::A Week at the House

As a prison after care ministry, our program essentially begins once our guests return home from their full-time jobs. Guests activities at work are monitored by the Executive Director and workplace supervisors familiar with the program and the individual guests' background. Outside of work, the guests are kept busy round the clock, 7 days a week. Nighttime supervision is performed by the Executive Director and a designated senior guest. Below is a typical week's schedule at the House:

• MONDAY, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
  Mandatory, in-depth life application Bible studies. Guests are encouraged and shown how the Word of God and its principles applies to their daily lives. Topics covered include; Anger management, Drug abuse, Criminal and evil behavior, The truth about us, Breaking the cycle; How to be kept by Christ; Familial relationships and boundaries and Eternal salvation, etc.
  
  
• TUESDAY, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
  Mandatory attendance for men of PETRA, a Christian men's fellowship program at Trinity United Methodist Church. The men are provided dinner, listen to weekly speakers, and participate in small group discussions. Guests are encouraged to become active participants in the fellowship ministry and often develop close mentoring relationship with other positive role models.
  
  
• WEDNESDAY, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
  Mandatory Bible studies at various area churches, such as; the First Assembly of God, the Compassionate Outreach church, the University Church of Christ, 10th Avenue Church of Christ, and at the House of Hope.
  
  
• THURSDAY, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
  Individual educational studies, including tutoring and remedial programs aimed at improving the men's academic skills. Other topics covered include, computer familiarization and basic skills training, business reading and writing techniques, etc.
  
  
• FRIDAY, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
  Financial reporting and assessment. Guests are tutored in personal finances and accounting. Upon review of each individual's financial situation, guests are required to purchase food, pay rent, and address outstanding bills or debts. If applicable, restitution payments are allotted from each guests. Court costs and the cost of supervision are allotted. In the end, a weekly allowance of no more than $50.00 is budgeted for guest's personal needs. Any and all monies remaining are mandatorily place in the guests checking/savings account.
  
  
• SATURDAY, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  Optional workdays every other week. Likewise, guests are allowed to partake in social events such as sports, movies, visiting with approved associates, visiting the library, or participation in any other approved activities. Saturdays are often used for house chores, projects, and community service projects including numerous community ministry programs.
  
  
• SUNDAY, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  Guests are required to attend church, individually or cooperatively. Post church fellowship is allowed with approval. No work is allowed on Sunday. Guests often take the opportunity to visit other churches for worship and active participation through providing testimonials, sharing their personal success stories with others, and teaching others about the House of Hope of Alachua County.