Since 1986, Dismas of Vermont has provided shelter and support to people making the difficult transition out of incarceration. Join us in our mission of reconciliation at one of our five houses across Vermont.
Together, and with your help, we can create a more just, safe, and productive Vermont.
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Being at the Women’s Dismas House and having everyone here believing in me and helping me to believe in myself again has shown me that I’ve always had the capacity to get sober and stay sober and to be the best version of myself that I want to be and have regained. I know that the hard work will never end and I won’t get a certificate of completion for my sobriety. I must continue with it for the rest of my life, but I know now that it’s possible, thanks for believing in me.
Sometimes life presents you with difficult choices, and sometimes none of the options are good ones. Alex Garrison’s son, Connor, was born with cerebral palsy and many special needs that required surgery. Alex worked hard to provide for his family, and his efforts were rewarded with a promotion at work. The promotion meant more money for the family. It also meant that they no longer qualified for state medical coverage for their son’s surgery.
I relapsed into drinking and drugs. The VA took away all my pills, and I spiraled. Despite brief moments of stability—a townhouse, a truck—I was eventually arrested for possession and spent two years homeless. Eventually, I connected with Vet’s Inc. in Bradford, Vermont, a readjustment house for homeless Veterans. I received counseling and therapy, saved money, paid off debt, and bought a car. But my time there ended abruptly, and I landed in prison.
Dismas House can be described as a “family-like” community, with structured and supportive daily rhythms in our transitional homes. There is a spirit of openness and participation in consensus decision-making by all members of the Dismas community. Students, international volunteers, and former prisoners live together and share weekday dinners with staff and volunteer cooks from the broader community.
Learn More About the Houses
Each house has their own unique set of events. Some even share events! Check out our event calendar to learn more.
View Events
The five Dismas Houses in Vermont could not exist without volunteers. Founded and sustained by a dedicated and enthusiastic group of individuals committed to providing a positive alternative living situation for newly released prisoners, Dismas House has continued to benefit from the time and talents of hundreds of Vermont residents. See how you can make a difference.
Volunteer
