Why Support Dismas

Mission & Vision

The mission of Dismas House is to foster community awareness and understanding of the challenges and obstacles formerly incarcerated men face upon reentry by providing a system for personal transformation and growth as they transition back into society.

Give Here

Why Give To Dismas?

At least 95% of the 30,000 current incarcerated in Tennessee will eventually be released. Without programs like Dismas, formerly incarcerated men are often forced to return to a detrimental environment and the negative influences that contributed to their incarceration. On average, nearly one-half of those released in Tennessee will return to incarceration within three years – whereas, 80% of Dismas graduates remain free. While at Dismas, returning citizens are given an opportunity to fulfill their potential as positive members our great community.

Give Here



Pillars of Programming



We provide shelter, food, clothing and transportation for residents.


Our residents receive physical, dental, and vision exams and benefit from weekly trauma-informed individual and group therapy, as well as addiction support through daily 12-step meetings. Wellness classes like yoga, CrossFit, and daily meditation are provided to practice mindfulness and improve physical and mental well-being. Skill-based groups, like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) help residents practice emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, and distress tolerance skills.


Case managers work with residents on short and long-term goals, transition plans, gaining employment and achieving academic goals such as HiSET and college degree completion or vocational certification. Job readiness training is provided through our partnership with Project Return. Weekly finance and technology classes help residents gain financial literacy and become prepared to join the 21st century workforce.


Through our partnership with the Legal Aid Society, we help residents with a number of matters including expungements, restoration of voting rights, reducing court fines and fees, and resolving child support and custody issues. In addition, we have an attorney who works with every resident on driver’s license restoration.