Welcome

We have designed this handbook in hopes it will help our clients understand how our programs work. We are here to support them.

Phoenix of Santa Barbara is a private nonprofit organization that serves people diagnosed with mental illnesses. We have three programs - two are residential (Ada's Place and Phoenix House) and the third is community-based (Mainstream).

Our residential programs are transitional programs. This means that after an adequate period of time for rehabilitation, we encourage people to move on to more independent living.

Ada's Place is somewhat less structured than Phoenix House. Our Mainstream program will assist our clients develop living skills and put them in touch with resources they will need to live independently. Mainstream staff can start working with clients while they are at Phoenix Horse of Ada's Place and will help them move out, as well as continue to provide that support on an ongoing basis.

Alcohol and illegal drugs are not allowed on the Phoenix of Santa Barbara property.*

Anyone who resides at Ada's Place or Phoenix House is subject to random drug/alcohol testing. If you are found to be under the influence of illegal drugs and/or alcohol or if you have a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse, you may be asked to participate in the Phoenix of Santa Barbara Drug and Alcohol Recovery Program, which involves attending recovery groups and 12-step meetings. Failure to comply with this policy may jeopardize your residency.

*Alcohol may be served at staff-sponsored events.

Caffeine Policy

Beverages containing caffeine are allowed to be consumed at both Phoenix House and Ada's Place. We serve coffee at the Morning Gathering in both houses.

Residents are allowed to store coffee and tea supplies in the office. Residents may order caffeinated beverages on official outings and activities.

This policy may be modified on an individual basis if a person appears to be or is abusing caffeine. In some cases, the privilege to drink caffeine and possess caffeine on the premises may be revoked entirely.

For residents on the Pro-Pay system: You and your counselor will decide how your personal needs money will be disbursed. Different residents have different needs regarding budgeting. Staff will give you your check. The Administration Office does not distribute checks.

Some residents are on payroll with Phoenix of Santa Barbara to do work, such as gardening. These people will be paid every two weeks and will complete a regular time card.

Phoenix House

Residents choose chores in the order of their participation scores. The resident who has the highest participation score receives first choice of chore and so forth. Chores are chosen weekly at the Monday night House Meeting.

Ada's Place

Chores are chosen the same way at Ada's except they are chosen once a month.

Clients who are taking Clozaril are expected to take the bus out to Health Care Services for blood tests. The lab is located at 315 Camino Del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. These tests are mandatory for all patients on Clozaril and are done weekly to screen for the possible occurrence of a rare blood condition, agranulocytosis. In very rare instances, this condition can be fatal. Testing for the beginning of this condition will ensure that Clozaril can be discontinued immediately, if necessary.

If a client is unable to bus herself/himself due to illness, psychiatric symptoms, or a medical condition, transportation will be arranged by County staff or Phoenix staff. To ensure prompt delivery of the weekly medication supply, clients should do the test on Monday mornings. Wednesday is the last day of the week available to do this test.

Phoenix House and Ada's have computers with internet and e-mail capabilities. Residents may use these computers from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Phoenix House) and (Ada's House) on weekdays 8-9 a.m., 12-1 p.m., 4-11 p.m. Weekends 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Counselors are available for help with their use.
Generally, TV can be watched at any time. We ask the volume to be at a level that does not disturb other residents. The TV is turned off during classes. Any disputes between residents regarding what programs are watched should be discussed with staff or at a House or Community Meeting. Having a TV or cable TV in your room must be negotiated with staff.

If you are maintaining at least a 70% participation level, you are entitled to earn Ada's or Phoenix bucks. Bucks are earned by doing extra work around Phoenix House or Ada's. Before you can earn bucks, the job and its value must be agreed upon with staff (one buck is worth 50 cents). You must turn in your bucks to staff during the Monday night resident meeting. No fewer than 20 bucks can be turned in at one time. You may earn up to 40 "bucks" ($20) in one week. A check will be issued to you on the following Wednesday by a staff person in your program. The Phoenix administration office will not give out checks.
After six months of residency at Phoenix House you must have either a paying or volunteer job for eight hours a week out in the community to continue earning Phoenix Bucks. The same applies at Ada's after three months of residency.

Phoenix House

Everyone is required to attend the Weekly House Meeting and Community Meeting. The House Meeting starts on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. The Community Meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. On the first Wednesday of every month there is a Staff/Resident Community meeting at 10:30 a.m.

The purpose of the House Meeting is to discuss house issues such as house and room cleanliness, food and cleaning items needed, and other related issues.

The Community Meeting serves as forum to discuss issues regarding running the house, agency issues, how people are getting along with each other, treatment goals, etc.

Ada's Place

The House/Community Meeting is at 7 p.m.on Mondays.

Good Personal hygiene reflects our feelings of self-worth. Everyone at the Phoenix of Santa Barbara is expected to practice good personal hygiene.
This includes showering (including shampooing) at least every other day.

Teeth should be brushed two times per day with toothpaste. We also expect you to keep your shoes and clothes clean.

Because we live and work so closely together it is especially important to not have body odor (including clothing and shoes). If a resident at Ada's Place or at Phoenix House does not practice good hygiene, they will be asked to prove to staff that they have showered. They may be asked to wear a bathing suit into the shower so that staff can observe them washing appropriately. This will cease as soon as the client proves he/she can assume personal responsibility for their hygiene.

1. A room key

2. Towel & wash cloth

3. Bedding

Food is provided 24 hours a day, although the main kitchen is locked during certain hours (see Kitchen Hours). Snacks, juices, fruit, water and a microwave are available when the kitchen is closed.

Phoenix of Santa Barbara is not responsible for lost or stolen items. A locking drawer in the staff office is available for any valuables a resident wishes to store.

Phoenix House

Monday-Friday

7:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
12:00 noon-1:30 p.m.
4:30-7:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday

7:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Ada's Place

Open 7:30 a.m.
through 7:30 p.m.
Suggested:
7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
11:30-1 p.m.
5-6:30 p.m.

Laundry Hours

You will receive an assigned laundry day.

We encourage all residents to enroll in our Mainstream program. The staff in Mainstream will work with staff at Phoenix House or Ada's to help you plan to move into a situation of more independence.

Once you have moved out of Phoenix House or Ada's and you are living in the community, Mainstream staff will continue to work with you to help you adapt and thrive as self-sufficiently as possible.

Medications

Please take your medications on time. All new residents' medications are stored in the office. Staff will assist you. We have a level system which involves residents taking increasing responsibility for their medications.We expect you, before you move out of Phoenix House or Ada's, to be storing your medications in a locked box in your own room, to be taking your medications in a self-prompting way.

This is a plan, worked out with your counselor within 30 days of admission, of what steps you need to take to move from Phoenix House or Ada's to a situation of more independence. The Plan is reviewed every six months, if necessary.

Residents can stay at Ada's up to two years, at Phoenix House up to 18 months.

Participation in our program such as attending meetings, getting up on time (9 a.m.), getting out in the community, completing chores, and fulfilling your Action Plan is required. A 70% level of participation, calculated weekly, is needed to maintain your residency at Phoenix House or Ada's Place. Schedules are posted.

Outing Monies

Our program will pay for basic expenses on any official outings.

Residents' Rights

Your rights as a resident in a state licensed facility are posted in the living areas of both Phoenix House and Ada's Place.

Generally, all incoming residents are asked to abide by a one-week house restriction after being admitted. This means that you are not to leave the premises unless accompanied by staff. This is a way for you and staff to get to know each other, for you to get adjusted to your new living situation, and for you to get your bearings in the community. During the second week you may go out with other residents.

Residents are also, at times, placed on restriction for breaking a house rule. While on restriction residents can still go on outings, or to medical or work-related appointments, and go to school.

Ada's Place can require new residents to be on restriction for 72 hours. Other restrictions at Ada's are given when called for.

Phoenix House & Ada's Place

» No smoking in the house.

» No holding or using unprescribed medications, illegal drugs or alcohol on the premises.

» No violent or abusive behavior to person or property (verbal or physical).

» No self-destructive behaviors.

» No stealing.

» Participation must be maintained at 70% or above.

» At all times, respect yourself and others.

» Violation of these rules may jeopardize your residency.

Phoenix of Santa Barbara encourages physical, mental, and emotional health. In keeping with this value, we do not encourage any activity which emphasizes smoking. We respect the individual's right to smoke; however, we strongly discourage it. The areas where smoking is permitted are clearly posted.

No Smoking in the Houses!

If you break this rule, our "Three-Strikes-and-You're-Out" Policy kicks in!

Phoenix House

Strike 1: You are put on a 48-hour restriction and required to complete a written essay.

Strike 2: You are placed on a one-week restriction.

Strike 3: You are discharged.

Ada's Place

Strike 1: Verbal and written warning; 48-hour restriction.

Strike 2: Verbal and written warning; 48-hour restriction; one hour extra work; meet with case manager, counselor, and program manager.

Strike 3: You are discharged.

Any resident who has smoked in the house and received a strike can have it removed by not smoking in the house for six consecutive months. A resident with two strikes can have them reduced to one after not smoking in the house for six consecutive months.

Phoenix House and Ada's Place both have counselors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At Phoenix House, there are up to three counselors during the day, two during the evening, and one overnight. At Ada's Place, there is usually single-staff coverage, with overlaps on Monday nights and other key times.

Each facility has a weekly staff meeting. Phoenix House holds theirs on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 a.m.-noon. Ada's Place holds theirs on Tuesday afternoons from 2-4:00 p.m. In these meetings, house issues are discussed as well as the treatment plans of clients.

Each client will have a counselor, who will be their primary contact during their residence. You will meet with your counselor at least once a week, probably more than that. Your counselor will help you in all areas of independent living including personal hygiene, managing your meds, budgeting, finding a job, and educational pursuits. Your counselor will also meet with you to develop your Action Plan. This Plan which is updated monthly outlines your goals while at Phoenix House or Ada's Place.

Your psychiatrist is available by appointment. You will be transported to the County office to see him/her if you need assistance.

All counselors are available to you if you need to talk to them. The Overnight Counselor is generally available until midnight. We ask you not to disturb the Overnight Counselor after this time, except in cases of emergency. The staff office generally opens at 7 a.m.

Transportation

We have a van and a station wagon used for outings, shopping trips, and sometimes to assist with appointments. Counselors also use their own vehicles, at their discretion.
Bus passes are available free-of-charge from the staff office.

Visitors Policy

Phoenix House

Ada's Place

Anytime between 8 a.m.-11 p.m., except during House Meeting on Mondays 7-8 p.m.

Rules:

1. Guests need to be visiting a client.

2. Guests cannot use laundry facilities.

3. Clients must ask staff for permission to invite a guest to dinner and give staff 24 hours notice.

4. Clients will notify staff when the guest arrives.

5. Clients are responsible for guests.

6. Guests can be offered refreshments.

7. Clients must stay with their guests during visits.

8. Clients must notify staff if there is a problem.

9. Staff can make exceptions to these rules for past residents.

10. Guests may stay overnight only with permis- sion of staff.

Please talk to your counselor if you have a problem of any kind. If you run into difficulty with your counselor, talk to the program manager. If you still continue to have a problem, talk to our Clinical Director at 965-3434. The next step, if you are still frustrated, is the Executive Director at the same number. If you cannot resolve the problem within our agency, you can call the local state licensing office—the Community Care Licensing office at 687-7647. You can also call the Patients' Rights office at County Mental Health_681-5228.

We want you to have a good stay with us, so please let us know if you have any problem with our services.

A Final Word

Each of us has a lot of potential. Symptoms can get in the way of leading a fulfilling life. Our goal is to help you work around and minimize your symptoms so you can be self-sufficient, have fun, and lead as fulfilled a life as possible. Since we believe that work is part of leading a fulfilling life, we will encourage you to find a job. And we will help you, as your partner in your rehabilitation, to be as creative as you can be in reaching your potential.

The Phoenix of
Santa Barbara, Inc.

Administrative Offices
107 E. Micheltorena St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Tel: 805 965-3434
Fax: 805 965-3797

Staff Tel: 965-6786
Residents Tel: 564-1906

Ada's Place
1231 Garden St.,
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Staff Tel: 805 963-4662
Residents' Tel: 805 963-2495