Home/Our Program/Resident Handbook
Resident handbookHow we live together.
She is clothed in dignity and strength.Proverbs 31:25
Every woman who comes to New Creations reads this handbook, initials each section, and signs it on arrival. It is posted here so residents, families, and referral partners know exactly what to expect.
Welcome to New Creations
Our mission is to provide a sanctuary where women can begin or continue a new life led by Christ. We aim to help women become godly, productive members of society by offering a safe and supportive environment for those transitioning from ministry programs and prison into regular society. Guided by faith, we hope to empower our residents to achieve spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being through the teachings of the Bible, community involvement, and personal accountability.
We know that through Christ, relationships with family and children can be restored, and we are dedicated to encouraging and supporting this process. We strive to nurture transformation, helping women embrace their God-given purpose as they grow in faith and contribute meaningfully to their families and their neighbors.
Your being here is not a coincidence. All our residents are prayerfully chosen to join this community: a place for those seeking to walk alongside like-minded women, united in the shared goal of experiencing Christ and filtering everything through the Gospel, for a truly transformative journey from the inside out.
We are thankful for your commitment, and for your desire to surround yourself with others who are also committed to growing spiritually, emotionally, and personally, understanding the profound impact of being both influenced and influential.
We sincerely hope your time here becomes far more than a program to complete. We pray it becomes a journey of learning to live in complete trust of Christ’s faithfulness within you, and of hearing His guidance personally as you transition into the world. Christ our life.
Legend & Kimberly Joslin, Executive Directors
based on need and progress
a.m., sometimes earlier
of every resident
p.m.
Six to twelve months
The program runs six to twelve months. Each woman’s length of stay is based on her need, her attitude, and whether she is truly being productive in the program.
An extension is not automatic. By four to five months of full-time work, a resident is expected to be saving money and preparing a plan for where she will go next. A woman who has worked that long but saved nothing, and has nowhere to go when her six months are up, will not usually be granted another six months.
The first three months
Each resident is given a flip phone. There is no social media and no romantic relationships, so her focus stays on Christ, her recovery, and her new routine.
After three months
Social media and relationships become her choice. Relationships follow strict guidelines: men are not allowed at the house, and staff must meet him at church first.
Every day
Full-time employment, daily Bible study, and attendance at every required church service and recovery meeting.
What we ask of every resident
Residents initial each expectation to show they have read it and agree.
Adherence to faith-based principles
Residents actively participate in Bible study, devotions, and other faith-centered activities. These practices build a strong spiritual foundation, foster unity, and align daily life with God’s purposes.
Initials ________Respectful conduct
Treat fellow residents, staff, and the property with respect at all times. Kind words, thoughtful actions, and consideration of shared spaces create an atmosphere of trust that honors God.
Initials ________Commitment to growth
Engage fully in the programs and activities designed to support your personal and spiritual development. Growth doesn’t happen by accident; it takes intentional effort and an open heart.
Initials ________Maintaining a clean environment
Keep personal and shared spaces clean and organized. A clean home reflects discipline, gratitude, and stewardship of what God has provided.
Initials ________Privacy
Respect others’ privacy and confidentiality. Honoring someone’s personal space and trust makes this a safe place where everyone feels secure and supported.
Initials ________Work
Residents gain or maintain full-time employment. Work honors God, develops responsibility, and builds independence and integrity for the future.
Initials ________Volunteer
Everyone takes part in volunteer opportunities as God opens doors. Serving others grows humility and compassion and reflects Christ’s love for our neighbors.
Initials ________Boundaries that protect your freedom
These guidelines help you walk in wisdom with God’s purpose. By accepting them, you say yes to boundaries that let you grow in your new-found freedom and avoid the setbacks that so often come during a transition.
Be in the house by 9:00 p.m.
Curfew builds accountability, rest, and focus. Exceptions must be approved by staff.
Initials ________No overnight visits during the first 30 days.
After 30 days, overnight visits may be approved at staff discretion, based on progress in the program.
Initials ________No drugs, alcohol, or prohibited substances.
Any use results in immediate dismissal. A substance-free home keeps everyone safe.
Initials ________Agree to drug testing.
Testing happens on entry, at random, and on return from visits. It is about accountability and fairness, not mistrust.
Initials ________Handle conflicts respectfully.
Approach disagreements with calm and understanding. If a conflict can’t be resolved, bring it to staff.
Initials ________No violence, physical or verbal.
Physical aggression, shouting, or invading someone’s space in anger results in immediate dismissal.
Initials ________No foul language or cursing.
Residents represent Christ and New Creations at all times. Choose words that build up.
Initials ________Attend every scheduled activity.
Activities, workshops, and counseling sessions are mandatory. They are the tools for healing, growth, and transformation.
Initials ________Guests need prior approval.
Approved guests follow house rules, including drug testing if necessary.
Initials ________Complete your daily chores.
Assignments rotate weekly, so everyone shares in keeping a clean, respectful home.
Initials ________Attend daily Bible study at 5:50 a.m.
Sometimes it starts earlier. This is the cornerstone of the program, renewing the mind and strengthening faith.
Initials ________Attend all church services and recovery meetings.
These gatherings provide encouragement, support, and community.
Initials ________Flip phone only for the first three months.
A flip phone is provided, and there is no social media during the first three months. After that, social media is the resident’s choice.
Initials ________No romantic relationships for the first three months.
After three months, pursuing a relationship is the resident’s choice, under strict guidelines:
- Men are not allowed at the house.
- Staff must meet him at church first.
Dress modestly and appropriately.
Proper attire reflects self-respect and consideration for others.
Initials ________No gambling of any kind.
This includes scratch-offs, slot machines, and casinos.
Initials ________No lending or borrowing money between residents.
Keeping finances separate keeps relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Initials ________
When a rule is broken
Most concerns are handled step by step, beginning with a conversation. Severe violations, including substance use and violence, lead directly to dismissal.
Verbal warning
A discussion with staff to address the issue and highlight areas for improvement.
Initials ________Written assignment
A written reflection, using the Bible among other tools, to understand the behavior and its causes, identify harmful patterns, and build better decision-making.
Initials ________Loss of privileges
If behavior doesn’t improve, all visiting privileges are revoked, both receiving and making visits outside the program.
Initials ________Dismissal
For repeated or severe violations, or a refusal to follow these expectations, residency at New Creations is ended.
Initials ________
Acknowledgment of guidelines and core values
By signing this handbook, I agree to abide by all core values and guidelines outlined within. I commit to following the disciplinary process described above to address any actions that fail to uphold these standards. I also understand and accept that new core values and guidelines may be introduced or modified at the discretion of the Program Director.
If I am dismissed from the program, I acknowledge that I will be required to leave the property immediately under staff supervision.
Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life… let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God, truly righteous and holy.Ephesians 4:22–24