Compliance Policy Manual

 

Effective Date: [TODAY]
Approved By: Board of Directors
Applies To: Mount of Olives Rescue and Recovery Ministry, Inc. and affiliated social enterprise operations under The Olives Group, Inc

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1. Purpose and Scope

 

This Compliance Policy Manual establishes the ethical, legal, and operational standards governing Mount of Olives Rescue and Recovery Ministry, Inc. ("Mount of Olives") and its mission-aligned social enterprise activities conducted through The Olives Group.

The purpose of this manual is to:

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations

• Protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all program participants

• Maintain transparency, accountability, and public trust

• Prevent conflicts of interest, exploitation, or improper inducement

This manual applies to all board members, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, and program participants.

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2. Organizational Structure and Legal Separation

 

Mount of Olives Rescue and Recovery Ministry, Inc. is a nonprofit organization organized and operated exclusively for charitable and religious purposes.

The Olives Group is a mission-aligned social enterprise established to support the charitable purposes of Mount of Olives through lawful, fee-for-service activities.

While affiliated by mission and oversight, each entity:

• Maintains appropriate financial records

• Operates in compliance with applicable nonprofit, tax, and labor laws

• Avoids private inurement or improper private benefit

No individual participant, staff member, or volunteer holds ownership or profit-sharing interest in nonprofit assets.

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3. Voluntary Participation Policy

 

Participation in any vocational training, work assignment, or employment opportunity offered through The Olives Group is strictly voluntary.

• Participation is not a condition of admission, continued residence, or completion of any recovery program

• Declining participation does not affect access to housing, treatment, counseling, or spiritual services

• Participants may discontinue participation at any time without penalty, retaliation, or adverse consequence

This policy is enforced to ensure compliance with labor laws, ethical recovery standards, and participant rights protections.

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4. Labor and Employment Compliance

 

All work-related activities comply with applicable federal and Connecticut labor laws, including but not limited to:

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

• Connecticut wage and hour statutes

• Workers’ compensation requirements

• Occupational safety and health regulations

Participants are:

• Properly classified as employees, trainees, or volunteers

• Compensated in accordance with law when wages are required

• Provided safe working conditions, training, and supervision

No unpaid labor is required in exchange for treatment, housing, or services.

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5. No Inducement and No Quid Pro Quo Policy

 

Services provided by Mount of Olives are not contingent upon:

• Participation in employment or vocational activities

• Use of The Olives Group services by third parties

• Donations, labor, or financial contributions

Likewise, utilization of The Olives Group services does not guarantee program admission, preferential treatment, or recovery-related benefits.

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6. Clinical and Programmatic Separation

 

Clinical treatment, counseling, and medical services are:

• Delivered independently of social enterprise operations

• Governed by licensed professionals where required

• Documented and billed separately from employment or training activities

No employment activity is billed as treatment, and no clinical decision is influenced by participation in work programs.

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7. Faith-Based Programming and Non-Discrimination

Mount of Olives is a faith-based organization rooted in Christian principles.

• Participation in religious activities is voluntary

• Services are not denied based on religious belief, background, or lack of belief

• Spiritual programming is offered alongside, not in place of, evidence-informed recovery support

This policy ensures compliance with civil rights standards and charitable organization requirements.

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8. Financial Transparency and Stewardship

 

Mount of Olives is committed to ethical stewardship of all funds received.

Funds from donations and social enterprise activities are used exclusively to support:

• Recovery and housing programs

• Clinical and spiritual services

• Workforce development

• Organizational sustainability

Financial practices include:

• Accurate recordkeeping

• Board oversight

• Independent review or audit when required

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9. Employment Outcome Disclaimer

 

Participation in vocational training or employment opportunities does not guarantee:

• Long-term employment

• Post-program job placement

• Specific earnings or financial outcomes

Programs are designed to support skill development, accountability, and recovery readiness.

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10. Oversight, Reporting, and Enforcement

 

The Board of Directors holds ultimate responsibility for compliance oversight.

• Policies are reviewed regularly

• Violations may be reported without fear of retaliation

• Corrective action is taken promptly when issues arise

Failure to comply with this manual may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of involvement.

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11. Policy Review and Amendments

 

This Compliance Policy Manual shall be reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in law, regulation, or organizational operations.

Amendments require approval by the Board of Directors.

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Acknowledgment
All individuals subject to this manual must acknowledge receipt and understanding of these policies.