Say Hello

Have questions or want to learn more about Dismas House of Indiana? Whether you're interested in volunteering, internships, resident services, or partnership opportunities, we'd love to hear from you. Our team is always happy to connect, answer questions, and explore ways to get involved.

To protect the peace and privacy of our residents, Dismas House is their home first. We welcome visitors by appointment only, and unexpected visitors may, unfortunately, be turned away.

Physical Address

521 S. St. Joseph Street

South Bend, IN 46601

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 4571

South Bend, IN 46634

Main Email

info@dismasin.org

Phone

(574) 233-8522

Fax

(574) 246-9538

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You can also follow us on social media for updates on events, resident stories, and ways to get involved. We look forward to connecting with you!

✨🎉 Happy Birthday, Andrea! 🎉✨

Today, we celebrate Andrea Gordon, our incredible Board President, a force of nature who leads with fearlessness, ferocity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her encouragement lifts us, her leadership inspires us, and her passion for creating a more just world fuels everything we do.

Andrea, we are beyond grateful for you—your wisdom, strength, and heart make all the difference. Wishing you a day as bold and brilliant as you are! 💜🎂🎈

Drop your birthday wishes for Andrea in the comments! ⬇️🎉 #FearlessLeadership #HappyBirthdayAndrea #DismasHouse #TheDismasWay

Dismas House of Indiana’s 38th Annual Benefit Dinner & Auction is more than just an event - it’s a night to uplift those rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

🍽️ Enjoy a delicious dinner
🎤 Be inspired by our residents' journeys
🔨 Bid on exciting auction items

Additionally, Jamie Campbell Bower, who stars in the final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things and has appeared in films like Sweeney Todd, Twilight, The Mortal Instruments, and Fantastic Beasts will be holding the keynote speech for this event! Come meet him at the event, and purchase a VIP ticket for a photo op!

📅 April 23, 2025
📍 Gillespie Conference Center

Purchase Tickets Now: https://givegrove.com/dismas38thannualdinner/tickets/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIcUUdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHb1KdHNMIEZN-RF1CprgIDDgpGwpzF5nIQmsAVsoQ2R2XJMBwXm5xtBmHg_aem_t7ZpOYZvEBsjfuogp9LJlQ

✨ Happy Employee Appreciation Day! ✨

As the Executive Director of Dismas House, I often have the privilege of being out in the community, and you may see CeCe and me speaking about the incredible work we do. But behind every conversation, every success story, and every step forward, there’s a dedicated team making it all happen.

To Amanda, CeCe, Cheryl, Jose, Lori, & Lydia—thank you. Your hard work, heart, and commitment ensure that Dismas remains a place where hope finds a home. I am so grateful for each of you and the work you do every day.

Learn more about the incredible people behind Dismas here: https://www.dismashouseofindiana.org/meet-the-team

– Andee Huxhold, Executive Director

#EmployeeAppreciationDay #ThankYou #HopeFindsAHome #DismasHouse

✨ Exciting News! ✨

Our Resident Ambassador, Clinton "CeCe" Bell, has graduated from the Dismas House program—and we’re proud to welcome him to our staff as Community Relations Manager! 🎉

CeCe is the second Dismas alum to join our team in just six months, reinforcing our commitment to hiring from within and investing in those who know our mission firsthand. A Chicago native now calling South Bend home, CeCe is passionate about building community, sharing his story, and creating meaningful connections. He brings energy, vision, and a deep commitment to our work.

Beyond Dismas, he serves on the boards of Milkweed Gardens Inc., the Monroe Park Neighborhood Association, and Odom Community Developers and is studying Communications at Indiana University South Bend.

Help us celebrate CeCe’s graduation and new role! 💙👏

#DismasHouse #SecondChances #CommunityLeadership #CeCeBell

Returning home shouldn’t mean an endless uphill battle. Yet, for many formerly incarcerated individuals, reentry is met with rejection - no job, no housing, no support.

The Reentry Simulator offers a firsthand look at these struggles, providing an opportunity to walk in the shoes of a returning citizen and understand the obstacles that make reintegration so difficult. Join us for this powerful, immersive experience and a discussion on how we can create real second chances. By sharing the experiences of many of our residents with the community, Dismas hopes to raise awareness around the challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face.

Hear Firsthand from CeCe, our resident ambassador:

"Transitioning back into the free world is an all-around struggle. No one who hasn’t been
through it can fully understand the weight of it—the anxiety of finding a job when no one
wants to hire you, the stress of securing housing when every door feels closed, and the
pressure of proving you’ve changed when society still sees your past. But maybe, just maybe, if people could glimpse what we go through—the barriers we face, the hope we fight to hold on to—they’d become advocates for real second chances.”

📅 Friday, March 28, 2025
📍 St. Joseph County Public Library Ballroom
⏰ 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
🎟️ FREE, but limited to 60 participants!

➡️ Secure your spot now! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/re-entry-simulation-experience-the-challenges-of-life-after-incarceration-tickets-1223974563869?aff=oddtdtcreator

#ReentrySimulator #SecondChances #JusticeMatters #EndTheStigma

📢 Exciting News! 🎉

We are incredibly grateful to have been the nonprofit recipient of the intermission donations during the 49th Annual Keenan Revue at Notre Dame! Thanks to the generosity of Keenan Hall students, their families, and friends, a total of $4,624.62 was raised to support our mission at Dismas House of Indiana. 💙

The third night alone brought in over $2,000—a true testament to the power of community and giving! These funds will help us create more opportunities for our residents, with the hopes of funding part of The Dismas Hub, a dedicated space to support growth, education, and reentry success.

Want to learn more about The Hub or match Keenan Hall’s generosity? Reach out to our Executive Director, Andee Huxhold, at 📞 574-309-7154 or 📧 director@dismasin.org.

Thank you, Keenan Hall, for your kindness and generosity! Your support makes a real impact. 💙🏡

#DismasHouse #KeenanRevue #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #TheDismasHub

Dismas House of Indiana is now a proud grant recipient of the first Amazon St. Joseph County Community Fund. This support will enable us to plant a community garden to help feed our neighbors and those who are unhoused. The reception at Dainty Maid Food Hall was inspiring - connecting with fellow changemakers and Amazon leaders reinforced the power of community collaboration. We're honored to be part of Amazon's local investment in Indiana's future. #AmazonInCommunities #Amazon #AWS”

🚨 Exciting News at Dismas House! 🚨

Please join us in congratulating Lori Adams on her well-deserved promotion to Intake Coordinator! 🎉

Lori has been an integral part of Dismas House for nearly five years, wearing many hats—from Case Management to Night Managing and providing support in countless ways. With our program growing and applications on the rise, Lori will now lead our intake process, ensuring a smooth, fair, and welcoming experience for all applicants.

We are beyond grateful for her dedication and passion, and we can’t wait to see her thrive in this new role! Drop a comment below to send your congratulations! 👏💙 #DismasHouse #Promotion #TeamDismas #ReentryMatters

Have you ever wondered what happens after prison? More than just freedom, reentry is a daily struggle—housing, employment, supervision, and stigma create difficult barriers.
Step into the shoes of a returning citizen at our Reentry Simulator, an immersive experience that reveals the harsh realities of life after incarceration. Through role-playing scenarios and deep discussions, you'll gain firsthand insight into the challenges of reentry and explore ways we can build a more just society.

📅 Friday, March 28, 2025
📍 St. Joseph County Public Library Ballroom
⏰ 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
🎟️ FREE, but limited to 60 participants!

➡️ Secure your spot now! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/re-entry-simulation-experience-the-challenges-of-life-after-incarceration-tickets-1223974563869?aff=oddtdtcreator

#ReentrySimulator #SecondChances #JusticeMatters #EndTheStigma

📢 Introducing Our New Board President: Andrea Gordon

We are thrilled to welcome Andrea Gordon as the new Board President of Dismas House of Indiana! 🎉 Andrea is a Dismas alumna (2014-2015) and the first former resident to serve as Board President in our organization’s history.

A South Bend native, Andrea brings a deep connection to our community along with a wealth of experience. She is a Freelance Graphic Designer, works at Cressy & Everett Real Estate, and is the proud mom of two wonderful kids. More than her professional skills, Andrea is a kind and compassionate leader who has been a consistent advocate for Dismas and our residents. Her lived experience, passion, and dedication to second chances make her an incredible champion for those we serve.

Andrea joins us at a pivotal time, supporting our Annual Dinner, helping explore expansion opportunities, and working alongside our Executive Director to ensure Dismas continues to be a place where hope finds a home. We are excited to see how we flourish under her leadership and all the unique skills, talents, and vision she brings to the role.

Please join us in welcoming Andrea to this role! Drop a comment below to show your support. 💙

#DismasHouse #TheDismasWay #Leadership #HopeFindsAHome #DismasAlumni

📢 A Heartfelt Thank You to Doug Elder

As we transition leadership at Dismas House, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank Doug Elder for his time as Board President. Doug led during a period of significant change, stepping up to keep Dismas House moving forward after the departure of the previous Executive Director. His dedication ensured that our doors remained open, our mission stayed strong, and our residents continued to receive the support they needed.

Throughout nearly a decade with Dismas, Doug worked to support fundraising, donor outreach, and advocacy efforts. He helped bring in speakers, expand awareness, and supported events aimed at strengthening the organization. His company also contributed to events and public relations efforts that kept Dismas engaged with the broader community.

Leadership is never easy, and stepping up in times of transition takes effort and commitment. Doug gave his time, energy, and passion to this role, and we appreciate his willingness to serve. We wish him all the best in this next chapter!

📍 Drop a comment below to share your well wishes for Doug!

#DismasHouse #ThankYouDoug #LeadershipTransition #HopeFindsAHome

🚧 Contractors Wanted – Join Our Kitchen Renovation Team! 🚧

Dismas House is moving into the next phase of our kitchen renovation, and we’re looking for plumbers, electricians, and a general contractor to take on the more complex work.

💡 A huge thank you to the Notre Dame Architecture students for their generosity of time and talent in designing our new layout! Now, we’re excited to bring it to life with the right team.

We’d love to work with:
✅ Contractors with lived experience (history of incarceration)
✅ Businesses that hire justice-involved individuals
✅ Folks open to working alongside residents—helping us learn and keeping costs reasonable

💡 Our residents will be compensated to assist—many already have skills in demo, flooring, painting, and more.

Work will begin as soon as we find the right fit. Interested? Contact Executive Director Andee Huxhold at director@dismasin.org.

#DismasHouse #ReentrySupport #ContractorsWanted #BuildingTogether #NotreDameArchitecture #TheDismasWay

It is with great pleasure that we at Dismas House are announcing our 38th Annual Benefit Dinner & Auction, where we celebrate the resilience and success of our residents - and YOU can be part of the impact!

Additionally, we will have a VERY special Keynote Speaker: Jamie Campbell Bower!

Jamie is an actor and recording artist known for his captivating performances. Jamie stars in the final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things and has appeared in films like Sweeney Todd, Twilight, The Mortal Instruments, and Fantastic Beasts. Beyond his acting career, Jamie is also a talented musician, recently releasing his solo single, “I Am.”

As a special opportunity, you can meet him! With a VIP ticket, you’ll enjoy a personal photo op with Jamie, available for download after the event!

📅 April 23, 2025
📍 Gillespie Conference Center
Purchase Tickets Now: https://givegrove.com/dismas38thannualdinner/tickets/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIcUUdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHb1KdHNMIEZN-RF1CprgIDDgpGwpzF5nIQmsAVsoQ2R2XJMBwXm5xtBmHg_aem_t7ZpOYZvEBsjfuogp9LJlQ

We are beyond grateful for the love and support we receive from our amazing community! 💙 Every kind word, every act of generosity, and every moment of encouragement fuels our mission at Dismas House of Indiana. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to create hope, healing, and second chances! 🙌✨ #Gratitude #CommunitySupport #TheDismasWay

✨ THANK YOU! ✨

Because of YOU—our incredible supporters, donors, and community—we raised $60,116 for #100KTheDismasWay! The generosity and kindness you’ve shown will go a long way in supporting our mission of creating second chances. It is through donations like these that we are able to continue the work we do, and everyone at Dismas is so immensely grateful for your support!

If you still want to donate, it’s not too late! See the link below:
https://dismas.networkforgood.com/projects/243497-the-dismas-way-100k-for-second-chances

🐾 Help Us Name Our Hedgehog Mascot! 🦔

Big news, Dismas House family—we’re welcoming a hedgehog mascot into our community! 🎉 Now, we need your help choosing the perfect name. Vote for your favorite below! 👇

The Name Contenders & Their Meanings:
🐾 Chance – Because everyone deserves a second chance. This name represents the heart of Dismas House—offering new beginnings, hope, and transformation.

🐾 Link – A tribute to Father David Link, who dedicated his life to helping justice-involved individuals rebuild their futures. It also symbolizes connection, community, and the bridges we build at Dismas House.

🐾 JackJack – Honoring Father Jack Hickey, who founded the first Dismas House, AND the small-but-mighty character from The Incredibles. Just like our residents, JackJack may seem unassuming but is full of hidden potential and surprises.

🐾 GusGus – A nod to the lovable mouse from Cinderella, GusGus represents resilience, joy, and the power of believing in yourself—no matter where you start.

Drop a comment with your favorite name! Voting closes February 21st, just before we head to pick him up! 🦔 Cast your vote and help us choose the best name for our newest (and cutest) resident! 💙

#DismasHouse #MeetOurMascot #HedgehogNaming #SecondChances

🌟 Nominate a Reentry Champion: Dismas House’s 38th Annual Benefit Dinner Awards! 🌟

Dismas House of Indiana is preparing for our 38th Annual Benefit Dinner, and we need YOUR help to recognize the incredible advocates and organizations making a real difference in second chances, rehabilitation, and reentry!

🏆 We’re accepting nominations for our top three awards:

✨ Father Jack Hickey Founder’s Award – Honors a lifelong advocate dedicated to second chances, rehabilitation, and reentry support.

✨ Father David Link Community Champion Award – Recognizes an individual who uplifts justice-involved individuals through faith, mentorship, and community service.

✨ Bridge Builder Award – Celebrates an organization or business creating pathways to success through employment, housing, policy changes, or other key reentry support.

📅 Nomination Deadline: March 15, 2025
🔗 Submit your nomination today: https://ow.ly/yFcE50UYai9

Help us shine a light on the changemakers building stronger communities through second chances! 💙 #DismasHouse #ReentrySupport #SecondChances

🚨 BIG NEWS! 🚨

We’re getting a new family member at Dismas House! 🎉 But here’s the twist… we’ve started setting up their home, and it might not be what you expect. 👀

So far, they have:
🛋️ A tiny sofa (yes, really!)
🏠 A cozy hideaway
🌿 A space to explore

But who is moving in?! 🤔

Drop your best guess in the comments! We’ll reveal our new mascot soon!

#DismasMascot #GuessThePet #WhoCouldItBe #TinySofaBigMystery

Resident dinners are an integral part of building community at Dismas throughout the year, but especially this February we would like to invite you to our many open nights for dinners! By visiting us at https://dismashouseofindiana.org/contact/, you can get involved through volunteering, and one of the best ways to connect is through cooking dinners and eating with our residents. Dinners are at 6:30 pm Mondays through Thursdays. We would love for you to take the time to share a meal and get to know the wonderful people that make Dismas so special. 🍽️ ⭐

Today, Dismas House would like to take some time to share an article from Marshall Project, a leading nonprofit journal about criminal justice. This article puts letters written by incarcerated individuals in the forefront, highlighting the deeply personal challenges these individuals face due to the prison system and the need for urgent action.

Hear their voices:
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/12/16/prison-penpal-jail-letters-mail

🎶 Help Bring Music to Dismas House! 🎸

We’re partnering with The Music Village to bring guitar lessons and drum circles to our residents! Music fosters healing, connection, and growth—but many residents don’t have a guitar to practice between lessons.

We’re looking for 5-6 donated acoustic guitars so every interested resident can learn, practice, and build community through music.

📍 Drop off at Dismas House of Indiana
📩 DM us to arrange a pickup!

Your support makes a difference! 💙🎶 #MusicMatters #SecondChances #TheDismasWay #CommunitySupport

Today’s spotlight is on our office manager: Lydia!

Lydia, the new Office Manager at Dismas House of Indiana, specializes in organization, project management, and finance. She plays a key role in streamlining administrative processes to support the organization’s mission. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pursuing creative outlets. We at Dismas are enormously grateful for the outstanding work she does to keep everything running smoothly and ensure everyone’s needs are met.

To connect with Lydia about Dismas House, her email is: info@dismasin.org

Four Women. One Mission. The Dismas Way.

Tonight, we witness the power of community and recovery in action. A Dismas graduate now serving as our intern. A current resident stepping up as a Resident Recovery Coach. A graduate giving back as a member of our Executive Board. An alum who became a Certified Peer Recovery Coach while at Dismas and continues to support the house in countless ways.

These four incredible women in recovery have come together to screen Recovery City, a powerful documentary we’ll be hosting a public viewing for on March 27th. The film follows the journeys of other strong women navigating the unique challenges of recovery, fighting to build lives they’re proud of.

This is The Dismas Way. Showing up for themselves. Showing up for their community. Living out the values of resilience, connection, and transformation every single day.

After the film, attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from these four women during a panel discussion and reception, where they’ll share their journeys, experiences, and the impact of recovery.

Join us for this powerful event—we’d love to see you there. 🎬💙

📅 March 27th
🎟️ Reserve your spot: https://ow.ly/h6G050URFAM

🧼 Help Stock Up Hygiene Supplies for Dismas House Residents! 🧴

At Dismas House of Indiana, we strive to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for our residents. We’re running low on some hygiene essentials and would love your help in restocking items like:

🛁 Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, soap, razors, and more.

If you’d like to contribute, new and unopened items can be dropped off at:
📍 521 S. St. Joseph Street, South Bend, IN 46601

Every donation helps ensure our residents have what they need as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for being part of our community of care! 💙

#SupportDismas #CommunityCare #TheDismasWay

Dismas is highlighting another program doing enormous good in our South Bend community; the Restorative Justice Collaborative Hub. The Restorative Justice Collaborative Hub provides resources to support individuals impacted by the justice system. They offer a wide range of services, including education, accompaniment for support and meaningful accountability, as well as advocacy for policies that enable restorative justice.

Dismas is very grateful for the opportunities other amazing organizations in our community provide. Give them a visit at: https://www.rjcollaborativehub.org/

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