Our Founding

In 1974, Rita Whalen McCaffrey’s Dismas journey began when she first visited people in a correctional facility. Six months later, that experience led her to organize a group of volunteers to teach the Decisions Program, which taught decision-making skills to people in prison.

In 1980, she and her husband, Vermont District Court Judge Francis McCaffrey, were invited to Memphis, TN, to teach the course to prospective volunteers. One of the participants was Father Jack Hickey, OP, Chaplain at Vanderbilt University and the founder of the Nashville Dismas House (1974).

In 1983, the McCaffreys went to Nashville to attend a national conference for volunteers in Criminal Justice. Jack Hickey invited them to dinner at Nashville Dismas House, the McCaffreys' first experience with transitional housing, where they were impressed by its effectiveness and by the sense of community among the residents. They returned to Vermont with Rita continuing to oversee the Decisions Program in correctional facilities in Burlington, St. Johnsbury, Woodstock, and St. Albans.

In 1984, Rita organized a task force in Burlington of many dedicated volunteers to expand services to people living in and exiting prison. While brainstorming the needs of people in and leaving incarceration, transitional housing came to the fore. The group embraced the Dismas House model, with Father Jack becoming our mentor, coming to Vermont to provide training and to give public talks. The concept took root in the community, supported by people in prison, students, volunteers, and the Vermont Department of Corrections.

In September 1986, the Burlington Dismas House formally opened its doors at 96 Buell Street.

Rita, with her late husband Frank’s encouragement and ardent support, credits the strong embrace of Dismas staff and community volunteers, who, for four decades, have helped us grow and succeed.