As Dismas celebrates its 40th anniversary, we are grateful to the many volunteers, students, supporters, and community members who make our work possible. This fall has brought many opportunities to build community, give back, and strengthen the connections that make Dismas a welcoming home for residents. 

Giving Back, One Meal at a Time

On October 25th, volunteers from the University of Vermont Student Government Association, organized by UVM student Abigail Brito Del Valle, came to both the Buell Street and East Allen houses to help cook alongside residents and staff for a Spaghetti Dinner. 

Started by Dismas residents two years ago, the Spaghetti Dinner gives back to people in need in our community. Residents, volunteers, and staff came together to prepare more than 100 meals of spaghetti, homemade sauce, meatballs, and other treats. They packaged the meals into individual containers and delivered them to local emergency shelters for those facing food insecurity. 

Preparing and packing meals at the Buell Street and East Allen houses was a fun, lively, and meaningful experience for residents, students, volunteers, and staff alike. 

Throwback: Father Jack Hickey & Students

This 1985 interview snippet explains why student volunteers are so important to the Dismas mission and how that tradition began. Father Jack Hickey helped launch Dismas of Vermont and founded the first Dismas house in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1974.

The Annual Phonathon - November 16 &17

This year's phonathon will take place both nights from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Volunteers and residents will make calls from the Holy Family Parish Hall, 28 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction. 

This annual opportunity is a chance to chat with Dismas folks and pledge your support.

If YOU would like to join us in making calls, we will keep you nourished with refreshments. This evening is a fun opportunity to spend time together while supporting the Dismas mission. Come for one night or two.

To ask questions or RSVP, email Matt.

Student Volunteers at Dismas

Dismas of Vermont was founded by volunteers, and for 40 years, volunteers have generously shared meals, time, and companionship with residents at our Buell Street and East Allen houses. 

We have been fortunate to receive support from student volunteers from the University of Vermont, Saint Michael's College, and schools throughout Chittenden County. 

For example, volunteers from St. Mike's MOVE (Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts) cooked for residents and joined them for a shared meal at East Allen. 

From the University of Vermont, students from the UVM Prison Partnership Club also cooked a meal and broke bread with residents at Buell Street. Our dedicated volunteer and UVM Professor of Political Science, Alec Ewald, advises the Prison Partnership. 

Later this month, college student volunteers from the UVM chapter of Mortar Board, a national honors society that prides itself on service and leadership, will generously give their time and energy to support the Annual Phonathon. Please take their call!

The Fall Newsletter is Here

If you have read Sarah's writing before, a former resident at the Women's Dismas House, you know how adept she is with words. It's a real honor when she shares her life with us.

The fall print newsletter is now landing in mailboxes, or you can access the issue online. The snapshot in time from Sarah's life in this season's issue shimmers with the possibility of more of the same in the future.

Celebrate 40 Years with

Dismas of Vermont

Join the 1986 Club

1. Join the club and make the gift.
2. Get all of Dismas of Vermont's programs off to a good start.
3. Within a week of giving, get a rad holographic sticker.
4. Be tickled by throwback Dismas photos, videos, and 80s-themed benefits delivered to your inbox.

Event invitations will be sent out in early 2027, but put the 40th Annual Community Celebration on your calendar now. If you want to sponsor this anniversary event, the form is now online.