The Rules of Cooper Fellowship

Rules Of Cooper

The Opportunity of Cooper Fellowship,
"Opportunity is what you make it."

ATTITUDE IS VERY IMPORTANT: Cooper Fellowship provides a wonderful opportunity for people to change their lives in a positive way. It is up to each resident to make the most of that opportunity. So long as a resident demonstrates a sincere and positive attitude, Staff will do everything they can to help. But, if a resident is not sincere about following the rules and working towards sobriety, we will expel that resident and use that bed for someone who is sincere.

ALCOHOL/DRUGS: Use of alcohol or illicit drugs or possession of same is strictly prohibited. Any violation will result in expulsion. No exceptions. Regular testing will be done. Refusal to submit to a test will result in immediate expulsion.

MEETINGS: This is a twelve step oriented program. Attendance at all groups and meetings is mandatory. Residents wishing to attend religious services may do so provided these services do not conflict with program requirements and provided resident receives authorization from their assigned staff person.

PRIDE IN THE FACILITY: At Cooper Fellowship residents are expected to act like a helpful member of the Cooper Team. Their room and assigned bed will be immaculate at all times. They are expected to demonstrate pride in the entire facility by keeping it neat and clean at all times. If you see a piece of paper on the ground, pick it up.

PRIDE IN YOURSELF: Residents will be expected to take pride in themselves by demonstrating that they are a polite and courteous person. Negative racial or sexual comments will not be tolerated. Likewise, persistent profanity demonstrates hostility and disrespect for others. Anyone who chooses to speak in such a way will be expelled from the program.

RESPECT FOR YOURSELF - NEATNESS: Residents will maintain good grooming habits at all times. Residents will shower and change clothes daily. Clothing will be neat and clean at all times. Residents will not wear revealing clothing or clothing with any profanity or any reference to sex, violence, alcohol, or drugs printed on it.

RESPECT FOR OTHERS - MANNERS: Residents will be expected to always show respect not only for Staff, but for all other residents of Cooper. If saying "please," "thank you" and "you're welcome" haven't been their habit, they will start now. Any resident who does not consistently show respect and courtesy to others will be told to leave the program.

RESPECT - PHYSICAL CONTACT: While in the program, there will be no physical contact between residents and no residents shall attempt to enter into a romantic or sexual relationship with another.

RESPECT - SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Every resident is entitled to be treated with dignity. No resident will be the victim of sexual harassment. This includes references to another's appearance, suggestive comments, or even sexual jokes. Violation of this rule will result in immediate expulsion. Any resident who believes they are a victim of harassment should immediately report the situation to the Program Director.

HOUSES: Residents are not to be in other houses or in another resident's bedroom for any reason. Any resident in an unauthorized part of the Campus or off the property other than for (1) work or (2) with Staff for official business will be expelled.

SECURITY: Abuse or destruction of any property or theft of any kind will result in immediate expulsion and be reported to the police and probation department. There will be absolutely no gambling nor any loaning of money.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Residents may bring up to seven changes of clothing and not more than one bag of personal property. While in the program, residents are solely responsible for their own personal property. Upon leaving the program, Cooper will not store or in any way be responsible for items left behind. By entry into the program, a resident is agreeing that any personal property left behind should be considered abandoned.

MEALS: Late dinners will be available only to employed persons who must work late. No food, silverware, plates, cups, etc. will be removed from the dining room. Breakfast is over at 6:30 a.m.

VEHICLES: Vehicles may only be kept at Cooper with Staff approval. All vehicles must be inspected by Staff and are subject to re-inspection at any time Staff chooses. Any resident wishing to have a vehicle while at Cooper must provide proof of (1) valid California registration, (2) valid liability insurance, and a (3) valid California Driver's license, all in the resident's name. Vehicles will not be adorned with any offensive pictures or writing. There will be absolutely no auto repair in or around Cooper Fellowship property.

PASSES: There will be no passes for overnight.

WORK RETURN: Program/Work Furlough participants must immediately return to Cooper upon completion of the work day. Any unexplained or unverifiable delay in return will constitute a major rules violation and require expulsion.

VISITING: Visiting hours are Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the dining room only.

HELP: If You Ever Have a Question, Do Not Hesitate to Ask. If you need some kind of help, tell your assigned staff person. Cooper Fellowship is devoted to helping people who are sincere about improving their lives. Your time here is a terrific opportunity to help yourself and your loved ones to take a step towards a better life.