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Apple Gleaning with Willing Hands
Hartford Dismas House residents Jeremy, Justin, and Tyler recently teamed up with fellow volunteers to pick an incredible 2,227 pounds of apples at Riverview Farm in Plainfield, NH. The gleaning event supported Willing Hands, an organization dedicated to recovering fresh food to reduce waste and expand equitable, reliable access to nutritious food. Thanks to residents and the volunteer community, these apples will be distributed across the region to Willing Hands’ food access partners, helping feed neighbors in need.
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Another Day at Maynard House
Tyler and AJ returned to the Maynard House to volunteer. Maynard House provides lodging for patients and their families as they travel for medical services or to support loved ones receiving care. The residents, along with Hartford Dismas House and Maynard House staff, prepared their gardens for winter and removed air conditioners from windows.
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Welcome, Heather Slater, Assistant House Director
Heather brings several years of experience in human services, including case management, housing and homelessness services, crisis intervention, peer support, and community-based programming. Throughout her career, she has worked with individuals and families facing complex barriers, including housing instability, mental health and substance use challenges, involvement with community systems, and major life transitions. Heather and Gale will be working together over the next few weeks, before Gale's retirement.
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Sharing Words of Wisdom
Justin, Tyler, and AJ, House Director Tom Grillo, and incoming Assistant House Director Heather Slater spoke with students at Hartford High School. Students were deeply interested in firsthand accounts of the Vermont justice system, the obstacles residents have faced since incarceration, and how they are actively moving their lives in a positive direction. Thank you, Hartford High School, for having us.
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The Dismas Fall Newsletter is Now Available
The print newsletter is landing in mailboxes this week. If you're not on our mailing list, you can find it online now. This issue is a reflection on 40 years of housing, community, and hope after trauma and incarceration. Hear from our founder, Rita, our executive director, a resident, and walk through the Dismas timeline.
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Suds and Elbow Grease
Residents hosted a car wash to benefit Potter’s House School and Daycare. This fundraiser builds on a meaningful partnership from this past summer, during which residents volunteered at the school to lay stone in the playground area and set up chicken coops. For our residents, hosting this car wash was the perfect way to give back to a local community that has been so incredibly welcoming to them on their journey.
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We Need Your Input!
We are thinking ahead to the spring and want to know how you would prefer to celebrate volunteers, donors, and residents.
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Dismas of Vermont -- Forty Years!
Dismas of Vermont is 40 years strong this year. We look forward to sharing the stories that have brought us to this incredible milestone.
Join the 1986 Club
- Join the club and make the gift.
- Get all of Dismas of Vermont's programs off to a good start.
- Within a week of giving, get a rad holographic sticker.
- Be tickled by throwback Dismas photos, videos, and 80s-themed benefits delivered to your inbox.
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Hartford Dismas House is seeking new Council Members to help support our mission and provide a safe, supportive community for individuals returning from incarceration and trauma.
Council Members play a vital role as ambassadors, advisors, and connectors—helping to strengthen community partnerships, support fundraising efforts, and ensure that our residents feel seen, heard, and valued.
If you are passionate about second chances and building a stronger, more compassionate community, we invite you to join us. Email Tom if interested in learning more or joining a Council Meeting as a guest to see what happens behind the curtain.
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Hartford-area Apartments Wanted
Dismas of Vermont is looking for one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in Hartford for its Step-Down Housing program. If the units are beyond walking distance of town, we prefer they be on or near a bus line. We are willing to pay the market rate ($1,600-$1,850). Please email us your leads!
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