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NextStep for Life

Transition for young adults.

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Guidelines

Guidelines while living at NSL: “Quick Sheet”
NSL is a non-smoking, drug and alcohol free environment.

 Being in an intimate/serious relationship while at NSL is not appropriate nor is it
conducive to personal growth and welfare. The issue will be discussed at
the beginning of intake process.

 The use of any drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes is prohibited.
 Cutting or self-mutilation should not be administered. Staff and residents will

discuss this at intake.

 All residents and their belongings will be searched at time of entrance to NSL.
Any items found to be inappropriate will either be locked up and returned
on exit, or staff will dispose of it.

 Program Coordinator and/or Program Director at beginning of intake process
must approve prescribed medication. NO PAIN MEDS will be allowed at
NSL.

 All medications including and not limited to ibuprofen, acetaminophen etc. will
be locked in a safe and distributed by House Manager or Assisting Staff.
NSL residents will be required to sign a distribution sheet each time ANY
medication is given.

 Medication counts will all be done in front of the NSL resident and a witnessing
staff member. There will be no change of regime unless staff has
consulted with prescribing provider and said change is required/approved
by that provider.

 Sleep aides are not permitted, (i.e.: melatonin etc.). Sleep will come over time.
 Profanity is not accepted at NSL.
 Pornography of any type is prohibited while at NSL. Any material with sexual
content can be considered pornography and will be removed from
property.

 In order to have respect, one must give the same to others. Fighting and

arguing will not be tolerated and will be handled swiftly.

 Assault or overly aggressive behavior will not be permitted and said

consequences could be stern.

 Intent or the action of harm to self or another person while at NSL will be

reported and dealt with in the proper fashion.

 Suicidal thoughts must be addressed with staff. Thoughts are not intent, and
we are here to assist you so that you do not create a plan or otherwise
hurt yourself.

 Personal hygiene is expected of all persons living in NSL. Showers, and dental
care are a daily requirement. There will not be any showers allowed after
lights out or bed time. You may take a shower as early as you wake for the
morning.

 All staff and residents will be required to be in full dress for the day as they
leave their bedrooms. Pajama’s must cover the whole body no see
through or short shorts.

 Appropriate clothing must be worn while at NSL: no belly shirts, no low cut
shirts, no sleeveless tops. Clothes with offensive graphics, drugs, or
secular music etc. will be removed from the premises. If you or staff are
unsure of appropriateness, then do not wear it. Under garments for both
top and bottom are required. If you do not have them on, you will be asked
and required to put them on.

 Food will only be eaten in the dining areas of the house.
 If you are plagued by an eating disorder, then staff will work with you in seeking
the proper assistance for you. Eating is a very important part of feeling
well and developing a healthy body and mind. It is a requirement that you
eat properly while at NSL.

 Staff will assign housekeeping on a weekly and monthly basis. There will be no
deviations from schedule unless House Manager approves change.
 Beds will be neatly made prior to leaving rooms every morning, bedrooms are
to be clean and in order for the day prior to breakfast or any activities.
 Yard maintenance and upkeep will be up to the residents and staff at NSL. This

will be included in the weekly/monthly schedule.

 Shoes/slippers of any kind or dirty feet will not be allowed on the furniture. Do

not sit on tables, counters or arms of furniture

 Attendance to all and any groups is required as well as your completion of the

assigned course work.

 Isolation is not permitted. NSL is a place to learn to live in community and how

to be productive with others.

 Borrowing clothes, money, hair care, (make-up for women) and other personal
items is prohibited. If you need anything you are encouraged to ask staff.
 Valuables should not be brought to NSL. If you have to bring them, they will be
locked up for safe keeping while you are here. Staff will not be permitted
to get them for you whenever you consider wearing expensive jewelry etc.
 NSL will create a list of your personal belongings at intake and
discharge/completion, which residents will be required to sign at both
times.

 Traveling to outside places, meetings, stores, events or church will be done as
a group. All residents of NSL will stay together. No one will be permitted to
sit with anyone other than the group and staff. (NSL residents will not walk
away from the group to go say hello or hug others they may see. This is
for your safety as well as keeping staff on point.)

 Television, movies and music: Anything that has not been approved by
Program Director, Program Coordinator or House Manager will not be
viewed or listened to.

 There shall be no physical contact with other residents. This includes front face

hugging, kissing or other intimate relations of any type.

If you agree with these guidelines please continue to fill out the online application here.

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About NextStep

Providing transitional living to adults with an intact family structure and encouraging growth by teaching spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical principles and practices for success.

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Next Step for Life
2300 W. Jackson St.
Cookeville, TN 38501

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