Dismas House | Nashville

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

The graduates of the Dismas House program have completed mental health assessments, attended weekly individual counseling and group therapy, and when needed received psychiatric services and are provided with medication management. Residents have had access to physical exams, eye exams, emergency dental services, and receive specialized care for certain medical conditions. Residents are enrolled in career development and job readiness training, and most secure employment in 30 to 45 days of arrival. Residents who want to pursue post-secondary education, vocational training, professional certification, and Hi-Set diploma are provided with enrollment information.

We offer a complete financial curriculum including assistance in establishing bank accounts and building credit.  Residents participate in a technology curriculum including computer skills development classes.  We provide legal support for expungements, voting rights and driver’s license restoration. The most unique feature of our program is we have community dinners 4 nights a week where different community groups sign up to prepare a meal and sit in fellowship with the residents. The positive support of the volunteers preparing dinner helps the residents develop the social skills and motivation critical to their becoming a contributing member of the community.