Dismas House-Nashville

General information

Programming creates a family-like atmosphere; hence the slogan, “Dismas is Family.” This slogan personifies a value system that recognizes the dignity and worth of all people. While at Dismas, residents often reconnect and rebuild relationships with their own family members as well. Through community involvement, residents learn how to positively interact in social settings without the fear of having to maintain “institutionalized” survival mechanisms. Along with staff, members of the broader community welcome returning citizens back into society, offer support, and strive to empower residents so they depart Dismas as an active and positive member of society.

Services provide for immediate security of basic human needs, such as shelter, food, and clothing, of which, many new residents may be without. Participants of the Dismas program commit to staying a minimum of 90 days, participate in the development and execution of a client-specific re-entry plan, participate in programming, uphold positive standards of living, and be an active member of the household and community. At Dismas House, a holistic programming model empowers residents to be self-sufficient by helping them address and overcome barriers such as weak family and social support, educational and literacy deficiencies, legal matters, mental and physical health issues, addictive behaviors, lack of wealth, and permanent housing. In addition to tangible gains, successful program participants are likely to depart Dismas with a greater sense of self-worth and an optimistic outlook.