The Lighthouse Mission Statement
The purpose of The Lighthouse is to provide safe housing, employment assistance and Christian mentoring to formerly incarcerated women.
Our goals are to:
1. Provide a safe, stable and drug-free living environment.
2. Help in seeking employment.
3. Assist women in being restored to God, family and the community.
Ministry Guidelines
The following outlines a commitment between The Lighthouse and women residents. This document involves expectations not included in a typical lease agreement. We trust that each resident desires a deeper relationship with the Lord and will seek His help to fulfill these guidelines. Please be aware that if a resident chooses NOT to follow them, it may result in a request from The Lighthouse to vacate the house.
Please initial each item below as your agreement to comply, then sign and date on the last page.
1. __ I understand that living at The Lighthouse involves my participation in an assessment of my strengths and needs.
* The information gathered will be shared with my mentors to help develop my goals.
* This information will be used to determine which programs and services I may need to be part of.
* The length of my stay will depend on my participation, cooperation and progress.
* I agree to work to gain a greater understanding of the Bible and do what it teaches, and to learn how to become a productive member in society.
2. __ I agree to meet with board members and mentors to discuss my progress in reaching my goals.
3. __ I agree to attend and participate in a weekly discipleship class (Bible study), as assigned. If for some reason I cannot attend one class, I will get permission from The Lighthouse staff in advance.
4. __ I agree to have a “Circle of Support” of Christian mentors.
*I agree to cooperate with my mentors, who will help me grow spiritually and provide accountability.
*I agree to meet with my mentors at least once a week.
*I understand that The Lighthouse staff/board will have contact with my mentors to review my progress.
5. __ I agree that I will attend a Bible-believing church. If possible, it is suggested that I attend the same church as my spiritual mentor.
6. __ I agree that visits by my guests to The Lighthouse must be pre-arranged and are allowed only on the first floor and are never to be in my room.
* If in the future, The Lighthouse sets regular visiting hours, I agree to follow them.
* The Lighthouse reserves the right to deny visitation of any individuals as deemed necessary.
* I understand that there will be required meetings, studies and counseling going on from time to time, which may take precedence over visits.
7.__ I agree to be home by 10:00 PM nightly unless I have been given permission in advance by The Lighthouse staff to do otherwise. This time is subject to the board’s change.
8. __ I understand that The Lighthouse will provide furnishings and bedding for my room, but that I am responsible to respect them and keep them clean.
*I am responsible to keep my room clean and orderly.
*Televisions are not allowed in my room.
*No food or beverages are allowed in my room, but only on the first floor of The Lighthouse.
*The Lighthouse reserves the right to inspect my room without notice and without my permission.
*The Lighthouse will not be responsible for any stolen or missing personal property.
9. __ I agree to be responsible for the following:
* Paying my rent on time.
* Providing my own food, clothing and toiletries.
* "If I mess it up, I will clean it up ... immediately.”
* Doing daily chores (inside cleaning and exterior maintenance) per weekly schedule.
* Paying for any property damage that I cause at The Lighthouse property.
10. __ I understand that The Lighthouse will give me my first month’s stay rent-free, but during that month and afterwards, I must seek employment until I get a job appropriate to a Christian lifestyle and my talents.
*I know that I must show proof of my job-seeking.
*My rent will be 25% of my income. (IE: for every $100.00 I earn, I will pay $25.00.) My commitment to pay rent will start after the first free month, even though I may not have employment at that time. Arrangements will be made with The Lighthouse to pay any back rent.
*Rent will be due immediately after I am paid. While I am unemployed, I agree to serve 20-30 hours a week of documented community service until I secure employment. I will be encouraged to continue doing community service even after securing employment.
*The Lighthouse and my mentors will assist me in my job search as needed, however the responsibility to find employment is mine.
*Rent is non-refundable if I choose to leave early or if I am asked to leave because of my behavior.
11. __ I understand that smoking is not allowed inside the house, but in the designated area only. If cigarette butts are not properly disposed of, the privilege of smoking will be lost entirely.
12. __ I understand that the possession of or use of drugs and/or alcohol are not allowed during my stay at The Lighthouse. I agree to an immediate urine screen at any time as requested by The Lighthouse. Refusal to take the test is viewed as a positive test. A positive test will result in disciplinary action, which could include immediate eviction from The Lighthouse.
13. __ No violent or aggressive behavior is permitted at The Lighthouse. This includes, but is not limited to:
*verbal abuse such as racist, sexist, homophobic, or other offensive threatening language.
*physical violence including any inappropriate physical contact/action towards peers, guests, or staff.
14. __ The possession and/or use of weapons are not allowed at The Lighthouse.
15. __ Pornographic material of any kind is not allowed at The Lighthouse.
16. __ I understand that most recovery programs do not allow new romantic relationships for up to one year, therefore I agree to submit to direction from The Lighthouse staff on this issue.
17. __ I understand and agree that as a growing Christian, I will not be engaged in any sexual activity outside of marriage.
18. __ If I have a grievance concerning any peer, mentor, volunteer, or staff, I agree to discuss my concern with that person first, as Matthew 18 teaches. If we can’t resolve it together, then I agree to bring the issue to The Lighthouse board, if needed, to resolve the concern.
19. __ I understand and agree to speak and act according to The Lighthouse biblically-based Code of Conduct:
As an example, “And now I will show you the most excellent way… Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians. 13:1, 4-7)
I believe that as I apply this and other Bible teachings to my daily living and relationships, I will excel in my walk with God, and He will be glorified!
Hold Harmless
I agree to hold the owner, board members, and The Lighthouse ministry harmless for any and all liabilities, injuries, claims and expenses resulting from my use, possession, and occupancy of 219 E. Centerway, Janesville, WI.
Resident Signature:____________________________________________
Date:______________________
Staff Signature:____________________________________________
Date:______________________
