Ark to Peace Program Agreement

    (Revised & Updated 06-30-2023)  

You applied to become a resident of the Ark to Peace sober living/transition program.  It becomes your responsibility by choice and agreement to follow the Ark to Peace Program Agreement.  Ark to Peace management reserves the right to dismiss a resident for any conduct not deemed in keeping with the goals or values of the program as set forth by the Agreement.  The Ark to Peace program focuses on three areas: (1) Establishing a knowledge of the scriptures and of Jesus Christ; (2) Establishing a work ethic to provide for yourself and those that are your responsibility; (3) Establishing a self-discipline of worldly and Godly rules with the following Program Agreement.  

• Special note:  Ark to Peace is here to help in a fresh start to a new life through a sober living transition.  If the resident senses that temptation is near, knows that he is facing  temptation and cannot say “no” or has said “yes” to temptation, we are here to help.   Coming to us before a positive drug is forgivable – hiding, sneaking or “trying to get one over on the staff” is not forgivable and is a sin before God.

• Special note:  The Ark to Peace is a transitioning program for learning “to be in the world but not of the world.  Ark to Peace makes every effort to provide a safe, clean environment.  By signing this agreement, residents acknowledge that they are to become a part of this effort – to resist the unsafe and unclean.   

Zero Tolerance Policy:   

1. Use, possession or suspicion of use or possession:  Use, possession or suspicion of use or possession while a resident in the Ark to Peace program will not be tolerated. 

2. Weapons:  Firearms, knives or any type of weapon is strictly prohibited in the building or parking lot at The Ark.  

3. Abuse:  Abuse of residents, staff or visitors of any type (Physical, verbal, sexual or racial) is strictly forbidden and will not be tolerated.  

4. Language: Visitors will be removed for profane language.  

5. Insubordination:  Any type of insubordination will not be tolerated. 

6. Visitors:  Visitors (male or female) are never allowed in the living quarters at The Ark. Visitors at The Ark and on The Ark property under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs not be tolerated.  Violators of this rule will be asked to leave.  

7. Drug testing:  Drug tests showing a positive result of drugs or alcohol use will result in the immediate review, treatment option or dismissal from The Ark.  

8. Program Fees:  The Program Fee Policy is explained below and is a part of the Agreement. Program fees are due within five(5) days after each pay period. Fees more than two (2) weeks late as explained in the Program Fee Policy will result in an immediate review and possible dismissal from the Ark to Peace program or points issued under the Point System Policy. 

9. Point System Policy:  The Point System Policy is explained below and is a part of the Agreement.  Receiving a total of three (3) points in a six (6) month period will result in immediate dismissal.

Off-Campus Policy: 

1. Off-campus is defined as any place other than the property of The Ark for whatever purpose (visitation, shopping, work, etc.).  Residents of the Ark to Peace program are to continue to abide by the Agreement and conduct themselves in a manner in keeping with the Christian values of The Ark and the Ark to Peace program.

2. The Off-Campus Form must be signed each time the resident leaves the campus.  Exception: Signing the Off-Campus Form is not necessary if the resident leaves in a program or staff vehicle.  All spaces of the Off-Campus Form must be legibly completed.

3. Failure to follow the Off Campus Policy will subject the resident to immediate dismissal or points issued as explained in the Point System Policy. 

Page 1 of 5

Drug Testing Policy:

1. Zero Tolerance:  There is to be no use or possession of alcohol and/or drugs while in the Ark to Peace program.  Residents are subject to search as deemed necessary.  

2. Scheduling:  Scheduled and random drug testing has been contracted to an outside clinic and laboratory.  Residents shall provide a list of prescribed medications and disclose over-the-counter medications taken with any regularity.  

3. Disclosure and Cooperation:  Residents shall sign a release to allow drug test results to be confidentially shared with Ark to Peace.  Refusal to cooperate with this testing procedure will result in immediate review and/or dismissal.  

4. Random Testing:  Ark to Peace or Hope's Health Care will perform random drug testing at the discretion of the staff. 

5. Drug tests showing a positive result of drugs or alcohol use will result in a treatment option or immediate dismissal and removal from The Ark.

6. Re-admission: Resident’s dismissed under the Drug Testing Policy cannot be re-admitted into the program for a period of thirty (30) days or longer at the discretion of the staff.

Point System Policy:  

1. Issuance: The general rule is that a verbal warning for correction by the resident will be first given.  If after a verbal warning the problem persists or is not corrected, points will be issued.  However, points can be issued immediately at the discretion of the staff.

2. Phase Extension: Points issued will extend the current Phase by 30 days for each point. 

3. Three strikes: A resident accumulating more than three (3) points in a six (6) month period will be dismissed from the program.

Program Fee Policy:

1. Intake Fee: A one time non-refundable intake fee of $100 is due in advance.  If the intake fee is not paid in advance, a payment plan shall be agreed upon with the staff immediately upon obtaining employment.  

2. Program fee: A weekly program fee of $160 is due at the end of each week.  If the program fee is not paid, a payment plan shall be agreed upon with the staff after obtaining employment.  

3. Security Deposit: A security deposit of $320 is due in advance.  If the security deposit is not paid in advance, a payment plan shall be agreed upon with the staff after obtaining employment.  

4. Security Deposit Return: The security deposit shall be returned at the completion of the program.  By agreement with the staff, the security deposit can be applied to the last two weeks of program fees.

5. Fee Calculation: Fee calculation begins with the first full week in the program. 

6. Payment Process: Payment envelopes are provided and must be submitted weekly.  They must have the resident’s name on the outside of the envelope and a summary of what is being paid (Initial fee, Security Fee or Program fee).  The envelope is to be deposited into  the office wall box located at the office.  

7. Failure to follow the Fee Policy will subject the resident to immediate dismissal or points issued as explained below in the Point System Policy. 

On-Time Policy: 

1. Being late is rude and not acceptable as part of the transition process at Ark to Peace.  Being late affects others involved at work or in a meeting, event or schedule. This Agreement requires the resident to be on-time.  

2. The definition of being on-time at Ark to Peace is arriving 10 minutes before the stated time of a meeting, event or schedule

3. The On-Time Policy includes all Services, Meetings and Teachings, community meetings, bus departures, employment and other community and individual meetings. 

4. Failure to follow the On-Time Policy will subject the resident to points issued as explained in the Point System Policy. 

Page 2 of 5

Mandatory Meeting Policy:

1. Residents are required to attend the community meetings as scheduled or called by the Ark to Peace management or the community. 

2. A list of Services, Meetings and Teachings is a part of the intake orientation packet.  Attendance at four (4) mandatory meetings (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday Morning Services) are required by this Agreement. 

3. Failure to follow the Mandatory Meeting Policy will subject the resident to points issued as explained in the Point System Policy. 

Visitation Policy:  

1. Family and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend the Services, Meetings & Teachings that are a part of the Ark to Peace program.   

2. Visitors (male and female) are never allowed in the living quarters at The Ark. There are no exceptions to this policy and violations will result in immediate review.

3. Introductory/Phase I residents have a thirty (30) day restriction with no off-campus visitation.  If the resident has points issued for any cause in the first thirty (30) days, this restriction is extended to sixty (60) days.

4. Phase II residents are allowed to visit on or off-campus daily, but must abide by the Ark to Peace Program Agreement.  The Off-Campus Form must be signed each time the resident leaves the campus, except when leaving in a program or staff vehicle.  

5. Visitors must respect the Ark to Peace Program Agreement and conduct themselves in a manner in keeping with the Christian values of the Ark to Peace program.

Curfew Policy:

1. Boundaries:  The Ark to Peace boundaries include the fenced area, smoke shack, living spaces, church room and drive through carport.

2. Curfew is 8:00 PM within the boundaries of Ark to Peace and 9:00 PM within the building.  Exceptions to curfew are granted for shift work.  

3. Failure to follow the Curfew Policy will subject the resident to immediate dismissal or points issued as explained in the Point System Policy. 

Key Fob Policy:

1. Key Fobs: Key fobs will be individually assigned and issued to each resident during the intake and orientation process.  

2. The key fob is to be used at the Virginia Street door each time the resident enters or exits the building – even if the door happens to be open.  

3. Failure to follow the Key Fob Policy will subject the resident to immediate dismissal or points issued as explained in the Point System Policy. 

Employment Policy:

1. Obtaining: Residents are to obtain employment as soon as possible

2. Maintaining: Residents are to maintain their employment with a performance that is to the best of their ability – Physical performance, following instructions, having a courteous attitude, being on time, honesty and “giving it your all” is included.

3. Upgrading: Achievement or achieving your career goals may include advancement at your present employment, an employer change or a career change.  When deciding to change employment the resident must respect the resident’s employer by giving a notice of your intention to leave or change employment. 

4. Continuous Employment:  Residents that quit employment without following this Employment Policy or are fired because of work ethic are subject to review. 

5. Failure to follow the Employment Policy will subject the resident to immediate dismissal or points issued as explained in the Point System Policy. 

Accommodations:

1. Transportation: Transportation is available to/from employment, shopping and other required appointments.  Twenty-four (24) hours advance notification is required.

2. Living facility: Utilities are furnished, rooms are shared and community supplies are furnished.  Food and meals are the responsibility of the resident. 

Page 3 of 5

Resident Vehicle Policy:

1. Use of and parking Resident vehicles on the property of The Ark is by special permission by the staff at Ark to Peace.  A valid registration, a valid operator’s license and proof of insurance is required and on file before special permission can be granted.   Resident vehicles are to be driven only by the resident given the special permission.

2. The Resident Vehicle Policy is a privilege and can be changed, modified or restricted for program residents as a group or individually as deemed necessary. 

3. Failure to follow the Resident Vehicle Policy will subject the resident to immediate dismissal or points issued as explained below in the Point System Policy. 

Personal Requirement Policy:  

1. Residents are required to keep their sleeping quarters clean and orderly. Beds are to be made after each use.  Inspections will be conducted. 

2. Residents are responsible for personal hygiene and are required to shower daily.  Facial hair is required to be neat and trimmed at all times. All clothing and bed linens are to be washed regularly.  Personal hygiene articles are to be stored neatly and bathrooms are to be kept sanitary at all times.

3. Common areas are to be kept clean.  Each resident is responsible for the cleanliness and organization of the common areas at all times.  

4. Work requirements will be assigned to specific residents to supervise common areas. House cleaning, yard work and general property maintenance duties will be assigned occasionally by Ark to Peace management. 

5. Residents must dress appropriately at all times.  Residents are responsible for the dress of their visitors.  Visitors not respecting the dress code will be asked to leave. 

6. Meal preparation is the responsibility of each resident and all pots, pans, dishes, etc. are to be washed and put in the proper storage area after each use.  All garbage is to  be deposited in the proper container and removed to the outside collection area.  

7. Gambling including lottery tickets, solicitation of loans is prohibited.

8. The use of cell phones must be courteous to the other phone party and to the other residents of the surrounding area.  

9. Personal property left unclaimed after seven (7) days of vacating The Ark will be disposed of at discretion of the Ark to Peace management.

10. Failure to follow the Personal Requirement Policy will subject the resident to immediate dismissal or points issued as explained in the Point System Policy. 

Phase I:

1. Phase I restrictions include transportation on program vehicles only, no off-campus visitation and no overnight passes.

2. Phase I is 30 days unless extended by points issued.

3. Transition to Phase II: Full-time continuous employment and all fees must be current.   

Phase II:

1. Phase II is 150 days unless otherwise agreed, court ordered or extended by the points. 

2. Phase II residents can be given overnight passes as agreed to with the staff after thirty (30) days.  Each month thereafter, one (1) additional pass per month can be granted.  Overnight passes are limited to four monthly.  No back to back passes are allowed.  

3. Phase II residents can attend their home church Sunday services and Bible studies.   The resident must notify the house manager of his intentions prior to attending outside services and meetings and provide a signed attendance sheet as proof of attendance.

4. Phase II residents are not restricted to program or staff vehicles, but must remain in compliance with the Off-Campus Policy, Resident Vehicle Policy and other Policies of the Ark to Peace program.      

Phase III:

1. Phase III is open ended as agreed between the staff and the resident.  

2. Phase III residents must abide by the Ark to Peace Program Agreement except the Mandatory Meetings Policy.  Mandatory Meetings include only Sunday Services.

Page 4 of 5

Resident Rights:  As a resident of Ark to Peace, you have the right to: (1) Be treated with dignity and respect; (2) Be seen by a private physician with the understanding that all costs will be the responsibility of the resident; (3) Initiate a complaint or grievance and understand that you may begin the grievance procedure by contacting the house manager or house owner; (4) Not to be required to perform services for Ark to Peace that are not included in the usual expectations of all residents.

Grievance Procedures:  Concerns and/or complaints are to be brought to the weekly house meeting to be discussed.  If the concern and/or complaint is not settled at the house level, the grievance should be brought to the Administration of the Ark to Peace program.  Resident input is encouraged and is necessary for a healthy living environment.

Medication Policy:  Prescription narcotic medications are not permitted.  All other prescriptions are allowed only if they are prescribed to you by a doctor and are taken as prescribed.  Medications are not to be shared with any other resident.  Residents are responsible for taking care of their own prescribed medications.  Ark to Peace does not administer medications.  Abuse of medications will be considered a relapse and residency will be terminated.

Confidentiality: The resident has agreed to share confidentiality with the staff and as required by other government agencies.  Care is taken that resident information is not given to other residents or outside parties.  All information is stored by password protected computers.

Store Trips:  Two store trips are available to all residents by the program bus as scheduled by the community and agreed by the staff.

Attorney Fees:  All of the terms and conditions of this and the preceding four (4) pages are incorporated into and a part of the Ark to Peace Program Agreement. These terms are enforceable in a court of law. Ark to Peace is entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including but not limited to attorney’s fees, court costs, and interest. Ark To Peace shall be entitled to recover attorney fees for any court action it has to file. Ark To Peace shall also be entitled to recover its attorney fees even if it only has to retain an attorney to enforce or address any term of this agreement, even if it does not have to file a civil action and/or go to court.

Ark to Peace Program Agreement

    (Revised & Updated 06-30-2023)  

This agreement is between Ark to Peace, Inc. and _______________________.

If there are no questions and/or after your questions have been answered, then please print your name, date and sign below.  By signing this form, you are agreeing to abide by all requirements set forth by the management of the Ark to Peace and the Ark to Peace Program Agreement  consisting of 5 of 5 pages and attachments. 

Please Note:  Ark to Peace management has the right to revise these requirements as needed. 

Printed Name: ______________________________ 

Signature: _______________________________  Date: _____________

Page 5 of 5