Since 1986, Dismas of Vermont has provided shelter and support to people making the difficult transition from incarceration and trauma. 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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Now that Kate is in her own apartment and living by herself, she still feels the support of the Women’s Dismas House and her sober network. She attends dinners at the house weekly and participates in many of their group activities. When asked about her first night in her apartment, she said, “It was so nice, such a good feeling. I worked really hard to make it to this point and I know that if I hadn’t put in the work, I wouldn’t be here.”
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.
Dismas can be described as a “family-like” community, with structured and supportive daily rhythms across our five transitional homes where people returning to our community from incarceration and trauma live together. support each other, and share weekday dinners with staff and volunteer cooks from the broader community.
Dismas cultivates a spirit of openness and consensus decision-making among all members of the Dismas community, sometimes including residential students and international volunteers.
Learn More About the Houses
Each house hosts ongoing events where you can get involved.
Join a Local Council meeting to learn more about the happenings at a specific house, see if a house is hosting a Speaker Series, or celebrate residents and volunteers with us at an Annual Celebration.
Check out the Dismas calendar to learn more.
View Events
Our five houses 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 people transitioning from incarceration and trauma, Dismas continues to benefit from the time and talents of hundreds of volunteers each year.
See how you can make a difference.
Volunteer
