Windows of Hope - And the Light Beyond

Dismas House of Indiana
Jun 16
2 min read

Updated: Jul 2

A reflection of community, restoration, and what it means to belong.

When the University of Notre Dame launched Windows of Hope—a photo and story series spotlighting the lives of returning citizens—they gave South Bend more than images and interviews.

They gave us perspective.

Through the voices of Daniel, Michael, and our very own Clinton Bell, we’re reminded that reentry isn’t a single moment. It’s not just release—it’s what happens next.

It’s the long, quiet work of:

Rebuilding trust.
Rediscovering self-worth.
Learning how to breathe again without survival hanging on every choice.

Left to right: Michael Chaney, Clinton "CeCe" Bell, and Daniel Scarpinato at the Dismas House annual benefit dinner and auction

Beyond the Window

At Dismas House, we see that journey every day. We know reentry is layered. It’s about more than employment or housing. It’s about belonging again—or for many, belonging for the first time. Our residents arrive with different pasts but a shared need: To be seen. To be known. To be treated as fully human.

We don’t try to erase history. We create space where people can face it—transform it—surrounded by a community that walks with them, not ahead of them.

What Dismas Offers

A shared meal becomes fellowship.
A clean room becomes dignity.
A resume workshop becomes a declaration of potential.
A check-in becomes a relationship.

Where others see a record, we see a person: a parent, a student, a leader in the making. Here, residents are actively rewriting their stories—with support, structure, and space to grow.

The Power of Being Seen

Windows of Hope reminds us that transformation doesn’t begin with services—it begins with being witnessed. When someone feels truly seen, something shifts:

Hope replaces fear.
Relationships deepen.
Stability takes root.
And the future becomes a shared road, not a solitary one.

More Than a Program

Dismas House isn’t a service. It’s a home. A community. A place where healing and growth are ongoing, imperfect, and real. Setbacks happen—but they’re met with compassion, accountability, and the chance to begin again. Not “second chances.” Just life, unfolding—with dignity.

Moving Forward

We’re honored by the stories Windows of Hope captures. And we’re challenged, too—to keep building a world where returning citizens aren’t just helped, but held. Not just processed, but welcomed.

We invite you to be part of that work. Volunteer. Donate. Share these stories.

Because hope doesn’t grow in isolation—it takes a community.