Frequently Asked Questions

---

The residential substance abuse program takes one year to complete.  Applicants court ordered for treatment in smaller time frames (i.e. 6 months) are encouraged to apply with the understanding a certificate of completion requires a minimum of curriculum which typically takes one year to complete.

The transitional housing program takes 6 months to complete.

Independent living has no specified time frame.

Because of our investment in every resident's recovery, we do not limit the amount of time a resident can remain in our programs.  

The time frames identified above are merely a minimum requirement for certificate of completion.

Due to safety concerns, visitors are not permitted onsite. To ensure residents have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, residents are extended the opportunity to take both day and overnight passes on the weekends. 

Residents may be picked up in the parking lot area only when going on pass.

Day passes begin at 8 am and end at 9 pm the same day. Overnight passes begin at 8 am and end at 9 pm the next day. All times EST. 

Day and overnight passes may not be combined in two consecutive days and must be utilized on the weekends unless special approval is granted by the program director.

Please note, different program tracks have different restrictions on passes; therefore, please consult with a staff member for pass availability that is resident specific. 

Passes are contingent upon the resident's weekly progress.

Staff will automatically assist the resident in applying for SNAP benefits upon their arrival. Once the resident receives their SNAP benefits card, the resident will have the opportunity to shop for grocery items once per week and can prepare food in the fully equipped kitchen located inside the resident's personal dormitory.

Until the benefit card arrives, it is recommended residents bring enough food to last for 10 to 12 days to allocate sufficient time for the benefits card to arrive. 

Please note, canned drinks are not permitted as we take pride in maintaining pest free facilities. Only bottled beverages such as sodas, water, juice etc are allowed. Any form of energy drinks (Monsters, Red Bull, Kick Start, Bang, 5 Hour etc) is highly discouraged. 

*If a resident does not have the support system to assist with providing food, please notify staff to discuss alternate arrangements. 

Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Smoking inside the facility is not permitted. Vapes, Juuls or any other form of electronic cigarettes are strictly prohibited. No exceptions.

Residents who are not of legal age to purchase tobacco will not be permitted the privilege of smoking due to federally regulated guidelines.

Cell phones are considered a privilege at The Lazarus Project. Residents are permitted to utilize a cell phone as long as the device does not interfere with the resident's personal progress and growth.

Our treatment services include access to a Health Advocate who coordinates all resident medical and behavioral health care. Most behavioral health medications are permitted with a few exceptions that are identified on a case by case basis.  

Any and all forms of Suboxone (including Sublocade and Subutex) are strictly prohibited; however, the Vivitrol injection is permitted following the recommendation of the Health Advocate. 

All medications must be approved by the Health Advocate prior to consumption before obtaining possession of the medication.

If a resident is already on a medication regimen prior to arrival, the Health Advocate can be contacted at deniesejames@lazarusofknoxville.org or by calling 865-280-2830 (select option 2) in efforts to discuss permitted medications as well as a resident's unique treatment plan.

Medications that are not approved are strictly prohibited. Any resident that is identified to have possession of or consumes unauthorized medications are subject to discharge.

Kratom, CBD, and Anabolic Steroids are strictly prohibited in all forms. Possession or use of such substances can result in program discharge.

• Personal Hygiene (including razors to shave with)-Mouthwash must be alcohol free
• Work Attire (4 pairs of jeans, 4 t-shirts, 7 pairs of boot socks, 8 pairs of underclothes)
• Sleeping Attire
• 1 Week of Clothing (7 tops and 7 bottoms)
• Hoodies (for winter)
• Jacket (for winter)
• Tennis Shoes
• Lounging clothes (shorts etc)
• Net or mesh laundry bag
• TN State Identification Card or Driver's License (required)
• Social Security Card or Birth Certificate (required)
• Work Boots
• Towels & Wash Cloths if desired 
• Lunch Box w/Ice Pack
• Bed Linens (Twin)/Blanket if desired
• Laundry Detergent
• Medications-both prescribed and over the counter
• Cell Phones are permitted unless the resident begins abusing the privilege (WiFi access is provided)
• Groceries (enough to last for 7 to 10 days). The facility will apply for a SNAP benefits card on the resident’s behalf. *The card usually takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
• Sandwich bags (to pack lunches)

*The Lazarus Project assumes no responsibility and is not liable for any lost or stolen items. Please leave items of significant value or meaning with family or friends.

*It is highly recommended residents label their belongings with their name etc.

* If a resident has difficulty obtaining the items on the list, please notify staff to arrange for alternate accommodations.  

• Electronic devices other than cell phones (computers, TVs, iPads, DVD players)­
• Bluetooth/wireless/wired audio speaker(s)-Personal ear pods are permitted
• Weapons (including pocket knives and certain tools) and firearms
• Items of luxury/excessive value (jewelry, perfumes, expensive clothing/accessories etc.)
• Clothing that depicts alcohol, drugs, sex, gangs, or violence
• Products containing alcohol (mouthwash, body spray/cologne, toner, etc.)
• Acetone-based products or aerosol-spray products
• Candles/incense
• Alcohol or illegal drugs (including CBD in any form, and Kratom)
• Vapes, Juuls, or any form of electronic cigarette(s)
• Pocket Knives

Because visitors are not permitted, any items that need to be delivered to a resident must be coordinated through the Executive Housing Director who can be reached at leerogers@lazarusofknoxville.org or 865-306-3065. 

All deliveries require a set appointment. Deliveries not coordinated through the proper channels will not be accepted.

Residents may receive mail at 7812 Ball Camp Pike Knoxville, TN 37931. 

Letters only please as package deliveries are not accepted and will be returned to sender. 

Residents may be contacted at 865-280-2830. All requests to speak with a resident will be delivered by staff. 

Please note, residents follow a daily schedule and are limited to open availability for telephone conversation both during the day and in the evening hours. Residents are not permitted calls within the first 24 hours of admission.

After hours messages (after 5 pm EST) will not be delivered to the resident until the next business day. 

Court compliance and community supervision requirements are integrated within every resident's unique treatment plan. 

For additional concerns regarding a specific resident's court or community supervision requirements, please contact whitneyrogers@lazarusofknoxville.org or by calling 865-280-2830 (select option 1).