Our Transitional Living Program
Oasis of Northwest Arkansas is a transitional living program for women in recovery and their children. Oasis of Northwest Arkansas operates as a self-sufficiency program, meaning we do not provide meals or guarantee transportation. However, we offer a small on-site food pantry and assist our residents in applying for food stamps, accessing other food pantries, or purchasing groceries while they seek employment. Additionally, we have a ride-share program, though transportation is not guaranteed. Oasis provides safe housing and resources while walking alongside women who are ready to reconstruct their lives. We are dedicated to restoring individuals, rebuilding families, and transforming communities!
The Oasis program maintains strict guidelines, and residents are expected to follow the rules outlined in our handbook. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in a write-up or the assignment of community service hours. Accumulating three write-ups may lead to dismissal from the program. Additionally, a failed drug screen can result in immediate dismissal.
If a resident is dismissed or leaves the program before graduation, they are required to take their belongings with them. Due to the high demand for beds, it is essential to free up space for the next woman. Furthermore, we do not hold mail for former residents; any mail received after a resident departs will be marked "Return to Sender" and taken to the post office.
Oasis of Northwest Arkansas ensures that each resident has access to safe and sober housing, which includes electricity, heating/AC/fans, a bed, and running water. Residents also have access to community resources and a support system to aid them on their sobriety journey. While we cannot guarantee Wi-Fi or transportation, we strive to provide both to all residents whenever possible.
Priority is given to applications from women with an open Benton County DHS case or those participating in the Washington, Madison, or Benton County Drug Court programs.
Oasis of Northwest Application Process:
1. Complete Application
2. Background Check (we are unable to accept sexual or violent offenders)
3. Interview
4. Clean drug / alcohol screening
5. Completion of drug / alcohol treatment program (At least 28 days clean)
Once accepted to Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, residents must obtain gainful full-time employment or attend school full-time and work part-time. Residents are required to attend 3 recovery meetings per week, obtain a sponsor and meet regularly with that sponsor.
Additionally, all residents are required to follow the Oasis of Northwest Arkansas Handbook. To be accepted you must read, agree to, and sign our handbook.
There is a shared housing cost of $135/week and a $250.00 nonrefundable required deposit.
This is only a brief description of Oasis NWA’s rules and requirements. A detailed Resident Handbook is provided upon arrival.
Experience has repeatedly demonstrated that there are several factors which promote a positive experience at Oasis of Northwest Arkansas. If you can embrace new ideas, you will be able to complete your goals and will feel good about the changes you have accomplished.
Suggestions for successful transitional living:
1. Accept that you must be personally responsible for your own behavior and that you need to give up behavior that does not work well for you.
2. Commit yourself to changing your unhealthy behaviors by learning from your mistakes and exploring why you made these mistakes.
3. Commit to being open about your thoughts and feelings and do not keep secrets.
4. Commit yourself to talking directly to staff and peers about your thoughts and feelings rather than acting out.
5. Commit yourself to being honest in all of your relationships and to avoid lies and distortions. This also means being honest with yourself.
6. Be willing to follow house rules and limits, even if you do not agree with them.
7. Accept the value of relationships with others so that learning to develop and maintain close, trusting relationships will be an important life goal.
8. Accept the value of work, which means going to work, setting goals for yourself, and striving toward honest financial and personal independence.
9. Accept that you can learn from your own experiences and the experience of others if you are willing to take advantage of these experiences as “teachable moments”.
10. Accept that the Oasis of Northwest Arkansas staff are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain recovery from chemical dependency and all the ramifications that come from that condition.
11. Keep in mind HOW to obtain and maintain recovery: Honesty Open-mindedness Willingness