Agency Details:

Dismas House is a supportive community that provides transitional housing and services to former prisoners and real-life educational opportunities to students from area colleges, and from throughout the US and the world! The men and women of Dismas House live and work as a family, helping each other grow towards the goal of reintegration into society. Dismas provides a consensus-based, sober alternative to a return to the streets, and a return to incarceration. Our cooks, donors, board members and other volunteers help make reconciliation a reality.

Description:
Dismas House is a transitional residential program for homeless former prisoners living along side students and volunteers. Serving up to twelve individuals at a time, Dismas House strives to create a family atmosphere while providing critical services that work to end the cycle of incarceration. Residents also give back to the community through their involvement in clean-ups, community service and the Dismas community garden used by neighbors, and inner city children.

The key to Dismas House is the phrase "Dismas is family". The success of the house is a collaborative effort. People living in the house pay part of the operating expenses. Students are given opportunities for internships in non-profit management and/or live-in positions in the Dismas community. There are simple rules, such as no violence, drugs or alcohol; and there are expectations, such as attendance at dinners, curfews, chores and participating in house meetings and activities.

History:
Dismas House was first started by Father Jack Hickey. In his work with prisoners, he noticed a large number of inmates repeatedly returning to the institution. This was his motivation for the first Dismas House. Dismas House of Massachusetts was started over eighteen years ago and since has grown to include the Almost Home program - a treatment program in partnership with the Worcester County Sheriff's Department.

Contact person: David McMahon, Executive Director, (508) 799-9389, (email)

Address:

30 Richards Street Worcester, MA 01603 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.dismashouse.org

Directions:

Dismas House is located in the Main South neighborhood off of Main or Cambridge Streets near Clark University. Please contact Dismas House for more detailed directions.   Nearest Bus Stop: Yes, 5 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Are any opportunities appropriate for youth ages 18 or under? If yes, what age range?
	highschool, or all ages with family or groups

Last updated on September 28, 2009