What is Dismas?

Dismas first started when the first Dismas House was opened in Nashville on Music Row in 1974 by Fr. Jack Hickey, who also founded the Vanderbilt Prisons Project. 

Dismas is a 501 © 3 organization that plays an invaluable role in providing a much needed interfaith program for men and women leaving prison. 

Without the support of Dismas House, a successful transition back into society would be an impossible task for so many seeking a new start in life. Thanks to the dedication of Dismas staff, volunteers, and generous sponsors, this has been a reality for more than 6,000 men and women since Dismas was founded by Fr Jack Hickey in 1974. He saw the plight of many about to be released from jail – no home, no family, no job, no hope – all contributing to recidivism and reincarceration.

The program has been used as a model for similar organizations overseas... [ More Information ]

How Does Dismas Work? 

Dismas plays an invaluable role in providing a much needed program for men and women leaving prison. Without the support of Dismas, a successful transition back into society would be an impossible task for so many seeking a new start in life. 

If men and women leaving prison are very lucky, they may have $40 to their name when they walk out those prison doors. Most ex-offenders leave prison with nothing more than hopes and dreams of starting a new life for themselves and their families. A high percentage of them have no hope, no home, no family and no support system and the result is a return to a life of crime.

The sad fact is, that for many, a return to their homes would mean a return to the “scene of the crime” and an environment that is not conducive to making a new start. It would mean a return to the influence of friends and a lifestyle that got them into trouble and into prison in the first place..[ More Information ]

Success Stories - Dismas Makes  A Difference!

Ray A. Barnes

A drug addict and criminal most of his life, Ray started taking drugs when he was around 14 years of age. He dropped out of school, and later when he joined the military, he was discharged because of his drug use. Ray has been in and out of prison all his life and homeless on the streets of Nashville. His addictions and lifestyle lead to a conviction for armed robbery and possession of drugs and he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. 

On February 14, 2002, Ray made a decision to turn his life around. He has been clean and sober since that day. Ray is House Manager at the Nashville Dismas House where he has lived for 14 months. He will be leaving at the end of the year. 

“I have learned what it means to give of yourself and not to expect anything in return. It’s a great feeling. At present I’m doing service work in the community and making amends to those I’ve hurt along the way. “

Alice’s Story

Alice grew up in an unstable home where drugs, alcohol and crime were a normal part of life. Despite starting to use drugs at age 11, it is a testament to her that she managed to graduate high school with honors. 

But at age 19, it was the beginning of the end when she started using harder drugs. Her life spiraled downwards and was convicted of forgery and impersonation, trying to support her drug habit. At age 33, with a young daughter to care for, she was homeless and in the care of the Rescue Mission.

With the support of the structured family life at Dismas House, Alice found the home she needed to continue her transition into the community. A remarkable woman, Alice has been tested and strengthened, but not defeated. She makes no excuses for her failures. Alice now has hope and new goals: to establish a home with her daughter, educate herself for a career and get her driver’s license.

Phil Reyes

A combat veteran of the Vietnam War, Phil suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder before serving nine years in prison. After living eight months at Dismas House, he continues to stay actively involved with Dismas, by doing general maintenance around the house and being a member of the House board of directors. He currently works construction and has remained out of prison for four years.

Additional Dismas Information:

For questions about supporting Dismas at the Australian Festival please contact Ruth Freeland. 
To find out more about supporting Dismas and its programs please contact Dismas Executive Director Janell Brown or visit www.dismas.org.

- Supporting Dismas House - - Opportunities at Dismas House

* Festival Founders Note:

"Dismas does far more that just provide transitional housing and support services to men and women who have been recently released from prison or jail. Dismas serves the entire community by offering compassion and assistance to the former prisoners while providing society with a solution that breaks the cycle of the repeat offender which may ultimately prevent an innocent victim from being harmed or damaged in the future. With prison occupation at an all time high there has never been a greater need for Dismas in our community. Please be sure to support Dismas at this year's festival and if you can volunteer some time or donate money to Dismas in the future I would highly recommend it." 

Peter Beare, Founder
The Australian Festival