About Us - FAQS
HARVEST VINEYARD MISSION
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you briefly explain what your program is about?
The goal of Harvest Vineyard Mission is to see hurting men and women restored and prepared to return to society free from the life controlling bondages related to drug and alcohol addiction, emotional pain, and spiritual bankruptcy that have characterized their lives for so long. Our program works through a combination of scheduled classes and services, personal Christian-based counseling and Bible studies, a structured daily routine (consisting of work assignments, fund raising, and chores), and a strongly enforced system of accountability and discipline designed to help our residents grow into mature, responsible individuals. Harvest Vineyard Mission will accept volunteer enrollments as well as those placed here by the courts.
How long is the program? What kind of commitment would I be making?
We require a one-year commitment from those enrolling as program residents at Harvest Vineyard Mission (HVM).
What is emphasized in your program to help people recover?
We are a Christian-based rehabilitation program, and therefore focus on seeing lives changed through constant exposure to the presence and power of God, His Word (through preaching, teaching, and personal Bible study), and through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We also emphasize the need for personal accountability and Godly counsel from qualified leaders and mature brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ (the Church). There are several chapel meetings, Bible classes, biblical counseling sessions, and worship services throughout the week as well as other prayer and devotional times which you will be required to participate in on a daily basis.
Counseling consists of time spent with our pastoral staff, meetings with an on-campus Master’s level Christian counselor, and the availability of a licensed Christian counselor by appointment. All classes—and portions of each church service—are geared specifically toward our program residents by emphasizing biblical principles of personal success and spiritual and emotional restoration.
Will I be allowed to smoke?
We do not allow the use of tobacco for program residents or staff, on or off campus. If, however, you would like to bring patches or gum to assist you in breaking these habits, we will work with you. The key is to be transparent with staff about your struggle and your desire to quit. Any “sneaking around” to smoke or “dip” will not be tolerated and is grounds for discipline or dismissal from the program.
Will I be allowed to leave the campus when I want to?
Program residents at Harvest Vineyard Mission (HVM) must remain under staff supervision throughout the duration of the program and are not allowed to come and go at will. We take seriously our responsibility of reducing the possibility of harmful distractions and temptations while men and women are with us at HVM. Part of the restoration process while enrolled here is keeping residents away from the many potential negative “outside influences” which make it harder for them to reorient their thinking and focus on their personal recovery (e.g., the liquor store, an old boyfriend or girlfriend, friends who don’t understand your goals, family who do not think you can change, etc.).
Are there any exceptions to this rule?
Upon the approval of the staff, program residents are granted passes for leave by request after the initial 90 days of enrollment and for Thanksgiving or Christmas provided the resident is demonstrating exemplary progress in work/chores, classes, his or her spiritual life, and interpersonally among other HVM residents and leadership. Also at the discretion of HVM staff, accountability may be sent with the resident while on leave. (*Passes are considered privileges and are given on a limited basis.)
How often will I be allowed to visit with family and friends?
Program residents with last names beginning with A through M will have a few hours to visit with immediate family, a pastor, and/or other approved visitors on the first and third weekends of each month under the supervision of HVM staff. Residents with last names beginning with N through Z will visit on the second and fourth weekends. Family may also sit with residents during our Sunday afternoon and Thursday night worship services.
What about making phone calls?
Phone calls may be made on Saturdays at scheduled times to immediate family, a pastor, and/or other approved family or friends under the supervision of HVM staff. A phone calling card will be required for those making long distance calls.
What will I have to pay to come into your program?
There is a $150 entrance fee for new residents as well as a $300 monthly program fee for those enrolled at Harvest Vineyard Mission. Many individuals find support through family or local church sponsorships, while others are able to pay these fees themselves. After exhausting every option, however, if a resident is unable to find the means of supplying such support, other arrangements may be made for qualified applicants. (*Our desire is to accommodate as many as possible who come to us for help, therefore we will work with you as necessary.)
When will I start working and how much money will I be making?
Depending on job availability, each resident’s skills, prior work experience, and where they are needed, he or she may be assigned to a work crew or fund-raising team comprised of other HVM program residents. Our works program helps to facilitate the development of personal skills, self-discipline and responsibility. Money earned helps to support the Mission and offset the cost of each resident’s room and board. Because of the nature of the program, individuals will not be able to obtain employment so as to earn a personal income while enrolled as HVM program residents.
If I am court ordered into your program, how will I pay court costs, probation fees, and any fines connected with my sentencing?
If you have some source of support which will enable you to make payments toward such fees, costs and fines, you should arrange for this before sentencing. Otherwise you may need to request that the Court waive or defer payments or that certain costs, fines, or fees be converted to community service hours or suspended until the completion of the program. (You may fulfill community service hours while enrolled as a program resident.) Our advice is that you discuss this with your attorney before going to court.
What is the living arrangement like?
Men will be sleeping on bunks, living in close proximity with up to approximately 35 other men in two adjoining rooms. Women will live with up to 16 other women and share the second floor of our dormitory facility, which consists of six rooms, some accommodating up to three women.
What about my legal issues?
We will do our best to accommodate you as necessary while you are under our supervision (e.g., transportation to court dates, probation appointments, phone consultation, etc.).
What do I need to bring?
Because of space limitations, program residents should only bring clothes that will fit 15 clothes hangers, one dresser drawer, and some space around his or her sleeping area. Do not bring more than would fit neatly in the space provided. You should only bring shoes appropriate for work, recreation, and formal events (church services, etc.), as well as flip flops for the shower and/or around the dorm – that is, no more than 4 or 5 pairs of shoes. A pouch or container to keep toiletries or personal items in is also recommended.
Will I be allowed to continue to take my medications?
Harvest Vineyard Mission residents will be required to attempt to discontinue the use of all psychotropic medications (e.g., tranquilizers, sedatives, antidepressants, and other mood-altering drugs) as well as stronger pain medications, some of which may be safely “weaned” off of over a period of time as ordered by a doctor.
How do you determine who is accepted into your program?
The individual must (1) have a serious desire for change in his or her life, (2) be willing to adhere to all program rules and procedures with a compliant attitude, (3) make a one year commitment to the program (as required for graduation), and (4) be willing to cooperate with all program and church leadership and staff.
Generally, the following situations will result in a denial of acceptance:
(1) The applicant has a communicable disease that is highly contagious (e.g., active tuberculosis).
(2) The applicant is not able to take care of his or herself because of a serious medical condition that requires nursing and/or special day-to-day treatment or living accommodations, as we are not yet equipped or staffed properly to deal with such needs.
(3) The applicant is a registered sexual offender/predator with attached stipulations prohibiting legal residence where or in close proximity to where children gather. In order to make a fair determination concerning acceptance, a copy of relevant documents may be sent to us in order to review the specific stipulations in greater detail. (All such correspondence is kept confidential).
(4) The applicant exhibits a negative, defiant, uncooperative attitude regarding their enrollment into Harvest Vineyard Mission and/or toward authority or other leadership in his or her life.
Staff/Board Members
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Senior Pastor/Founder:
Associate Pastor:
Alex Thompson
Kenny Crain
Associate Pastor:
Mike Thompson
Associate Pastor:
Lidiya RotalskyBoard of Directors:
President:
Secretary/Treasurer:
Kermit George
Pat Epperson
Mark Welton
Gia Thompson
Pete Wilson