expected to comply with weekly and random UA drug tests.
If requested to UA, you may not leave the house and it must be completed immediately.

Advanced Recovery Management System (ARMS)

All residents will be added to our Advanced Recovery Management System (ARMS). This helps us track our residents and open beds, but also provides a way for our residents to track their recovery.
Within the first 72 hours of your stay, we will walk you through a survey to understand your recovery and life goals. The client-side of ARMS will help track your goals, provide the appropriate resources, and help you stay on track with your goals and your sobriety.
Every 45 days or so, you will retake the survey on your own to see your progress or identify new areas of focus.
If you are not comfortable with tech, we will walk you through every step of the way!

House Rules

Breaking the rules consequences

Break these rules and your stay will be terminated - You have 3 warnings ONLY (Bold and underline type
= IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM HOME)

Safety

No loitering or hanging out in the front yard for any reason. The backyard is used for this.
Keep entry and exit doors closed and locked at all times.
No weapons, drugs, or paraphernalia of any kind. If found, items will be removed and dismissal may be issued.
Do not leave items on the floor that may cause a slipping or trip hazard. If you spill anything on the floor immediately wipe it up and the place a wet floor sign there.
In case of an emergency, we need all residents to sign in and out of the home when leaving the property.
House Manager (staff) may inspect in and around bedroom property or belongings at any time and within reason, for the safety and protection of all residents.
Do not share door codes. Everyone will have a unique door code to enter the house. If you breach the safety of the house, or exit your residency, it will lead to a change in door codes. If you give your entry code to someone else, or let someone in on your code, that is considered a breach of house safety and will be grounds for removal from the home.
Guests are NOT allowed. Overnight guests are strictly prohibited, NO persons under the age of 18 allowed anywhere on the property at any time, unless discussed with the managers and Kaizen House has approved. If you are given permission for guests, they are only allowed in the common areas and are not permitted past curfew. Guests cannot be under the influence or in possession of illicit drugs and/or alcohol. However, we allow family members to tour your house on move in or at a pre-arranged time.
Individuals who do not reside in the house are not allowed on the property.
Do not ask other residents for money.
You are not allowed to ask other residents to sign paperwork for the courts or any other group.
If you have a conflict with anyone in the house, please ask the house leader, the peer mentor and the owners for support in helping to come to a resolution.
We will not knowingly move someone into the house that has harmed you or provides stress to you. Please let us know if you have concerns about your safety or ability to live in a shared space with any of the residents based on prior history.
Since some Residents are on community placement, the Department of Corrections will have full access to the premises. You must be polite to questions from DOC, whether you are on community placement or not. Telephone, in person or written DOC requests will be answered by any resident, honestly and with integrity.
Due to the fact that residents are in transition for various reasons, if we do not have a Release of Information, we will neither confirm nor deny that you live here.

General Rules

Be a good neighbor.
No shoes in the house. Remove shoes upon entering. If you go out a different door, carry shoes to that door to put on.
Daily attendance at 12-Step meetings is strongly encouraged/recommended.
You are expected to develop and implement a recovery program and work together with the residents in the houses on your recovery. We are partnered with external agencies that can help support you in achieving your goals. We believe that living in a Kaizen House is an opportunity to expand and heal. We will do everything we can to facilitate your goals.
If you have a recurrence of use of drugs or alcohol, you must self-report immediately to Kaizen House staff and if in drug court, your drug court team. Not disclosing quickly and completely places your housing at risk and may result in immediate removal.
Residents are required to maintain a working relationship with a sponsor or case manager.
Do not steal or use another person’s items without permission. This includes food. Stealing is cause for an exit. Bringing stolen goods into the house is stealing. Taking someone’s medication is stealing. We will ask you to move out if you steal.
Taking someone’s food is stealing. You must ask about taking items in the refrigerator or food located elsewhere that are not deemed communal food. We frequently have food donations for the entire house and have a shared dry pantry. Please be sure you understand if something is community food or personal food.
Do not open or enter any cabinets or closets with locks.
Turn lights off when not in use.
Keep room door closed at all times.
You must be fully clothed when outside of your room.
Do not touch, block, or move cameras located in and around the house.
Never leave personal items unattended in common areas of the home.
Residents are responsible for their personal items/belongings. Residents are responsible for the security and safekeeping of their own personal items/belongings and are to pack and carry their items/belongings when they depart. If for any reason this does not occur, the resident may contact the House Manager regarding the retrieval/disposition of personal item/belongings
Kitchens closes at 9 pm.
Residents can enter the home during these hours ONLY unless otherwise arranged with the house manager or operator. 24-hour prior written notice must be given for any and all exception. 6AM-10PM Sunday – Thursday, 12 am TV off. 6AM – 11AM Friday and Saturday, 12 am TV off. Residents must adhere to more strict curfews when required (i.e., Parole, Probation, etc.). Failure to return to the house on time can/will result in dismissal.
House quiet time is 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. Any activity (i.e., lights, TV, telephone conversations, etc.) that disturb another resident’s ability to sleep/rest is prohibited.
If you are diabetic or need to give yourself shots using a syringe, you will need to have a medical grade bin to dispose of used needles properly.
Animals are NOT allowed due to other participant allergy concerns, flea infestations, sanitary issues or the general safety of others.
Sleeping by residents in common areas is prohibited.
Residents are encouraged to work, go to school, or volunteer outside of the residence, participate in mutual aid or caregiving, participate in social, physical or creative activities, and participate in daily or weekly community activities.
PROPERTY DAMAGE: If you intentionally damage the house, you will pay for the damage.
CARS: If you own a vehicle it must be functioning and not in disrepair (leaking oil, smoking) and you must also have proof of license and insurance. Parking is limited and assigned. Besides assigned parking, finding parking is up to you. If you damage someone’s car or someone else damage’s your car, it is your responsibility. We do not get involved.
The computer and printer are to remain in the common area.
You must abide by all house rules and all state and federal laws.
You will be asked to provide a work schedule to the house manager. We enforce the curfew unless you have a check out slip from work.
NO CALL – NO SHOW at housing for 24 hours may result in exit. Please contact your house manager if you plan on being gone longer than 24 hours with approval.
Honesty and integrity are expected at all times.
The results of your housing UAs will be made available to authorities you are working with. Only prescription drugs prescribed by your healthcare provider are allowed. No cough syrup, unless it is prescribed.
There will be both scheduled and random room searches for all residents. Rooms may be searched for drugs or contraband at any time.
Residents are responsible for their own security and the security of their possessions. Residents storing personal belongings in common areas store them at their own risk.
No drug talk or romanticizing about drugs.

Phases in the house:

Days 1-7: Blackout time. You cannot leave the house except for work, church, or grocery shopping. All other requests for leaving the house must be approved by the house lead or house manager.
Day 1-30: No overnights away from Kaizen House.
Day 31-90: Two single overnights, may not be consecutive, must submit a request.
Day 91-180: Two 2-night overnights, may not be consecutive, must submit a request.
Beyond 6 months: Submit a request to the house manager.

Smoking, Drinking, Drugs

Smoking in designated areas in the backyard ONLY. No smoking in the house. No exceptions.
No alcohol consumption or storage of alcohol in or around premises.
Do not share prescribed medication.
No storage or use of illegal drugs or unprescribed medication allowed.
Everyone is subject to weekly or random UA test.

Cleanliness

Immediately clean up any area you use (kitchen, bathroom, and common areas). It is expected that you will thoroughly clean the bathroom after your use. We provide cleaning supplies in each bathroom for sanitizing surfaces.
Put trash in the trash can, clean dirty dishes or put in dishwasher, clean up after you use the bathroom.
Your room shall be kept in an orderly and sanitary condition at ALL times.
Food is only to be consumed in the kitchen and dining area.
Food is NOT ALLOWED in bedrooms at any time.
If you spill anything or make a mess anywhere in the house including your room, you will be responsible for cleaning it up.
Kitchen appliances, countertops, utensils, dishes, pots, pans, etc. will be cleaned and returned to their respective place (immediately) after each use.
HOUSE CHORES: You are expected to participate in house chores and they will be assigned weekly. The chore list is in the kitchen and/or laundry room. If you cannot do your chore, you need to make arrangements with another resident to cover it for you. The house will be deep cleaned by residents every week. Chores will include thorough cleanup of common areas (kitchens, bathrooms, laundry room, common areas). Each Resident is responsible for cleaning up after themselves and for participating in communal chores as assigned.
A good general clean-up of all areas inside and outside the home is required at all times.
TOILET: Do not put anything into the toilet except toilet paper. Putting any other objects into the toilet may cause damage and will lead to an immediate exit.
UTILITIES and GARBAGE: Energy conservation is everyone’s responsibility. Lights must be turned off when the room is not in use. Garbage must go out and be put to the curb on the designated garbage/recycle days. It is up to everyone to make sure the garbage cans are outside.

Your Room

You may NOT enter another resident's room at any time. House lead or manager may look in a person's room to make sure beds are made and area is clean.
Mattress covers must NEVER be removed.
Keep room door closed at all times.
Keep personal items inside of your room (valuable Items should be secured).
All rooms are subject to search by Kaizen House staff.
Beds are required to be made upon awakening. Respective areas are to be kept neat, clean and picked up at all times.
Food may not be stored in rooms.
Rooms are shared rooms, unless arrangements are made. If there is an open bed in your room, you are responsible for maintaining the bed. You may not use the spare bed, dresser, or closet.
House lead may inspect cleanliness of all the resident’s rooms.

Laundry

Use of laundry on scheduled day and time ONLY.
Laundry area must be clean. No clothes on the floor or left in the washer or dryer.
You may not wash another person’s clothes unless it is common items such as dish towels, towels, etc.
You may not put feces soiled items into any washer or dryer in the home.

Personal hygiene

Any personal hygiene items must be disposed of properly.
You shall keep up with your personal hygiene by bathing and brushing your teeth frequently.
You shall have no complaints that you or your personal space has offensive odors.

Behavior

No aggressive or violent behavior EVER!
No profanity or offensive language directed at any residents, neighbors, or Kaizen House staff or helpers.
No lending or borrowing money, cars or other property from other residents or neighbor.
No romantic advances on Kaizen House staff.