Dismas House of Indiana

Dismas House of Indiana Dismas House fosters healing, belonging, and self-determination for individuals returning from incarceration. Mary's and Holy Cross students.

We work to reduce recidivism and address systemic barriers through compassionate, community-driven care and meaningful connections. Did you know?
--> 67.5% of inmates are rearrested within 3 years of release
--> Up to one-quarter of prisoners expect to go to a homeless shelter upon release
--> One in every 100 adults in the United States is currently behind bars. The US incarcerates more people than all other nations, including China, with over 2.3 individuals currently held by our penal system.
--> Dismas cuts national rates of re-offending in half
--> In 2006, 75% of our residents successfully completed the 90-day program
--> Almost half of our budget comes from individual donations

Since opening in August of 1986, Dismas of South Bend has provided a new beginning to over 1500 former prisoners. Dismas has also been home to 150 local Notre Dame, St. Founded in 1974 by Vanderbilt University Chaplain Fr. Jack Hickey, the Dismas organization is comprised of three houses - the original in Nashville - and is nationally recognized as an effective crime prevention program. The name “Dismas” originates from the “repentant thief,” who was crucified at Calvary with Jesus Christ and offers a testament to the power of forgiveness.

“The work is slow.It takes years to learn to breathe again.But in the breathing,we find each other.And in finding each o...
11/06/2025

“The work is slow.
It takes years to learn to breathe again.
But in the breathing,
we find each other.
And in finding each other,
we begin to heal.”

Spoon Jackson

Thanks for being with us today, and always. We are so proud to be a part of this community. 💛

There’s a lot to celebrate at Dismas, and we’d love for you to be part of it.Ribbon Cutting at Dismas HUB – TodayLocatio...
11/05/2025

There’s a lot to celebrate at Dismas, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Ribbon Cutting at Dismas HUB – Today
Location: 402 E. South St., South Bend
Time: 4 p.m.
We’re officially cutting the ribbon at the newly renovated Dismas HUB. Come help us celebrate this milestone in creating a home where justice-impacted individuals can heal and thrive.

Dismas Hub Open House – Saturday, November 8
Location: 402 E. South Street, South Bend
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Stop by to tour our brand-new community space, meet the team, and learn more about the exciting programs launching next week.

New Programs Begin Next Week
Starting November 10, we’re rolling out seven free, public programs at The Dismas Hub—designed specifically for justice-impacted individuals and families. From peer groups to financial literacy and family connection nights, there’s something here for everyone.

We hope to see you this week as we take these next steps together.

Introducing Free Community Programs at The Dismas Hub – Starting November 10!If you or someone you love has been impacte...
11/04/2025

Introducing Free Community Programs at The Dismas Hub – Starting November 10!

If you or someone you love has been impacted by incarceration, you are not alone. And you are welcome here.

Starting next week, Dismas House of Indiana is launching seven free, public programs created specifically for individuals and families navigating life after incarceration. These programs offer healing, connection, and real-world tools for growth, all in a safe, supportive community.

Here's what's launching:

🔹 Recovery Wellness (Nov. 10)
A supportive space for healing from trauma, mental health challenges, or substance use.
Register: https://bit.ly/RecoverWell

🔹 Parent/Child Separate (Nov. 11)
Workshops for caregivers and youth impacted by incarceration, sometimes together, sometimes apart.
Register: https://bit.ly/ParentChildSep

🔹 Parent/Child Together (Nov. 18)
Crafts, games, meals, and memories for families healing and growing together.
Register: https://bit.ly/ParentChildTogether

🔹 Women's Peer (Nov. 12)
A healing space for female-identifying and non-binary individuals to connect and be empowered.
Register: https://bit.ly/WomensPeer

🔹 Financial Literacy (Nov. 13)
Judgment-free sessions to build confidence with budgeting, credit repair, savings, and more.
Register: https://bit.ly/FinanceLitDismas

🔹 Men's Peer (Nov. 19)
A space for brotherhood, honesty, and support among men who’ve been justice-impacted.
Register: https://bit.ly/MensPeer

🔹 Workforce Readiness Lab (Nov. 20)
Career-building workshops include résumé help, interview skills, and job search tools.
Register: https://bit.ly/WorkReadyDismas

All programs are held at The Dismas Hub (402 E. South St., South Bend, IN). Free and open to anyone with justice involvement, formerly incarcerated individuals and families alike. Come as you are. Heal at your pace. Grow with your people.

75% of women in incarceration are survivors of domestic violence. At Dismas, we recognize that incarceration often compo...
11/03/2025

75% of women in incarceration are survivors of domestic violence. At Dismas, we recognize that incarceration often compounds existing trauma rather than addressing its root causes. That’s why we’re launching a peer-led survivors group through The Dismas Hub, an intentional, healing space where women can connect over shared meals and experiences. This group will foster trust, resilience, and mutual empowerment, offering a pathway toward healing and self-determination as they reenter society.

You can read more about peer-supported programs for justice-impacted women:https://safetyandjusticechallenge.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023DomesticViolencePeerSupportReport.pdf

Please join us next Wednesday, Nov. 5, as we officially open The Hub—a new community resource center at Dismas House des...
10/31/2025

Please join us next Wednesday, Nov. 5, as we officially open The Hub—a new community resource center at Dismas House designed to provide access to tools, technology, and support for anyone in South Bend seeking a fresh start. Whether you're navigating reentry, building job skills, or just looking for a place to move forward, The Hub is here for you.

This ribbon cutting marks a major step forward in our mission to support individuals returning from incarceration with the tools they need to thrive. Come celebrate with us, meet members of our community, and see firsthand what’s possible when we invest in second chances.

📍 Dismas House | 402 E. South St., South Bend
🕓 Wednesday, November 5 | 4:00 PM

All are welcome—we’d love to see you there.

We were honored to join the South Bend Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program - SBEAP for a meaningful afternoon of cele...
10/31/2025

We were honored to join the South Bend Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program - SBEAP for a meaningful afternoon of celebration and connection. Our time with mentors, graduates, and supporters left us inspired and reminded of the power of community-led transformation.

SBEAP provides aspiring and current entrepreneurs in South Bend who are facing economic or personal hardships with the tools, training, and support to launch or grow their businesses. This 11-month program—run by the McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business at the University of Notre Dame—works alongside local nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and community partners to foster sustainable entrepreneurship right here in our city.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to support and walk alongside SBEAP in this work, and we look forward to what’s ahead.

What a great reminder of how strong our community can be. Thanks to Monterrey Mexican Bar & Grill for putting care into ...
10/31/2025

What a great reminder of how strong our community can be. Thanks to Monterrey Mexican Bar & Grill for putting care into action! They’re making a big impact and reminding us how powerful it is to show up for each other. At Dismas House, we believe no one thrives alone, and it means so much to see local businesses stepping up during these tough times to support those in the community who are in need. Even better, they’re giving all of us a way to be part of the good. If you’ve been looking to help your neighbor, here’s your sign. Let’s keep the love going and build a stronger, more connected community together.

Update: if you have been able to utilize the free meal already please let others get a free meal. And we will be changing the time we are serving the meals to only from 3pm-5pm today, Thursday and Friday. The meals will be served to-go and you must be present to recieve a meal.

Times are tough right now for a lot of families, we’re hearing stories every day about delayed pay, SNAP cuts, and people just trying to make ends meet. It’s heavy out there, and we see you.

At Monterrey, we’ve always believed that when things get hard, you take care of your neighbors. So for the first week of November, we’re offering what we’re calling a Community Plate/meal/special, whatever floats your boat,
a free meal for anyone truly in need.

No forms, no questions, no judgment. Just kindness.

We’ll choose the meal each day based on what’s available, it might vary depending on supplies, but it’ll always be something warm, filling, and made with love.

We’re a small, family-run restaurant, we’re feeling the strain too, now more than ever, but we’d rather stretch what we have and help where we can than sit back and do nothing. We just ask that folks be respectful and let this be for those who really need it.

We’ll give it a try for a week and see how it goes. If it helps even a few families breathe a little easier, it’ll be worth it.

Thank you to everyone who supports us and makes it possible for us to do things like this.

Note: The Community Plate is for dine-in only, and the person must be present to receive the meal. The dish may vary based on what’s available. We’ll do our best to accommodate allergies, but we can’t guarantee every request. This offer will be through the first week of November (or while supplies last) and may be changed or paused at any time if needed.

and de

TOMORROW: Eat Tacos for a Cause at Hacienda Gives Back Fiesta!Thursday, October 30 | All DayLocation: Hacienda Mexican R...
10/29/2025

TOMORROW: Eat Tacos for a Cause at Hacienda Gives Back Fiesta!
Thursday, October 30 | All Day
Location: Hacienda Mexican Restaurant – 4650 Miami Street, South Bend

Join us for a meal that makes a difference. When you dine in, carry out, or purchase gift cards at Hacienda tomorrow, 20% of your bill will be donated to Dismas House of Indiana. Your support helps individuals returning from incarceration rebuild their lives with dignity, support, and community.

Don’t forget to bring your Give Back coupon—digital copies are accepted. You can get one:

• In the photo below
• At Dismas House: 521 S. St. Joseph Street, South Bend
• At the Hub: 402 E. South Street, South Bend

Food, gift cards, and carry-out all count. Just show your coupon when you pay.

Share a meal. Support a mission. Make a difference. Learn more about our cause at dismasofindiana.org.

Thank You, Dismas Circle Members! We’re filled with gratitude for everyone who has joined the Dismas Circle, our communi...
10/28/2025

Thank You, Dismas Circle Members!

We’re filled with gratitude for everyone who has joined the Dismas Circle, our community of monthly supporters who are helping create stability, dignity, and hope for people returning from incarceration. Your commitment fuels transformation and second chances every single day.

Not a member yet? You can hop on board anytime! Every new member strengthens our impact, expands our reach, and helps build a future where more people can thrive after incarceration. With just a few clicks, you can make a lasting difference in someone’s reentry journey. Every gift—no matter the size—helps provide housing, mentorship, meals, and support that change lives.

Join the Circle. Fuel the Mission.
https://www.dismashouseofindiana.org/donate

🌟 Welcome to the Team, Ed! 🌟We’re excited to introduce Ed Witulski, our new Resource Case Manager at Dismas House of Ind...
10/27/2025

🌟 Welcome to the Team, Ed! 🌟

We’re excited to introduce Ed Witulski, our new Resource Case Manager at Dismas House of Indiana! Ed brings a wealth of experience from his 8 years with Trusted Mentors in Indianapolis, where he connected mentors with justice-involved individuals and helped build paths toward restoration and growth.

A devout Christian and a world traveler with mission trips to Honduras and Kenya under his belt, Ed is deeply passionate about walking alongside others in their journey. Whether he’s cheering for the Cubs, Colts, Pacers, Irish, or IU—or rocking out to The Who and the Doobie Brothers—you’ll find Ed living life with heart and humor.

He’s excited to be part of the growing, dynamic Dismas House family—and we’re just as thrilled to have him!

Help us give Ed a warm welcome in the comments below! 💬👇

Reminder: Hacienda Give Back Fiesta – October 30Join us on Thursday, October 30 at Hacienda Mexican Restaurant (4650 Mia...
10/25/2025

Reminder: Hacienda Give Back Fiesta – October 30

Join us on Thursday, October 30 at Hacienda Mexican Restaurant (4650 Miami Street, South Bend) and help support second chances through Dismas House of Indiana.

When you dine in, carry out, or purchase gift cards anytime that day, 20% of your total bill will be donated to Dismas House. Your meal will help returning citizens rebuild their lives with dignity, support, and community.

Be sure to bring your Give Back coupon. You can get one:
• In the photo below (digital copies accepted)
• At Dismas House: 521 S. St. Joseph Street, South Bend
• At the Hub: 402 E. South Street, South Bend

Food, gift cards, and carry-out all count — just show your coupon when you pay.

Share a meal. Support a mission. Make a difference.

We’re redefining what reentry can be—dignified, supportive, and rooted in community.Imagine a safe, comfortable place wh...
10/23/2025

We’re redefining what reentry can be—dignified, supportive, and rooted in community.

Imagine a safe, comfortable place where residents rebuild family connections, access therapy, enjoy welcoming spaces, and take part in community outings that nurture growth and belonging.
That’s the vision we live every day at Dismas House—because creating spaces of connection and transformation is at the heart of who we are.

Learn more about how we’re redefining re-entry at dismashouseofindiana.org.

Address

521 S Street Joseph St
South Bend, IN
46601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+15742338522

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