A Typical Day

At MeadowHaven, each resident's schedule is uniquely suited to their needs. Some residents desire a more structured environment, while others need a more flexible schedule. Although there are established "quiet hours," there is no set routine. Residents schedule their own time on a weekly basis, learning how to build in proper balance between all of the different IRP tracks. This helps them to prepare to juggle and balance the many demands they will face when they set off on their own.

Depending on where the resident is in their treatment program, these are some of the activities that take place throughout a typical day:

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner - Depending on whether the resident is working or volunteering outside of MeadowHaven, meals may be taken at MeadowHaven or elsewhere. Residents are responsible for their own meals, although there is a common pantry that is stocked regularly through volunteers and weekly shopping trips. Some residents choose to cook together and share meal preparation and clean-up. If a resident needs help in meal planning and preparation, this may be an item on their IRP.
Counseling - Individual counseling sessions usually happen twice a week for an hour. Group sessions usually happen every other week on a Saturday morning. All residents participate in the group sessions, but there are also many non-resident former cult members who travel to MeadowHaven for the Saturday groups.
Volunteering or Part-Time Work - Depending on their IRP, most residents are encouraged to pursue part-time employment or volunteer work. This interaction with others helps them to ease back into society and become comfortable with social interaction while still being able to process their experiences with the residents and MeadowHaven staff.
Reading and Journaling - There is much to process for MeadowHaven residents. Reading about various aspects of cult recovery and journaling become a regular part of the routine for all residents.
Exercise - A trainer is available to residents to help them develop an exercise routine that will meet their needs and desires. Regular exercise is critical to overall physical and mental health, so each resident is encouraged to maintain a regular exercise regimen.
Chores - Weekly chores such as dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning are divided between residents.
Weekly House-Meetings - Residents meet as a group with the Resident Counselors on a weekly basis to touch base on base house-issues. This is a forum for residents to bring up concerns and share information with each other.
Appointments - MeadowHaven seeks to connect residents with various support systems outside the MeadowHaven program. As a result, residents will often need to attend appointments with a doctor, social service agency, outside therapist, etc.
Occasional Group Dinner - Once a week, all of the residents, together with the Resident Counselors, share an evening meal together. This is a time to just "hang out" and get to know each other better. After dinner, the residents choose an activity to do together such as watching a movie, playing board games, going bowling, etc.
Just being... Much of the time at MeadowHaven is not scheduled with an activity. It is important, after the regimented routine of the cultic group, that residents learn how to simply be. Residents use this free time to nap, take walks, read, hang out with each other, go on bike rides, explore Boston, and just simply be.