• Encourage your loved one to remain in the program, follow staff direction, and complete each phase.

• Allow them to take responsibility for their choices and consequences. Avoid rescuing, making excuses, or trying to solve every problem for them.

• Bring concerns directly and respectfully to staff. Raising a good-faith concern will not result in retaliation.

• Encourage honesty, spiritual growth, church attendance, Celebrate Recovery, mentorship, and healthy relationships.

• Phone calls are a privilege and must take place only on approved days and times.

• Do not provide your loved one with an unauthorized phone or help them create unapproved social media accounts.

• Keep conversations encouraging, truthful, and focused on recovery.

• Do not pressure your loved one to leave the program or make promises about housing, money, employment, transportation, or relationships without discussing the plan with staff.

• Contact the front office at 423-254-1700 if there is a genuine family emergency.

• All visitors must receive approval before arriving.

• Visits are held on Sundays from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, unless another arrangement is approved.

• Arrive on time and respect AHM staff, students, property, and Christ-centered values.

• Do not visit while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Outside food, drinks, gifts, and other items must be inspected by staff before being given to a student.

• Do not bring medications, nicotine products, weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, unauthorized controlled substances, or other prohibited items onto AHM property.

• Respect appropriate physical and relational boundaries. Public displays of affection are not permitted.

• Staff may monitor visits when necessary to protect the student’s recovery.

• Ask staff before giving money, gift cards, medications, clothing, electronics, or other personal items.

• Do not lend a vehicle, provide unauthorized transportation, or help a student make an unapproved stop or outing.

• Do not help your loved one avoid program fees, fines, responsibilities, drug screens, or other accountability requirements.

• Support responsible budgeting, employment, restitution, and repayment of legal obligations.

• All off-campus and home passes require advance approval from the Case Manager.

• The student must remain with the approved family member for the entire pass and may not visit unapproved people or places.

• Return the student on time and support all check-in and drug-screen requirements.

• Do not change the approved destination, transportation plan, or return time without staff permission.

• Court-ordered students may also need approval from a judge or probation officer.

The most helpful gift a family can offer is loving support joined with truth and healthy boundaries. Pray for your loved one, celebrate genuine progress, and allow the recovery process to take time. Lasting change grows as each person learns to trust God, accept responsibility, rebuild trust, and walk in honesty.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

Welcome to Abundant Hope. You are here to pursue freedom, healing, and a new way of life in Christ. Recovery takes honesty, structure, responsibility, and support. These guidelines explain what we expect from you and what you can expect from this community.

These requirements are not meant to shame you. They protect your recovery, the recovery of others, and the peace and safety of our home.

• Treat everyone with dignity, patience, and respect.

• Respect other people’s belongings and personal space. If it is not yours, do not touch or use it without permission.

• Do not borrow, lend, trade, sell, gamble, or give items to another student.

• No bullying, threats, intimidation, manipulation, horseplay, roughhousing, or aggression.

• Be considerate of those who are sleeping, studying, watching television, or having quiet time.

• Follow staff direction promptly and respectfully. If you have a concern, follow the direction first, then speak respectfully with the Executive Director.

• No profanity, crude jokes, inappropriate stories, gossip, rumors, slander, or divisive talk.

• Do not glorify drugs, criminal activity, jail or prison experiences, or tell “war stories.”

• Do not encourage another student to leave the program.

• When you are frustrated or struggling, talk with staff instead of pulling other students into the situation.

• Speak truthfully. Encourage, pray for, and build up others.

A simple standard:
If you spill it, clean it up. If you drop it, pick it up. If you use it, put it back. If it is yours, own it.

• Clean up after yourself, put away your dishes, and keep track of your belongings. Do not leave your work for someone else.

• Be honest during intake and throughout the program. False information may result in dismissal.

• Use OneStep to sign in and out. Give accurate information about your location and plans.

• Do not make unauthorized stops, detours, or outings. Follow all approval and check-in procedures.

• Do not get a new tattoo or piercing during the Immersive Phase. During Transition, you may ask your Case Manager to approve a tattoo coverup.

• Complete chores thoroughly and on time.

• Keep bedrooms, bathrooms, common areas, and personal spaces clean, orderly, and safe.

• Use only your assigned bathroom and shower. Clean them when you finish.

• Turn off lights and do not adjust thermostats.

• Follow house procedures for food, refrigerator and freezer space, laundry, kitchen use, and shared supplies.

• No food or drinks in bedrooms. Do not hang, move, or change anything in the house without permission.

Be where you are supposed to be, on time and ready to leave.

• Follow scheduled wake-up, medication, devotion, work, meeting, chore, and lights-out times.

• Use the restroom before church, class, study, chores, and other scheduled activities. Except for an emergency or medical need, remain until dismissed.

• Come prepared. Stay awake, attentive, and engaged. Avoid side conversations, note passing, and other distractions.

• Use church as a time to worship Jesus and receive God’s Word. Be respectful during worship, teaching, class, groups, and sharing.

• Be teachable and open to correction.

Choose to see your volunteer work at the thrift store as an opportunity, not a burden. This may be the only season in your life when you can work such limited hours while your bills are covered. Use this time to serve, grow, and build healthy work habits for the future.

• Own your responsibilities, do your best, and ask for help when needed.

• Treat staff, and customers with respect. Handle donations and ministry resources honestly and carefully.

• Keep a positive, teachable attitude, even when the work is difficult or repetitive.

• Help keep every work environment safe, clean, orderly, and welcoming.

• Use only Christ-centered media approved by Abundant Hope. Movies and similar content must be rated PG-13 or below.

• Avoid content that glorifies substance use, sexual immorality, violence, gossip, crime, or rebellion.

• Social media is not permitted.

• Do not use technology to isolate yourself or avoid accountability.

• Follow all phone and device limits.

• Media must not interfere with church, class, chores, work, or community life.

• Do not take or share pictures or videos of another person without permission.

• Tell staff immediately if media or anything else becomes a temptation or stumbling block.

• Follow staff and driver instructions. Stay seated while the vehicle is moving. Exit only after it is stopped and in park.

• Take your belongings when leaving a vehicle, make sure windows are closed.

• Use shopping, calls, visits, passes, transportation, and other privileges responsibly.

• Follow all approval steps, time limits, approved-contact rules, accountability requirements, and return times.

• Do not begin a romantic, flirtatious, suggestive, or emotionally exclusive relationship.

• You may not marry while enrolled unless the Executive Director gives special permission.

We cannot write a rule for every situation and we don't want to. Before you make a choice, ask:

• Does this honor Jesus?

• Does this protect my recovery and the recovery of others?

• Does this show love and respect?

• Am I taking responsibility?

• Would I make the same choice if staff were standing beside me?

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.” – Hebrews 13:17

We are not looking only for better behavior. We are pursuing transformed lives.

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” – Proverbs 12:1

Correction is part of recovery. Its purpose is to help you take responsibility, rebuild trust, and grow. Staff will consider the seriousness of the issue, repeated behavior, safety concerns, and your circumstances before deciding what action to take.

Culture Commitment Form

You or a staff member may complete a Culture Commitment Form. It identifies one strength and one area for growth and gives you clear feedback and accountability.

Verbal Guidance

Staff may give verbal guidance when an issue needs attention. Listen, respond humbly, and follow the direction.

Reflection Assignments

Staff may assign a Scripture-based reflection about your actions or attitude. Complete it on time without missing church, class, chores, or work.

Restoration Chores

You may receive an extra chore that serves our community. The chore will fit the need and your ability. Complete it well.

Restriction

If you break trust or repeatedly ignore expectations, staff may place you on restriction. You may not leave the property except for approved work or other staff direction. Your phone, passes, and other privileges may be paused.

Phase Restriction

If you are not ready to advance, staff may add time to your current phase. Staff will set goals with you and decide when you are ready to move forward.

Return to Immersive

Staff may return you to the Immersive Phase when you need more structure, support, and spiritual formation. This may be temporary or permanent, based on your progress.

Serious Violations and Immediate Dismissal

The following actions threaten the safety and integrity of our community and result in immediate dismissal.

• Stealing

  • Taking anything, including a vehicle, without permission will result in immediate eviction and a report to the proper authorities.

• Fraternization

  • Romantic, flirtatious, suggestive, or sexual interaction is prohibited. This includes physical contact, gifts, notes, romantic gestures, special attention, emotional bonding, or private prayer and personal conversations with romantic or sexual undertones. Male and female students may not have contact. Fraternization results in immediate dismissal.

Fighting

• Physical aggression, assault, or fighting will result in immediate eviction. This includes hitting, shoving, grabbing, intimidation, retaliation, and mutual fighting.

• Drugs on Property

  • Bringing, possessing, using, sharing, selling, or distributing illegal drugs or unauthorized controlled substances on Abundant Hope Ministries property will result in immediate dismissal.

Program Eviction

You may be evicted for a serious violation or continued noncompliance. The Executive Director and Case Manager will prayerfully confirm the decision together.

Discipline is handled case by case. Any violation may lead to eviction. The Director and Case Manager will consider your circumstances and apply these guidelines as consistently as possible.

Normal Schedule

• 7:00 AM — Wake up and get ready

• 7:10 AM — Medications

• 8:30 AM — Devotion

• 8:45 AM — Leave the property

• 9:00 AM–4:00 PM — Meetings, class, or thrift store

• 6:00 PM — Debrief, Celebrate Recovery, or Bible study

• 7:30 PM — Medications

• 9:00 PM — Chore check

• 10:00 PM — Lights out (11:00 PM Friday and Saturday)

Sundays

• 8:00 AM — Wake up

• 8:10 AM — Medications

• 9:00 AM — Leave for church

• 2:00–6:00 PM — Visits

Day Off

• 8:00 AM — Wake up

• 8:10 AM — Medications

• 8:30 AM — Devotion

• 6:00 PM — Debrief

• 9:00 PM — Deep-clean room and complete chore check

• Only vapes approved by AHM are permitted.

• Vape only during breaks or when no program activity is taking place.

• Do not vape at program functions, including church, Celebrate Recovery, and community events.

• Do not vape in ministry buildings or vehicles.

• Vape only in designated outdoor areas at designated times.

• Violating these rules will result in loss of vaping privileges.

AHM offers incentives to encourage and support students who choose to stop smoking or using nicotine. Our heart is not to shame anyone, but to help each person pursue freedom in every area of life. Nicotine can reinforce addictive patterns and become a substitute for other substances. Learning to manage stress, emotions, and cravings without nicotine can strengthen healthy coping skills and support the commitment to remain drug-free.

Stop-Smoking Incentives

• 1 week clean — 5 minutes of extra phone time

• 2 weeks clean — $20 at the thrift store

• 3 weeks clean — Extra home pass

• 1 month — Personal Bible

• 2 months — One week of free rent

• 3 months — Last two months of Transition off campus

Privileges are earned, not automatic. Your Case Manager will review them at the next Case Manager meeting. To qualify, you must be current on Culture Commitments, attitude expectations, and fees.

Privilege Progress

• Step 1 and Principle 1, C.A.R.D. — Phone calls

• Step 3 and Principle 3, I Am’s — Visits

• Step 6 and Principle 6, Matthew and Mark — 2.5-hour Sundays

• Step 9 and Principle 9, Luke and John — Home pass

• Step 12 and Principle 12, Acts and Romans — Transition

• Battlefield Week 4 and 1–2 Corinthians — 7:00 PM curfew

• Battlefield Week 8 and Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians — 8:00 PM curfew

• Battlefield Week 12 and 1–2 Thessalonians — 9:00 PM curfew

• Battlefield Week 25 and 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews — Outpatient

• Loving/Culture Week 5 and James, 1 Peter, and 2 Peter — Biweekly ministry check-ins

• Loving/Culture Complete and 1–3 John and Jude — Graduation

Mailing Procedures

All mail must be sent to:

(Student’s name)

c/o Abundant Hope

1808 Buffalo Trail

Morristown, TN 37814

You need Case Manager approval to write to another rehabilitation facility or an incarcerated person.

Phone Calls

• Your Case Manager must approve phone privileges.

• If approved, you may make one 15-minute call on approved days and times.

• Call only people approved by your Case Manager.

• You may not receive personal calls. For emergencies, your family may call the front office at 423-254-1700.

• Do not use office phones for personal calls.

• Violations may suspend or end phone privileges.

Visits

• Visitors must be approved before they arrive.

• Visitor requests are reviewed at the weekly Case Manager meeting. Submit names before the meeting.

• Visitors must support your recovery and our Christ-centered values.

• Visitors must be on time and respect ministry staff and property.

• Visits are Sundays from 2:00 to 6:00 PM.

• Staff must inspect outside food, drinks, and gifts before you receive them.

• Respect physical boundaries. Public displays of affection are not allowed.

• A visitor under the influence of drugs or alcohol must leave and may lose future visiting privileges.

• Conversations and conduct must be encouraging, supportive, and accountable.

• Staff may monitor visits to protect your recovery.

• Violations may suspend or end visiting privileges.

2.5-Hour Sundays

• An off-campus pass is a privilege. You must be making progress in recovery and have staff approval.

• A pass lasts up to 2.5 hours during a time approved by your Case Manager.

• Request passes in advance. Approval occurs at the weekly Case Manager meeting.

• Passes are for visits with approved family members who provide supportive, Christ-honoring influence.

• Submit the family member’s name, relationship, and contact information for review.

• Arrange transportation with the approved family member unless staff approves another plan.

• Stay with the approved family member for the entire pass. Do not visit other people or places.

• Return on time. Being late may lead to discipline or loss of pass privileges.

• Use passes to strengthen healthy relationships and support recovery.

• You and your family member must follow these expectations and Christian values during the pass.

Home Passes

• Your Case Manager must approve every home pass.

• If you are court-ordered, work with your Case Manager to obtain approval from the judge or probation officer.

• After approval, submit the pass request in OneStep.

• Leave only with approved family members. If you are married, provide a marriage certificate before leaving with your spouse of the opposite sex.

• After a pass or appointment, check in with staff immediately for a drug and alcohol screen. You are responsible for completing the screen on time.

• Each pass costs $15 for the return drug screen. Pay by the Wednesday before the pass.

Curfew

Curfew is a privilege. Misuse may result in restriction or loss of the privilege.

• Use OneStep to check in and out.

• Return by your assigned curfew.

Approved over-the-counter medications

Pain Medications (No PM Formulas)

• Acetaminophen

• Ibuprofen

• Aspirin

• Excedrin Migraine

• Tylenol Arthritis

• Ben Gay muscle rub and thermal patches

• Icy Hot muscle rub and thermal patches

Stomach Medications

• Mylanta

• Milk of Magnesia

• Pepto Bismol

• Antacids

• Zantac

• Pepcid

• Prilosec

• Tums or Rolaids

Cough and Cold Medications

• Alka-Seltzer severe cold

• Delsym (nonalcoholic or pediatric)

• Mucinex (not D or DM)

Allergy Medications (No D or DM Formulas)

• Claritin

• Allegra

Vitamins

• Standard vitamins and melatonin are permitted in their original containers.

• Sports, workout, bodybuilding, energy, or performance-enhancing supplements are not permitted.

Approved On Campus Mental Health Medications

• Prozac (Fluoxetine)

• Paxil (Paroxetine)   

• Zoloft (Sertraline)

• Celexa (Citalopram)

• Lexapro (Escitalopram)       

• Viibryd (Vilazodone)

• Cymbalta (Duloxetine)        

• Effexor (Venlafaxine)          

• Trintellix (Vortioxetine)

• VRAYLAR (cariprazine)

• ANX, Vistaril, Atarax, Vistaril IM, Hyzine, Vistaject-50, Rezine (Hydroxyzine)

Transition Phase

After your Transition Application is approved, you may use a phone until 6:00 PM to search for a job. You enter the Transition Phase only after you secure employment or enroll in school.

During Transition, you must:

• Get Case Manager approval for every job and work schedule. Work may not interfere with required church or Celebrate Recovery attendance.

• Attend Celebrate Recovery and church services each week.

• Meet with your assigned mentor every two weeks.

• Complete regular Case Manager check-ins.

• Pay weekly rent.

• Make timely payments on probation fees and fines.

• Maintain an active cellphone with available minutes.

• Set OneStep location access to “Always Allow.”

• Use OneStep at every new location and state the destination when checking out.

• Do not ride with a student of the opposite sex.

• Return to the property immediately after work unless extended curfew is approved.

• Complete all required drug screens.

Failure to meet these requirements may result in discipline.

Personal Vehicles

You need Executive Director approval to keep a vehicle on the property. If approved, you must have a valid driver’s license and insurance.

Outpatient Phase

Staff will review your program history before approving Outpatient. If you are court-ordered, you also need approval from your judge or probation officer.

During Outpatient, you must:

• Maintain full-time employment or schooling.

• Attend Celebrate Recovery and church services each week.

• Meet with your assigned mentor every two weeks.

• Complete regular Case Manager check-ins.

• Make timely payments on probation fees and fines.

• Maintain an active cellphone with available minutes.

• Set OneStep location access to “Always Allow.”

• Use OneStep at every new location and state the destination when checking out.

• Do not ride with a student of the opposite sex.

• Complete random drug screens.