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Welcome to our Dismas House
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Dismas House is a nonprofit organization founded in 1974 to provide transitional housing and support services to men and women who have been recently released from prison or jail. Dismas provides a unique form of crime prevention by working with at risk individuals to integrate them with community volunteers, college students, and staff. Dismas House recognizes that the cycle of crime can be reduced when men and women who have been incarcerated have assistance readjusting to society. To that end, Dismas House provides room and board, transportation, job referrals, life skills counseling, and drug and alcohol counseling referrals to help former offenders make a successful transition back into the community.
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How Did it All Begin?
Named for the repentant criminal executed with Jesus Christ at Calvary, Dismas House of Nashville opened its doors in 1974. the idea was conceived by a group of students and Father Jack Hickey, O.P., then the Catholic Chaplain at Vanderbilt University. Students and former prisoners began sharing a home as an extension of the Vanderbilt Prison Project.
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How Does Dismas House Work?
At Dismas House, former offenders learn what it means to be part of a caring community. Students, residents, and community volunteers join together to welcome former prisoners back into society. Students and former offenders live together sharing household chores and evening meals, and attending weekly house meetings. Those residents who come to Dismas from prison are expected to gain employment within two weeks of moving into the house. All residents pay program fees. Staff works with residents to help them reach their goals, and monitors their efforts along the way.
Students, residents, and volunteers participate in recreational activities including softball, bowling and group outings. Community volunteers are constant visitors - cooking dinner, helping with job placement, counseling and advising, maintaining the house, and offering friendship to the residents.
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Need Additional Non-profit Information?
For more information go to
Giving Matters and inquire on Dismas, Inc. You will find qualified information that can assist you in finding out more about the oversight and financial status of Dismas.
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