In late September, Orlando staff and residents were invited to attend a screening of the award winning documentary The If Project which increases awareness of issues affecting incarcerated women and our communities nationwide. According to one statistic, women are the fastest growing segment of the incarcerated population, increasing at nearly double the rate of men […]
Archives for November 2016
Happy Thanksgiving!
2016-11-23
The national observance of Thanksgiving exemplifies what we at Dismas Charities believe. Family, friends and gratitude are at the very heart of why we do what we do. With healthy support from our families and friends and with gratitude for the opportunities we have been given, our lives are made richer, our communities prosper, and […]
Diersen Charities Memphis Recognizes Employees For Years Of Service
2016-11-23
Memphis Director James Williams recently presented several of his employees with their anniversary Dismas pens. From left are Counselor Donald Bolden (1 year), Resident Monitor Myra Smalls (3 years), Cook Annette Martin (1 year), Social Services Coordinator Markia Bearden (10 years), Resident Monitor Hazel Longstreet (10 years), Resident Monitor Loretha Knox (10 years), Counselor Jasmine […]
Dismas Charities Tucson Holds Mock Job Fair
2016-11-21
To prepare for the Tucson Second Chance Job Fair at the Tucson Convention Center, members of the Tucson program staff, the Second Chance Coalition and Federal Magistrate Judge Charles Pyle (standing) held a mock job fair for more than 25 of the facility’s residents. Like Us On Facebook!
Diersen Volunteers Taken To Lunch
2016-11-18
In early September, Diersen Director Ronyal Horton (center) took two of his Bates Memorial Church Prison Ministry volunteers to lunch as a show of his appreciation. They include 23-year volunteer George Gill (left) and Dorothy Starks (right), both of which teach a women’s group at the facility. Starks, a four-year volunteer, is the wife of […]
Dismas Charities Atlanta Backpack Event Serves Resident Children
2016-11-16
Through fundraising efforts and support from community partners, the Atlanta facility donated 40 back packs to the children of its residents. Using a posted sign-up sheet residents were able to list each of their children and specify their age and grade. In the end the facility was able to supply each child on the list […]
Diersen Charities Memphis Karaoke Night Is Big Success
2016-11-14
In late July, Memphis staff and residents were treated to a karaoke night. Staff helping with the musical diversion were Social Services Coordinator Markia Bearden as the emcee, Assistant Director Eric Powell as videographer and mixologist, and Resident Monitors Tiffany Sain, Jacqueline Macklin, and Loretha Knox serving refreshments. Director James Williams’ wife of 20 years […]
Thank You Veterans!
2016-11-11
Dismas Charities takes great pride that nearly 100 of our staff members and members of the Board of Directors have served with bravery and honor in the Armed Forces of the United States. Each employee is listed here to remember their sacrifice and, most importantly, to thank them for their service. Raymond J. Weis, President/CEO […]
Diersen Charities Memphis Hosts Reentry Commission
2016-11-09
Seventy-one residents from the Diersen Charities Memphis facility recently heard from a variety of representatives of the Memphis and Shelby County Reentry Commission about what to expect upon their release and ways in which to address each item. Five commission members covered housing, adult education, employment, financial assistance, family counseling, health and wellness, and other […]
Bible Class Teaches Salvation And Baptism
2016-11-07
Eighteen residents from the Portland facility recently completed an eight-week course exploring salvation and baptism. Known as the Liberty Bible Class and lead by Dismas Maintenance Supervisor Joe Starks (above left), the program stresses the importance of re-dedicating ones life to God and to your fellow man. In-class sessions also stressed the need to live […]
