Miss. Code. tit. 32, pt. 3, subpt. 2, ch. 1, subch. 3
Apartment Living: The Emerge Center is a residential blindness skills program. You will live in an apartment near the Emerge Center. Apartment living will give you the chance to practice the non-visual skills you will learn in class. That means that, during the evenings and weekends, we ask you to use your white cane and use your other non-visual skills. We ask that family members not assist you with cooking, cleaning, laundry, or grocery shopping. It is important that you practice the skills you have learned in class to make them automatic in your day-to-day life. If you need assistance in any of these areas, we are here to help. Please talk with the Apartment Manager or the Home Management Instructor.
Pets are not Allowed: Pets are not allowed in the Emerge Center apartments. Dog guides are not pets and are welcome at the apartments; however, as previously indicated, if you use a dog guide, you are expected to control your service animal, and you are required to pay for any damage the dog may cause.
Apartment Furnishings: Each two-bedroom apartment is furnished with a dining table and chairs, love seat, armchair, end table, lamps, and in each bedroom, a full-sized bed, dresser, and computer desk with chair. Each apartment is equipped with glasses, mugs, dinner plates, bowls, and silverware for four. Also, there are pots, pans, bakeware, potholders, can opener, a cutting board with knives, toaster, microwave oven, coffee maker, and cooking utensils. If you need anything more, please ask the Apartment Manager. You will also be provided with food storage containers and bags, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and paper products.
Small Appliances Not Provided: Small appliances (other than a microwave, toaster, can opener, and coffee maker) are not provided in the apartments. If you have favorite kitchen tools or small appliances, you may bring them with you. You may wish to bring an alarm clock and a TV for personal use.
The Apartments Do Not Have Cable Television: If you want cable TV, you must arrange and pay for it yourself. The apartments have wireless internet. You are responsible for all entertainment expenses such as streaming services.
You Will Need to Bring Linens: You will need to bring bedding for a full-size bed (sheets, pillowcases, blankets, pillows, and a bedspread). You will also need to bring bath and hand towels, washcloths, dishtowels, and dishcloths. If you cannot provide any of these items, please talk with your rehabilitation counselor before you start training.
Grocery Allowance: You are encouraged to spend the full $250 grocery stipend each month; however, you are responsible for any amount spent over $250. You can purchase grocery items, including produce, meats, dairy items, seasonings, baking supplies, canned goods, hot and cold food from the deli counter, personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, etc.), nonprescription medications, and cosmetics. Grocery funds may not be used to purchase alcohol.
First-Day Grocery Shopping: The Apartment Manager will take you grocery shopping on your first day of training. Please bring a grocery list for two weeks' worth of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages, and be sure to include seasonings and condiments.
You Are Responsible for Your Own Laundry: You are responsible for doing your own laundry. Washing machines and dryers are available at the Emerge Center apartments.
Clothing: You will need to bring clothing and footwear, including outdoor wear for all types of weather. We recommend you bring a raincoat and boots. You will also need casual clothes, business casual clothes, dress clothes, dress shoes, and clothes hangers.
Business Casual Clothes for the Training Day: We ask that you wear business casual clothes at the Emerge Center. The goal of your training is to prepare you for employment. For that reason, we ask that you dress appropriately for a professional work environment. At the same time, we understand you will need to dress comfortably enough to participate in cane travel and home management classes. For that reason, we suggest business casual: no jean shorts, t-shirts, flipflops, and so on. Dark-wash jeans are allowed, provided they are free of rips or other distressing. While you will not need dress clothes frequently, there will be events and activities that require you to dress up. If you need assistance purchasing appropriate clothing, please speak with your rehabilitation counselor before starting your training.
Apartment Keys and Security: When you begin your training, you will be given a key to your apartment and your mailbox key. If you lose any of your keys, you must immediately inform the Antonio Williams or Apartment Manager. You will be issued replacement keys; however, you are responsible for paying the cost of replacing lost keys. We ask that you keep your apartment locked at all times.
Fire and Other Emergencies: In the event of a fire or gas leak, you should immediately evacuate the apartment building and remain outside until the "all clear" is sounded. If there is a medical emergency, fire, gas leak, or serious crime, you should immediately call 911, followed by a call to the Emerge Center at (228) 241-2240 as soon as it is safe to do so. If there are serious maintenance issues with the building that will result in property damage, or are a health or safety issue, notify the Emerge Center Director as soon as it is safe to do so.
Weekly Apartment Inspection: The Apartment Manager will inspect your apartment every week. The purpose of the inspections is to help you identify any additional training needs you may have. The Apartment Manager is available to answer questions and to provide instruction, as needed, in cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, etc.
Practicing Your Non-Visual Skills: In addition to practicing your non-visual skills at the Center, and in your apartment, you are encouraged to go out in the evening and on the weekends to practice the skills learned at the Emerge Center. The Apartment Manager can also recommend shopping, restaurants, and recreational activities.
Preparing Your Meals: We encourage you to practice the non-visual food preparation techniques you learn in home management class. If you have difficulty cooking, menu planning, or budgeting, we can help provide individual instruction.
Returning Home on Weekends: To reinforce your newly acquired non-visual skills and to become comfortable functioning independently, we ask that you do not go home in the first month. Families and friends may visit you in the apartments if they don't do cleaning, cooking, or other tasks you are learning to do as part of your training.
Guests Visiting You in the Apartments: Guests may not stay overnight in the Emerge Center apartments. If you have an extenuating circumstance, you must request and be granted advanced approval from Antonio Williams. Your guests are allowed to visit you in your apartment if they do not stay overnight, are always escorted by you, and abide by the Emerge Center rules.
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours between 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. are standard rules in apartment buildings. Please be respectful of others living in the apartment building and keep noise to a minimum during these hours.
Prohibited Items: Firearms, smoking, alcohol, illegal substances, and illegal activities are not allowed in the apartments or at the Emerge Center and are grounds for immediate dismissal from training.
Moving Out of the Apartments: When you finish your training and move out, please ensure you leave the apartment in move-in-ready condition. We ask that you move out of your apartment within 48 hours after you complete your training.
Miss. Code. tit. 32, pt. 3, subpt. 2, ch. 1, subch. 3